56:12-66. Appraisal for repair or replacement of parts, or reduced value

7. a. Where the lessee is liable at the end of the lease term for charges for excessive wear and damage to the motor vehicle, the lease (or the addendum) shall contain a statement that the lessee may obtain at the end of the lease term, at the lessee's expense, a professional appraisal of the amount required to repair or replace parts or the amount which the excessive wear and damage reduces the value of the vehicle. This professional appraisal shall be performed by an independent third party agreed to by the lessee and the lessor, which appraisal shall be final and binding on the parties.

b. Within 10 business days of the return of the motor vehicle to the lessor, the lessor shall mail or deliver to the lessee an invoice for amounts claimed by the lessor for excess wear and damage. The invoice shall contain in 10 point bold face type a notice of the lessee's right under subsection a. of this section to obtain an independent appraisal of excess wear and damage. The notice shall also provide that: (i) the lessor must be advised in writing within seven business days following the earlier of the date of the mailing or delivery of the invoice if the lessee elects to obtain an independent appraisal; (ii) any such appraisal must be conducted within ten business days following the date that the lessor is notified of the lessee's election; and (iii) that if the lessee fails to notify the lessor within the time allotted that the lessee has elected an independent appraisal, the lessor's invoice will be deemed to be final and binding on the parties.

c. Within 15 business days after the lessee's obligations under the lease have been determined and satisfied, which shall include but not be limited to, the lessee's liability for excess wear and damage under this section, the lessor shall credit to the lessee's account or mail to the lessee any refund of any security deposit due to the lessee.

d. Nothing in this section shall limit the lessee's obligation for any charge for excess mileage as provided in the lease.

L.1994,c.190,s.7.