Consumer Laws and Protections

Federal Laws

Many federal laws regulate various industries with the goal of protecting the consumer and protecting companies operating in those industries from being harmed by unfair trade practices.  These include:

• Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• Federal Fair Debt Collection Act
• Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Truth in Lending Act
• Fair Credit Billing Act
• Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act
• Federal Magnuson Moss Act

State Laws & Regulations

• Virginia Consumer Protection Act – The Virginia Consumer Protection Act of 1977 was created to “promote fair and ethical standards of dealing between suppliers and the consuming public.”
• Virginia Automobile Repairs Facilities Act - provides protections for consumers considering having repair work done on their vehicle.
• Virginia Consumer Protection Act - promoting fair and ethical standards of transactions between suppliers and the consuming public.
• Virginia Freedom of Information Act - a statute giving a person the right to access information from government agencies.
• Virginia Home Solicitation Act - solicitation of the sale or lease by telephonic or other electronic means at any residence other than that of the seller.
• Virginia Mechanics Lien - protecting contractors from non-payment of labor and material.
• Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act –“Lemon Law” on purchased or leased vehicles in Virginia that contains a defect or condition that significantly impairs its safety, use, or market value.
• Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - establishes the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Virginia.