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History
- Referred to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
Companion bill
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Requires the owner of a leased vehicle to complete a visual inspection upon the termination of the lease agreement in the presence of the lessee
In Assembly Committee · Consumer Affairs And Protection · Sponsor Audrey Pheffer
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the personal property law, in relation to requiring a visual inspection of a leased vehicle
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this bill is to increase consumer protection by requiring lessors to provide a copy of an inspection of damage when the lessee turns in the leased vehicle.
Summary of specific provisions
Adds a new paragraph c to subdivision 1 of section 343 of the Personal Property Law, requiring an inspection of a leased vehicle.
Justification
Under current law, when a lessor imposes a charge for excess wear and tear to a vehicle, an itemized bill containing the estimated cost of repair must be sent to the lessee within thirty days of the lessor corning into possession of such vehicle. This legislation seeks to improve this process by allowing the lessee to be aware of any physical damage they may be responsible for at the point of return.
Complaints associated with auto leasing wear and tear assessments have become more common. A common complaint is that the lessee is charged for damage that occurred after the vehicle was turned in. Such a dispute is difficult to resolve.
This bill would require a lessor to visually inspect the leased vehicle immediately upon coming into possession of the vehicle and to provide the lessee with a copy of the condition and/or damage assessment at that time. This would ensure that the lessee is better informed as to what physical damage they may be responsible for when the vehicle is turned in. In addition, the lessee would be able to ask any questions or raise concerns about the wear and tear assessment With the lessor.
While the lessor would be required to conduct a visual inspection of the exterior, interior and the tires of the vehicle, this legislation would not limit the lessor's ability to conduct another, more extensive inspection of the leased vehicle.
This practice is common in the rental car industry. Rental car companies visually inspect a returned rental car, in the presence of the renter, for physical damage to the exterior and interior of the car. The rental car company will provide the renter with a copy of the condition of the car before the renter leaves the premises. This enables the renter to be aware of damage they may be responsible for.
Prior legislative history
2007-2008: A.214 - Advanced to Third Reading, Cal. No. 660 2005-2006: A.228 - Advanced to Third Reading 2003-2004: A.5159A - Referred to Consumer Affairs and Protection
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Sixty days after enactment.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.