MORTGAGE AND LOAN INSURANCE PROGRAMS UNDER NATIONAL HOUSING ACT AND OTHER AUTHORITIES

§ 203.14 Builders’ warranty for initial year of occupancy.

If the property was not completed more than 1 year before the date of the mortgage insurance application and the loan-to-value ratio for the mortgage exceeds 90% in accordance with § 203.18, the builder or other seller must provide to the mortgagor a 1-year warranty that:

(a) Meets the requirements of section 801 of the Housing Act of 1954, if applicable;

(b) Warrants against defects in equipment, material or workmanship resulting in noncompliance with standards of quality as measured by acceptable trade practices;

(c) Is enforceable by the original purchaser of the property and any successor owners during the initial year of occupancy; and

(d) Otherwise is acceptable in form and content to the Secretary.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0059).

[64 FR 14574, Mar. 25, 1999] Effective Date Note:

At 64 FR 14574, Mar. 25, 1999, § 203.14 was revised, effective Apr. 27, 1999. For the convenience of the user, the superseded text is set forth as follows:

§ 203.14 Builders’ warranty.

Applications relating to proposed construction must be accompanied by an agreement in form satisfactory to the Secretary, executed by the seller or builder or such other person as the Secretary may require, and agreeing that in the event of any sale or conveyance of the dwelling, within a period of one year beginning with the date of initial occupancy, the seller, builder, or such other person will at the time of such sale or conveyance deliver to the purchaser or owner of such property a warranty in form satisfactory to the Secretary warranting that the dwelling is constructed in substantial conformity with the plans and specifications (including amendments thereof or changes and variations therein which have been approved in writing by the Secretary) on which the Secretary has based on the valuation of the dwelling. Such agreement must provide that upon the sale or conveyance of the dwelling and delivery of the warranty, the seller, builder or such other person will promptly furnish the Secretary with a conformed copy of the warranty establishing by the purchaser's receipt thereon that the original warranty has been delivered to the purchaser in accordance with this section.

[57 FR 58346, Dec. 9, 1992]

§ 203.15 Certification of appraisal amount.

An application with respect to insurance of mortgages must be accompanied by an agreement satisfactory to the Commissioner, executed by the seller, builder or such other person as may be required by the Commissioner, whereby the person agrees that before any sale of the dwelling, the person will deliver to the purchaser of the property a written statement, in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner, setting forth the amount of the appraised value of the property as determined by the Commissioner.

[58 FR 41001, July 30, 1993]

§ 203.16 Certificate and contract regarding use of dwelling for transient or hotel purposes.

Every application filed with respect to insurance of mortgages on a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling, or a single-family dwelling which is one of a group of 5 or more single-family dwellings held by the same mortgagor, must be accompanied by a contract in form satisfactory to the Commissioner, signed by the proposed mortgagor covenanting and agreeing that so long as the proposed mortgage is insured by the Commissioner the mortgagor will not rent the housing or any part thereof covered by the mortgage for transient or hotel purposes, together with the mortgagor's certification under oath that the housing or any part thereof covered by the proposed mortgage will not be rented for transient or hotel purposes. For the purpose of this subchapter rental for transient or hotel purposes shall mean (a) rental for any period less than 30 days or (b) any rental if the occupants of the housing accommodations are provided customary hotel services such as room service for food and beverages, maid service, furnishing and laundering of linen, and bellboy service.

§ 203.16a Mortgagor and mortgagee requirement for maintaining flood insurance coverage.

(a) If the mortgage is to cover property that:

(1) Is located in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a flood plain area having special flood hazards, or

(2) Is otherwise determined by the Commissioner to be subject to a flood hazard, and if flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available with respect to such property, the mortgagor and mortgagee shall be obligated, by a special condition to be included in the mortgage insurance commitment, to obtain and to maintain NFIP flood insurance coverage on the property during such time as the mortgage is insured.

