§ 20-176.97. Charges in excess of written estimate; refusal to relinquish goods prohibited; unlawful charges.

(a)

A mover shall not charge more than the amount of the written estimate unless there is a change in the requested services. If the mover charges an amount in excess of the written estimate, then the mover shall provide a written explanation of such excess charges to the shipper and prepare and execute a new contract for services consistent with such changes prior to the performance of any transportation or accessorial services.

(b)

It is unlawful for a mover to fail to relinquish to a shipper any of the shipper's household goods or to fail to complete timely all transportation and accessorial services required to be performed pursuant to the contract for service because the shipper has refused to pay for charges in excess of the amount set forth in (a) above or in excess of the total amount set forth in the contract for service as required by section 20-176.95(b)(5).

(c)

The mover shall relinquish possession of all of the shipper's household goods to the shipper and complete timely all transportation and accessorial services required to be performed pursuant to the contract for service upon payment of the total amount set forth in the contract for service as required by section 20-176.95(b)(5).

(d)

It is unlawful for a mover to charge a consumer for equipment. However, the shipper may purchase, lease or rent the equipment, if necessary, for storage purposes only at a location other than the mover's storage facility.

(e)

It is unlawful for a mover to charge separately for labor to move household goods and for labor to pack or unpack containers.

(Ord. No. 94-34, § 1, 7-12-94; Ord. No. 2001-08, § 6, 3-13-01; Ord. No. 2004-03, § 1, 2-10-04)