The New Jersey Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs issued guidance warning hotels and short-term rental providers against charging hidden junk fees to consumers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The guidance reminds businesses that New Jersey's consumer protection laws and the FTC's Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rule require transparent pricing and prohibit deceptive fee practices. No monetary penalties were imposed, but businesses are put on notice that violations may lead to enforcement actions.
The guidance outlines five key requirements: advertise true total price upfront, do not misrepresent fees, display final payment amount before checkout, avoid excessive credit card surcharges, and follow local short-term rental laws. No monetary penalties or formal remedies were imposed; this is a warning/guidance document.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements with hotel booking platforms, short-term rental management companies, and payment processors to ensure compliance with New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act and the FTC's Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rule. Key clauses to examine include pricing disclosure obligations, fee transparency requirements, and indemnification for deceptive pricing practices. Additionally, marketing and advertising contracts should be updated to mandate clear upfront disclosure of total prices including all mandatory fees, and to prohibit any language that could mislead consumers about the true cost of lodging. Vendor agreements should also include audit rights to verify compliance with these pricing transparency requirements.
Entity
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Industry
OtherOfficial Press Release
https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-division-of-consumer-affairs-warn-hotels-and-short-term-rental-providers-against-junk-fees-ahead-of-2026-fifa-world-cup/
2026 0521 World Cup Hotel Junk Fees Notice
http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0521_World-Cup-Hotel-Junk-Fees-Notice.pdf
New Jersey Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-consumer-affairs/
"Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division)"
"New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act"
"Federal Trade Commission’s Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rule"
"hidden fees and deceptive pricing tactics violate the law in New Jersey"
"Advertise the true total price upfront"
"Do not misrepresent fees"
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