(b) No mortgage shall be insured which covers property located in an area that has been identified by FEMA as an area having special flood hazards unless the community in which the area is situated is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, and such insurance is obtained by the mortgagor. Such requirement for flood insurance shall be effective July 1, 1975, or one year after the date of notification by FEMA to the chief executive officer of a flood prone community that such community has been identified as having special flood hazards, whichever is later.

(c) The flood insurance shall be maintained during such time as the mortgage is insured in an amount at least equal to either the outstanding balance of the mortgage, less estimated land costs, or the maximum amount of NFIP insurance available with respect to the property, whichever is less.

[57 FR 58346, Dec. 9, 1992]

Eligible Mortgages

§ 203.17 Mortgage provisions.

(a) Mortgage form. (1) The term mortgage as used in this part, except § 203.43c, means a first lien as is commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate under the laws of the jurisdiction where the property is located, and may refer both to a security instrument creating a lien, whether called a mortgage, deed of trust, security deed or another term used in a particular jurisdiction, as well as the credit instrument, or note, secured thereby.

(2)(i) The mortgage shall be in a form meeting the requirements of the Commissioner. The Commissioner may prescribe complete mortgage instruments. For each case in which the Commissioner does not prescribe complete mortgage instruments, the Commissioner

(A) Shall require specific language in the mortgage which shall be uniform for every mortgage, and

(B) May also prescribe the language or substance of additional provisions for all mortgages as well as the language or substance of additional provisions for use only in particular jurisdictions or for particular programs.

(ii) Each mortgage shall also contian any provisions necessary to create a valid and enforceable secured debt under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the property is located.

(b) Mortgage multiples. A mortgage shall involve a principal obligation in a multiple of $1.

(1) Come due on the first of the month.

(2) Contain complete amortization provisions satisfactory to the Secretary and an amortization period not in excess of the term of the mortgage.

(3) Provide for payments to principal and interest to begin not later than the first day of the month following 60 days from the date the mortgage is executed (or the date a construction mortgage is converted to a permanent mortgage, if applicable).

(d) Maturity. The mortgage shall have a term of not more than 30 years from the date of the beginning of amortization.

(e) Property Standards. The mortgage must be a first lien upon the property that conforms with property standards prescribed by the Commissioner.

(f) Disbursement. The entire principal amount of the mortgage must have been disbursed to the mortgagor or to his or her creditors for his or her account and with his or her consent.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 45 FR 29278, May 2, 1980; 48 FR 28804, June 23, 1983; 49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984; 53 FR 34281, Sept. 6, 1988; 54 FR 39525, Sept. 27, 1989; 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 61 FR 36263, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.18 Maximum mortgage amounts.

(a) Mortgagors of principal or secondary residences. The principal amount of the mortgage must not exceed the lesser of the following amounts that apply:

(1) The dollar amount limitation that applies for the area under section 203(b)(2)(A) of the National Housing Act including any increase in the dollar limitation under § 203.29, as announced in accordance with § 203.18(h);

(2)(i) The amount based on appraised value that is permitted by section 203(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, if that provision is in effect and applies to the mortgage; or

(ii) If section 203(b)(10) is not in effect or otherwise does not apply to the mortgage, the lesser of the amounts based on appraised value that are permitted by section 203(b)(2)(B) of the National Housing Act and paragraph (g) of this section;

(3) If the dwelling was completed 1 year or less from the date of the mortgage insurance application, an amount equal to 90 percent of the appraised value, unless the dwelling is covered by a builder warranty meeting the requirements of § 203.14;

(4) An amount equal to 85 percent of the appraised value if the mortgage covers a dwelling that is to be occupied as a secondary residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(2) of this section).

