New jersey bill would give seniors extra time to cancel home improvement contracts

New Jersey bill would give seniors extra time to cancel home improvement contracts

Posted by
1 min read
June 30, 2025

TRENTON, N.J. — Seniors in New Jersey could soon have more time to cancel home improvement contracts under a new bill introduced by state lawmakers.

Sponsored by Senators Linda R. Greenstein (D-14) and Paul D. Moriarty (D-4), the proposed legislation amends existing consumer protection law to extend the cancellation window from three business days to five for residents aged 65 and older. The change would apply to any written contract for home improvement services totaling more than $500.

“Under this bill, a consumer aged 65 or over may cancel a home improvement contract at any time for any reason before midnight of the fifth business day after the consumer receives a copy of the signed contract,” according to the bill statement.


Key Points

  • Seniors 65 and older would have five business days to cancel home improvement contracts under the bill.
  • The current law provides a three-day cancellation period for all consumers.
  • The bill aims to give seniors additional time due to potential age-related needs.

The bill also ensures that all funds paid under the canceled contract be refunded within 30 days and that any related credit or loan agreements be voided without penalty. The contractor would be required to include updated notice language in all contracts, reflecting the extended time period for seniors.

To cancel a contract, consumers would still need to provide written notice by certified mail or hand-deliver the notice directly to the contractor. The legislation maintains the requirement for clear disclosures in at least 10-point bold-faced type within all contracts.

If passed, the bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss