Unregistered Union Avenue home improvement company fined almost $10,000
By Jonathan Greene
Published: October 1, 2014
A city home improvement company that was doing work without being registered with the state was fined almost $10,000 earlier today announced the Division of Consumer Affairs.
The company also failed to provide consumers with a copy of its commercial general liability insurance as required by the Contractors Registration Act, the division said. It also entered into contract with consumers without providing a 10-point “Notice to Consumer.”
Jose Aguaiza, company’s owner, also failed to begin or complete work within the time period specified in his contract with consumers. Aguaiza’s business address is listed as 22-24 Union Avenue.
Aguaiza did not inform consumers of delay that had to do with things beyond his control, the division said.
The company must pay restitution to the customer in the amount of $5,000. It must also pay a civil penalty of $4,750. A notice from the division orders Aguaiza to cease violation state laws.
State officials cracked down 26 noncompliant companies, including Aguaiza’s company, doing home improvement work without following laws that regulate home improvement companies.
“The great majority of New Jersey’s registered home improvement contractors are proud to provide honest, quality service to their clients,” acting attorney general John J. Hoffman said. “But the fact that home improvement-related issues remain the number one consumer complaint in New Jersey means that this enforcement action is needed to deter those contractors who violate our consumer protection laws.”
Combined the 26 companies are being charged $251,602 in civil penalties and restitution to consumers.
“Including the contractors we’re citing today, thus far in 2014, the Division of Consumer Affairs has ordered a total of 95 allegedly unregistered and/or otherwise non-compliant contractors to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution to New Jersey consumers, and $374,000 in civil penalties,” division of consumer affairs acting rirector Steve C. Lee said. “We will continue these enforcement actions throughout the year in order to protect consumers and ensure a fair playing field for New Jersey’s many honest contractors.”