(b) Veteran qualifications. The special veteran terms provided in section 203(b)(2) of the National Housing Act shall apply only if the mortgagor submits one of the following certifications:

(1) A certification issued by the Secretary of Defense establishing that the veteran performed extra hazardous service while serving in the armed forces for a period of less than 90 days; or

(2) A Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs establishing that the person served 90 days or more on active duty in the armed forces (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, the Army Reserve, the Naval Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, the Coast Guard Reserve, the National Guard of the United States, or the Air National Guard of the United States); that he or she enlisted before September 8, 1980; and that he or she was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable (a copy of the veteran's discharge papers or Form DD-214 shall be submitted with the certificate); or

(3) A Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs establishing that the person:

(i)(A) Originally enlisted in a regular component of the armed forces after September 7, 1980; or entered on active duty after October 16, 1981, and he or she had not previously completed a period of active duty of at least 24 months or been discharged or released from active duty under 10 U.S.C. 1171; and

(B) Has completed, since enlistment or entering on active duty, either:

(1) Twenty-four months of continuous active duty, or the full period for which he or she was called or ordered to active duty, whichever is shorter; or

(2) Any other period of active duty if he or she was discharged or released from duty under 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173; was discharged or released from duty for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; or has a disability which the Department of Veterans Affairs has determined to be compensable under 38 U.S.C. chap. 11; and

(ii) Was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable (a copy of the veteran's discharge papers or Form DD-214 shall be submitted with the certification).

(c) Eligible non-occupant mortgagors. A mortgage may be executed by an eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as that term is defined in paragraph (f)(3) of this section) for up to an amount authorized for the appropriate loan type in paragraph (a) of this section except where a lesser amount is expressly provided for in this part.

(d) Outlying area properties. A mortgage covering a single family residence located in an area in which the Commissioner finds that it is not practicable to obtain conformity with many of the requirements essential to the insurance of mortgages in built-up, urban areas; or a mortgage covering a single family dwelling that is to be used as a farm home on a plot of land that is two and one-half or more acres in size and adjacent to an all-weather public road, may not exceed:

(1) In the case of a mortgagor who is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section):

(i) 75 percent of the dollar limitation under (a)(1).

(ii) 97 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, if:

(A) The Commissioner approved the dwelling for insurance before the beginning of construction; or

(B) Construction was completed more than one year before the date of the application for insurance; or

(C) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs approved the dwelling for guaranty, insurance, or direct loan before the beginning of construction.

(iii) If the property does not meet the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, 90 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance.

(2) In the case of a mortgagor who is to occupy the dwelling as a secondary residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(2) of this section):

(i) The amount permitted in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, or

(ii) 85 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance.

(e) Disaster victims. A mortgage covering a single family dwelling, in an amount not in excess of the maximum dollar limitation specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section (unless a higher maximum mortgage amount is authorized under § 203.29), and not in excess of the lesser of 100 percent of the appraised value of the property or the cost of acquisition as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, shall be eligible for insurance if:

(1) The mortgage is executed by a mortgagor who is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section);

(2) The mortgagor establishes that the home which he or she previously occupied as owner or tenant was destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is required as a result of a flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, riot or civil disorder or other catastrophe which the President has determined to be a major disaster; and

(3) The application for insurance is filed within one year from the date of such presidential determination, or within such additional period of time as the period of federal assistance with respect to such disaster may be extended.

(f) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) Principal residence means the dwelling where the mortgagor maintains (or will maintain) his or her permanent place of abode, and typically spends (or will spend) the majority of the calendar year. A person may have only one principal residence at any one time.

(2) Secondary residence means a dwelling: (i) Where the mortgagor maintains or will maintain a part-time place of abode and typically spends (or will spend) less than a majority of the calendar year; (ii) which is not a vacation home; and (iii) which the Commissioner has determined to be eligible for insurance in order to avoid undue hardship to the mortgagor. A person may have only one secondary residence at a time.

