Westchester County, New York

Consumer Laws

Learn about some important new laws in the county and how they affect you. These include the Wireless Security Law (Wi-Fi) for businesses which has been designed to safeguard your personal information and a cellphone recycling law. Also learn about local laws to protect you by requiring owners of ATMs at non-bank locations to register them, as well as a bill that would, if adopted, phase out those leaf blowers that are most dangerous to the environment. The county also has a law requiring home improvement contractors who work in Westchester have a license.

Highlights of the Westchester Consumer Code

The Consumer Protection Code was created to protect and serve the interest of consumers, as well as outline the rights and responsibilites of merchants in Westchester County. Here are highlights, including information about rain checks, item-pricing, and return policies.

Home Improvement Contractor Law

The county licenses home improvement contractors. To deal with an increase in complaints by residents about abuses on the part of some home improvement contractors a law has been enacted that applies to home improvement contractors, including landscapers. According to the law, contractors may not legally work in Westchester without a valid license.

Leaf Blower Law

Targeting the high levels of air pollution generated by gas-powered leaf blowers, the county now has a law designed to phase out the use of those leaf blowers that most pollute the atmosphere.

Department of Consumer Protection Laws

This is a complete listing of consumer protection laws in Westchester County. Laws are enforced by the Department of Consumer Protection.

Cell Phone Recycling Law

It is against Westchester County law to throw cell phones in the garbage. Violators may be issued a warning or be fined up to $250. Cell phones must be dropped off at locations certified by Westchester County.

Bill of Rights for Taxpayers

Under Westchester law, you have certain rights if you seek out a paid preparer to help with your income tax forms. Make sure your preparer is abiding by this law, or go somewhere else.

Westchester’s Wi-Fi Law

This law requires all commercial businesses in Westchester County that use electronic means of maintaining personal information to have a secure network to protect the public from potential identity theft and other potential threats such as computer viruses.

Law to Register Non Bank ATMs

This Westchester law is the first in the state to regulate Automatic Teller Machines that are not owned or operated by a bank.