News Summary
The North Carolina Attorney General has filed a formal complaint against Backyard Leisure following numerous consumer complaints about unfinished installations and delays in orders. An investigation uncovered troubling patterns, including accepting full payments without delivering services and providing misleading information. The complaint seeks over $520,000 in restitution for affected consumers. Customers have expressed dissatisfaction over long wait times for their pools and hot tubs, with some enduring delays exceeding 15 months, raising concerns over the company’s business practices.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Consumer Protections Trigger Legal Action Against Backyard Leisure
The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office has filed a formal complaint against Backyard Leisure, a local pool and hot tub supplier, following a surge of consumer complaints regarding unfinished installations and delayed orders. This legal move comes after an investigative report revealed troubling patterns of customer dissatisfaction and alleged violations of state laws.
Alleged Violations and Consumer Complaints
Since the beginning of 2024, the North Carolina Department of Justice has received 53 consumer complaints related to Backyard Leisure. Of these, 21 remain unresolved. Customers report waiting several months—sometimes over a year—for the delivery of pools and hot tubs they paid for in full. Such delays have caused growing frustration among consumers, many of whom complain about poor communication from the company concerning the status of their projects.
Among the affected customers are Rebecca and Moses Yingling. The Yinglings invested $105,000 in a pool project but faced extensive delays, with their installation taking more than 15 months to complete. They remain owed $4,000 despite paying in advance, a situation that has left them disappointed and concerned about the company’s business practices.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation uncovered several alleged violations by Backyard Leisure, including:
- Collecting full payments upfront without subsequently delivering the services or products.
- Failing to pay subcontractors or manufacturers responsible for spa and pool equipment.
- Providing false or misleading information regarding delivery and installation timelines.
- Inserting unfair arbitration clauses into consumer contracts that limit customer rights.
- Promising refunds to customers but failing to issue them, despite claims made.
Legal Action and Financial Restitution
Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a complaint seeking to recover over $520,000 in restitution for consumers affected by Backyard Leisure’s practices. The legal action aims to hold the company accountable for alleged illegal conduct and to protect future consumers from similar issues.
Company Background and Recent Developments
Backyard Leisure, which previously operated a storefront in Raleigh, recently relocated to Kernersville, North Carolina. The company has faced scrutiny since Spring 2024 for late deliveries of hot tubs, with some customers eventually receiving their products after intervention by media and authorities.
Many customers, including the Yinglings, reported ongoing delays and unfinished work, with some projects showing initial progress before stalling. Scheduling problems, unfulfilled promises, and communication issues have been recurrent themes among consumer complaints.
Official Response and Consumer Guidance
North Carolina’s Attorney General emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before engaging with construction companies or making significant purchases. Jackson also highlighted the increasing number of complaints received in recent months, noting the importance of holding companies accountable and ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws. The ongoing legal process aims to secure restitution and answer to the allegations, striving to safeguard consumer rights in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Attorney General Files Complaint Against Backyard Leisure
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Backyard Leisure Lawsuit
- Google Search: Backyard Leisure lawsuit
- WRAL: Expired Pool Permits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Consumer Protection Laws
- ABC11: Homeowners Get Pool After Delays
- Google News: Consumer complaints North Carolina
- WBTV: Families Pay for Undelivered Hot Tubs
- Wikipedia: Consumer Rights
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