(3) Eligible non-occupant mortgagor means a mortgagor (or co-mortgagor, as appropriate) who is not to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or a secondary residence and who is—

(i) A public entity, as provided in section 214 or 247 of the National Housing Act, or any other State or local government or agency thereof;

(ii) A private nonprofit or public entity, as provided in section 221(h) or 235(j) of the National Housing Act, or other private nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and intends to sell or lease the mortgaged property to low or moderate income persons, as determined by the Secretary;

(iii) An Indian tribe, as provided in section 248 of the National Housing Act;

(iv) A serviceperson who is unable to meet the occupancy requirement because of his or her duty assignment, as provided in section 216 of the National Housing Act or subsection (b)(4) or (f) of section 222 of the National Housing Act;

(v) A mortgagor or co-mortgagor under subsection 203(k) of the National Housing Act; or

(vi) A mortgagor who, pursuant to § 203.43(c) of this part, is refinancing an existing mortgage insured under the National Housing Act for not more than the outstanding balance of the existing mortgage, if the amount of the monthly payment due under the refinancing mortgage is less than the amount due under the existing mortgage for the month in which the refinancing mortgage is executed.

(4) Appraised value means the sum of:

(i) The lesser of sales price (with any adjustments required by the Secretary) or the amount set forth in the written statement required under § 203.15; and

(ii) Borrower-paid closing costs allowed under § 203.27(a)(1)-(3), except that closing costs do not apply if section 203(b)(10) of the National Housing Act is in effect and neither sales price nor closing costs apply for purposes of paragraph (g) of this section.

(5) Undue hardship means that affordable housing which meets the needs of the mortgagor is not available for lease, or within reasonable commuting distance from the mortgagor's home to his or her work place.

(6) Vacation home means a dwelling that is used primarily for recreational purposes and enjoyment, and that is not a primary or secondary residence.

(g) Maximum principal obligation. Except for mortgages meeting the requirements of § 203.18(b), § 203.18(e) or § 203.50(f), and notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a mortgage may not involve a principal obligation in excess of 98.75 percent of the appraised value of the property (97.75 percent, in the case of a mortgage with an appraised value in excess of $50,000), plus the amount of the mortgage insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured.

(h) Notice of maximum mortgage amount. A maximum mortgage amount based on the 1-family median house price for an area under paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be made effective by:

(1) Providing direct notice to affected mortgagees through an administrative issuance; or

(2) Publishing a notice in the Federal Register.

(i) Energy efficient mortgages. The principal amount of energy efficient mortgages may exceed the maximum amounts determined under paragraph (a)(1) of this section under conditions prescribed by the Secretary in accordance with section 106 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971] Editorial Note:

For Federal Register citations affecting § 203.18, see the List of CFR Sections Affected in the Finding Aids section of this volume.

Effective Date Note:

1. At 64 FR 14569, Mar. 25, 1999, § 203.18 was amended by revising paragraph (a), the introductory text of paragraph (b), paragraph (d)(1)(i), and paragraph (f)(4)(ii), effective Apr. 27, 1999. For the convenience of the user, the superseded text is set forth as follows:

§ 203.18 Maximum mortgage amounts.

(a) Mortgagors of principal or secondary residences. A mortgage executed by a mortgagor who is to occupy the property as a principal residence or as a secondary residence (as these terms are defined in paragraph (f) of this section) may not exceed the lesser of the amounts specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2), (a)(1) and (3), or (a)(1) and (4) of this section (whichever applies), as follows:

(1)(i) In the case of a 1-family residence, 95 percent of the median 1-family house price in the area, as determined by the Secretary; in the case of a 2-family residence, 107 percent of the median price; in the case of a 3-family residence, 130 percent of the median price, or in the case of a 4-family residence, 150 percent of the median price; or

(ii) 75 percent of the dollar amount limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a residence of the applicable size; except that the applicable dollar amount limitation in effect for any area under this paragraph (a)(1) may not be less than the dollar amount limitation in effect under paragraph (a) of this section for the area on May 12, 1992.

