Bill

Bill > A2118


NJ A2118

NJ A2118
Prohibits self-service storage facilities from charging certain punitive fees to consumers paying with vouchers under certain circumstances.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits self-service storage facilities from charging late fees and other punitive fees when a consumer is paying with a voucher and the payment is delayed by the issuing authority of the voucher. Currently, a self-storage facility may charge certain penalty fees when a consumer misses a payment deadline. Additionally, the consumer may lose access to their stored belongings in measures leading up to a foreclosure. In the instance of a person paying with a voucher, the delayed payment may be due to the actions of the issuing authority. This bill prohibits a storage facility from charging punitive fees to a consumer using a voucher issued in accordance with provisions of Work First New Jersey or any other federal or State income assistance program established by law when the payment is delayed by the issuing authority of the voucher. An initial violation of the bill's provisions is punishable by a monetary penalty of $1,000. Any subsequent violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits self-service storage facilities from charging certain punitive fees, such as late fees or fees to regain access to a unit, to consumers who are paying with a voucher when the payment is delayed by the government agency that issued the voucher. A voucher is defined as any payment provided by a government entity through programs like Work First New Jersey or other federal or State income assistance programs. This protection applies when the delay in payment is due to the issuing authority, not the consumer. Violating this bill carries a $1,000 penalty for a first offense, and subsequent violations are considered unlawful practices under the consumer fraud act, potentially leading to penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses, along with other legal actions like cease and desist orders and damages.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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