(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Paul Moriarty to require a person to disclose if a household appliance with a value of greater that $250 has been damaged by water prior to its sale or exchange was advanced Thursday by an Assembly panel.
“We should be upfront about the condition of these items to the buyers,” said Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “This legislation will help consumers make more informed decisions and buy confidently.”
Under the bill (A-931), a person wishing to sell or transfer an appliance worth more than $250 that has incurred damage caused by water is required to disclose that damage in writing before the appliance’s sale or transfer. The disclosure would be required even if the damage occurred prior to when the person took possession of the appliance.
“Whether it uses electric, gas or oil, appliances with water damage can present a serious hazard in a home,” said Moriarty. “Keeping sellers and anyone transferring ownership of an appliance honest protects families.”
Violations of the bill’s provisions would be punishable by a fine of $2,500. In addition, any person injured by a violation may sue for treble damages.
The measure was released by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee chaired by Moriarty.