(2) Loan-to-value limitation—principal residence—no approval before construction. If the mortgage covers a dwelling that is to be occupied as a principal residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section) and the dwelling was not approved for mortgage insurance before the beginning of construction, the loan-to-value ratio may not exceed 90 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, unless the dwelling:

(i) Was completed more than one year before the date of the mortgage insurance application; or

(ii) Was approved for guaranty, insurance, or a direct loan by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the beginning of construction; or

(iii) Is covered by a consumer protection or warranty plan acceptable to the Secretary that meets the requirements of §§ 203.200-203.209.

(3) Loan-to-value limitation—principal residences—approval before construction. If the mortgage covers a dwelling that is to be occupied as a principal residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section) and the dwelling is approved for mortgage insurance before the beginning of construction, or the dwelling meets one of the alternative conditions listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the following loan-to-value ratios apply:

(i) If the appraised value of the property does not exceed $50,000, the loan-to-value limitation is 97 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance.

(ii) If the appraised value of the property exceeds $50,000, the loan-to-value limitation is 97 percent of the first $25,000 of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, and 95 percent of the appraised value in excess of $25,000, but not in excess of $125,000, and 90 percent of the value in excess of $125,000.

(iii) If the mortgagor qualifies as a veteran (see paragraph (b) of this section), the loan-to-value limitation is the lesser of (A) 100 percent of the first $25,000 of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, plus 95 percent of the appraised value in excess of $25,000, but not in excess of $125,000, and 90% of the value in excess of $125,000; or (B) the sum of the appraised value not in excess of $25,000 and the items of pre-paid expense approved by the Commissioner, minus $200, plus 95 percent of the appraised value in excess of $25,000, but not in excess of $125,000, and 90% of the value in excess of $125,000.

(4) Loan-to-value limitation—secondary residences. If the mortgage covers a dwelling that is to be occupied as a secondary residence (as defined in paragraph (f)(2) of this section), the loan-to-value ratio may not exceed 85 percent of the appraised value of the property as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance.

(b) Veteran qualifications. The special veteran terms provided in paragraph (a) of this section shall only be applicable to a mortgage covering a single family dwelling executed by a mortgagor who submits to the Commissioner one of the following certifications:

(d) * * *

(1) * * *

(i) 75 percent of the dollar limitation on the principal obligation for a one-family residence under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. This limit may be increased by up to 20 percent, if necessary to account for the increased cost of the residence due to the installation of a solar energy system, as defined in § 203.18a(b).

(f) * * *

(4) * * *

(i) * * *

(ii) Borrower-paid closing costs allowed under § 203.27(a)(1)-(3), except that neither sales price nor closing costs shall apply for purposes of paragraph (g) of this section.

2. At 64 FR 14574, Mar. 25, 1999, § 203.18 was amended by revising paragraph (a)(3), effective Apr. 27, 1999. For the convenience of the user, the superseded text is set forth as follows:

§ 203.18 Maximum mortgage amounts.

(a) * * *

(3) An amount equal to 90 percent of the appraised value, if the dwelling is a new home that was completed 1 year or less from the date of the mortgage insurance application and the dwelling is neither approved before the beginning of construction or covered by an acceptable consumer protection or warranty plan as provided in section 203(b)(2)(B) of the National Housing Act; or

§ 203.18a Solar energy system.

(a) The dollar limitation provided in § 203.18(a) may be increased by up to 20 percent if such an increase is necessary to account for the increased cost of the residence due to the installation of a solar energy system.

(b) Solar energy system is defined as any addition, alteration, or improvement to an existing or new structure which is designed to utilize wind energy or solar energy either of the active type based on mechanically forced energy transfer or of the passive type based on convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer or some combination of these types to reduce the energy requirements of that structure from other energy sources and which is in conformity with such criteria and standards as shall be prescribed by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Energy.

[45 FR 51770, Aug. 5, 1980]

§ 203.18b Increased mortgage amount.

