New York § 186 - 186Return of fees

Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 186 — 186Return of fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 186. 186Return of fees

§ 186. Return of fees. 1. Excessive fee: Any employment agency which collects, receives or retains a fee or other payment contrary to or in excess of the provisions of this article, shall return the fee or the excess portion thereof within seven days after receiving a demand therefor. 2. Failure to report: If a job applicant accepts employment and thereafter fails to report for work, the gross fee charged to such applicant shall not exceed twenty-five per cent of the maximum fee allowed by section one hundred eighty-five of this article. If a job applicant accepts employment and fails to report for work, no fee shall be charged to the employer. 3. Termination without employee's fault. If a job applicant accepts employment and reports for work, and thereafter such employment is terminated without fault of the employee, the gross fee charged to such employee and to the employer each shall not exceed ten percent of the salary or wages received by such employee, and in no event shall such fee exceed the maximum fee allowed by section one hundred eighty-five of this article. However, if such employee is a domestic or household employee recruited from a state outside of this state the fee of the employer shall not exceed thirty-three and one-third percent of the wages or salary actually earned. 4. Termination under all other circumstances: If a job applicant accepts employment and reports for work, and thereafter such employment is terminated under any other circumstances, the gross fee charged to such employee and the employer each shall not exceed fifty per cent of the salary or wages received by such employee, and in no event shall such fee exceed the maximum fee allowed by section one hundred eighty-five of this article.

Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 186

What does New York Consolidated Laws § 186 cover?

Section 186 ("186Return of fees") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New York § 186?

A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 186" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New York law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.

How does New York § 186 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.