(a) If any party believes that a mortgage limit established by the Secretary under § 203.18(a)(1) does not accurately reflect the median house prices in an area, the party may submit documentation in support of an alternative mortgage limit. For purposes of this section, an area (1) must be at least the size of a county, whether or not the area is located within a metropolitan statistical area, as established by the Office of Management and Budget; and (2) may be an area for which the mortgage limits established under § 203.18(b)(1) apply.

(b)(1) The documentation referred to in paragraph (a) of this section must consist of sufficient housing sales price data for the entire geographic area for which the request is made to justify an alternative mortgage limit. The documentation should include a listing of actual sales prices in the area for all or nearly all new and existing 1-family homes and condominiums, over a period of time varies with sales volume, as follows:

(i) For 500 or more sales per month, a one-month reporting period;

(ii) For 250 through 499 sales per month, a two-month reporting period.

(iii) For less than 250 sales per month, a three-month reporting period.

The listing should contain a brief address for each property, its county location, its sale price, the month and year of its sale, and whether it is new or existing. In areas where the ratio of existing sales to new sales is three-to-one or greater, an increase in the mortgage limit may be based on 95 percent of the average of the new and the existing median sales prices. In these areas, the documentation referred to in this paragraph may also include separate median sales prices for both the new and existing homes.

(2) Requests for an increased mortgage limit based upon documentation of median house prices for the area should be sent to the appropriate HUD field office.

(c) In the case of an area where the Commissioner determines that the median one-family house price does not reasonably reflect the sales prices of newly constructed homes because of an existing stock whose value is static or declining, the Commissioner may give greater weight to the sales prices of new homes in determining median house price in such area. Without limiting the discretion of the Commissioner in fashioning appropriate methods of implementing the foregoing authority in particular circumstances based upon a demonstration of good cause satisfactory to the Commissioner, in areas where evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner indicates that existing home sales outnumber new home sales by three-to-one or better, the median sales price will be calculated as the greater of (1) the average of the median sales price for new and existing homes, and (2) the composite median price of all sales.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0302) [45 FR 76377, Nov. 18, 1980, as amended at 47 FR 917, Jan. 7, 1982; 49 FR 12697, Mar. 30, 1984; 49 FR 14338, Apr. 11, 1984; 53 FR 8880, Mar. 18, 1988; 56 FR 18947, Apr. 24, 1991; 58 FR 41002, July 30, 1993; 59 FR 13882, Mar. 24, 1994; 60 FR 16033, Mar. 28, 1995]

§ 203.18c One-time or up-front mortgage insurance premium excluded from limitations on maximum mortgage amounts.

After determining any maximum insurable mortgage amount under the provisions of this subpart, the maximum insurable amount of any mortgage may be increased by the amount of any one-time or up-front mortgage insurance premium that will be financed as part of the mortgage.

[57 FR 15211, Apr. 24, 1992]

§ 203.18d Minimum principal loan amount.

A mortgagee may not require, as a condition of providing a loan secured by a mortgage insured under this part, that the principal amount of the mortgage exceed a minimum amount established by the mortgagee.

[53 FR 8880, Mar. 18, 1988]

§ 203.19 Mortgagor's minimum investment.

(a) At the time the mortgage is insured, the mortgagor shall have paid in cash or its equivalent the following minimum amount:

(1) In all cases (except those involving a veteran meeting the requirements of § 203.18(b) or a disaster victim meeting the requirements of § 203.18(e)), the minimum investment shall be at least 3 percent of the Commissioner's estimate of the cost of acquisition (excluding the amount of any one-time mortgage insurance premium payable in accordance with § 203.280) or such other larger amount as the Commissioner may determine.

(2) In a case involving a veteran meeting the requirements of § 203.18(a)(3) or a disaster victim meeting the requirements of § 203.18(e), the minimum investment shall be $200 which may include settlement costs, initial payments for taxes, hazard insurance premiums, mortgage insurance premiums, and other prepaid expenses as approved by the Commissioner.

(b) A mortgagor who is 60 years of age or older, as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance, or whose mortgage meets the requirements of and is to be insured pursuant to § 203.18(d), or who is purchasing a single-family home under a low income housing demonstration project which is being assisted by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to section 207 of the Housing Act of 1961 or who is purchasing a housing unit in connection with a homeownership program under the Homeownership and Opportunity Through HOPE Act, may obtain a loan to meet the payment required by paragraph (a) of this section and to pay settlement costs. Such loan shall be from a corporation or person satisfactory to the Commissioner. The settlement costs paid with the loan may include initial payments for taxes, hazard insurance premium, mortgage insurance premium, and other prepaid expenses, as determined by the Commissioner. As security for the loan, the mortgagor may give a note or other evidence of indebtedness bearing interest at a rate not in excess of that permitted in the insured mortgage. The aggregate amount of the insured mortgage and the loan referred to in this section shall not exceed an amount equal to the Commissioner's estimate of the appraised value of the property, plus an amount equal to the initial payments for taxes, hazard insurance premium, mortgage insurance premium, and other prepaid expenses, as determined by the Commissioner.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 48 FR 44067, Sept. 27, 1983; 50 FR 40195, Oct. 2, 1985; 53 FR 8880, Mar. 18, 1988; 56 FR 4477, Feb. 4, 1991; 61 FR 36263, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.20 Agreed interest rate.

(a) The mortgage shall bear interest at the rate agreed upon by the mortgagee and the mortgagor.

(b) Interest shall be payable in monthly installments on the principal amount of the mortgage outstanding on the due date of each installment.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 49 FR 19457, May 8, 1984]

§ 203.21 Amortization provisions.

The mortgage must contain complete amortization provisions satisfactory to the Commissioner, requiring monthly payments by the mortgagor not in excess of his reasonable ability to pay as determined by the Commissioner. The sum of the principal and interest payments in each month shall be substantially the same.

§ 203.22 Payment of insurance premiums or charges; prepayment privilege.

(a) Payment of periodic insurance premiums or charges. Except with respect to mortgages for which a one-time mortgage insurance premium is paid pursuant to § 203.280, the mortgage may provide for monthly payments by the mortgagor to the mortgagee of an amount equal to one-twelfth of the annual mortgage insurance premium payable by the mortgagee to the Commissioner. Such payments continue only so long as the contract of insurance shall remain in effect or for such shorter period as mortgage insurance premiums are payable by the mortgagee to the Commissioner.

(b) Prepayment privilege. The mortgage shall contain a provision permitting the mortgagor to prepay the mortgage in whole or in part on any installment due date, but shall not provide for the payment of any charge on account of such prepayment.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 8661, Apr. 29, 1972; 48 FR 28804, June 23, 1983; 50 FR 25914, June 24, 1985; 61 FR 36263, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.23 Mortgagor's payments to include other charges.

(a) The mortgage shall provide for such equal monthly payments by the mortgagor to the mortgagee as will amortize:

(1) The ground rents, if any;

(2) The estimated amount of all taxes;

(3) Special assessments, if any;

(4) Flood insurance premiums, if flood insurance is required by the Commissioner; and

(5) Fire and other hazard insurance premiums, if any. The mortgage shall further provide that such payments shall be held by the mortgagee in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner for the purpose of paying such ground rents, taxes, assessments, and insurance premiums before the same become delinquent, for the benefit and account of the mortgagor. The mortgage must also make provisions for adjustments in case the estimated amount of such taxes, assessments, and insurance premiums shall prove to be more, or less, than the actual amount thereof so paid by the mortgagor. Such payments shall be held in an escrow subject to § 203.550.

(b) The mortgagor shall not be required to pay premiums for fire or other hazard insurance which protects only the interests of the mortgagee, or for life or disability income insurance, or fees charged for obtaining information necessary for the payment of property taxes. The foregoing does not apply to charges made or penalties exacted by the taxing authority, except that a penalty assessed or interest charged by a taxing authority for failure to timely pay taxes or assessments shall not be charged by the mortgagee to the mortgagor if the mortgagee had sufficient funds in escrow for the account of the mortgagor to pay such taxes or assessments prior to the date on which penalty or interest charges are imposed.

(c) Mortgages involving a principal obligation not in excess of $9,000 may contain a provision requiring the mortgagor to pay to the mortgagee an annual service charge at such rate as may be agreed upon between the mortgagee and the mortgagor, but in no case shall such service charge exceed one-half of one percent per annum. Any such service charge shall be payable in monthly installments on the principal then outstanding. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to mortgages endorsed for insurance pursuant to applications received by the Commissioner on or after July 17, 1961.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 25231, Nov. 29, 1972; 41 FR 47934, Nov. 10, 1976; 59 FR 53901, Oct. 26, 1994]

§ 203.24 Application of payments.

(a) All monthly payments to be made by the mortgagor to the mortgagee shall be added together and the aggregate amount thereof shall be paid by the mortgagor each month in a single payment. The mortgagee shall apply the same to the following items in the order set forth:

(1) Premium charges under the contract of insurance (other than a one-time or up-front mortgage insurance premium paid in accordance with §§ 203.280, 203.284 and 203.285), charges for ground rents, taxes, special assessments, flood insurance premiums, if required, and fire and other hazard insurance premiums;

(2) Interest on the mortgage;

(3) Amortization of the principal of the mortgage; and

(4) Late charges, if permitted under the terms of the mortgage and subject to such conditions as the Commissioner may prescribe.

(b) Any deficiency in the amount of any such aggregate monthly payment shall, unless made good by the mortgagor prior to, or on, the due date of the next such payment, constitute an event of default under the mortgage.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 25231, Nov. 29, 1972; 50 FR 25914, June 24, 1985; 61 FR 36263, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.25 Late charge.

The mortgage may provide for the collection by the mortgagee of a late charge, not to exceed four per cent of the amount of each payment more than 15 days in arrears, to cover servicing and other costs attributable to the receipt of payments from mortgagors after the date upon which payment is due.

[41 FR 49734, Nov. 10, 1976]

§ 203.26 Mortgagor's payments when mortgage is executed.

(a) The mortgagor must pay to the mortgagee, upon execution of the mortgage, a sum that will be sufficient to pay the ground rents, if any, the estimated taxes, special assessments, flood insurance premiums, if required, and fire and other hazard insurance premiums for the period beginning on the last date on which each such charge would have been paid under the normal lending practices of the lender and local custom (if each such date constitutes prudent lending practice), and ending on the due date of the first full installment payment under the mortgage, plus an amount sufficient to pay the mortgage insurance premium from the date of closing the loan to the date of the first monthly payment under the mortgage or, where applicable, the one-time mortgage insurance premium payable pursuant to § 203.280.

(b) The mortgagee may also collect from the mortgagor a sum not exceeding one-sixth of the estimated total amount of such taxes, special assessments, insurance premiums and other charges to be paid during the ensuing 12-month period.

[41 FR 49734, Nov. 10, 1976, as amended at 48 FR 28804, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.27 Charges, fees or discounts.

(a) The mortgagee may collect from the mortgagor the following charges, fees or discounts:

(1) [Reserved]

(2) A charge to compensate the mortgagee for expenses incurred in originating and closing the loan, the charge not to exceed:

(i) $20 dollars or one percent of the original principal amount of the mortgage (excluding any one-time mortgage insurance premium paid pursuant to § 203.280), whichever is the greater; or

(ii) $350 dollars or two and one-half percent of the original principal amount of the mortgage (excluding any one-time mortgage insurance premium paid pursuant to § 203.280), whichever is the greater, with respect to mortgages on property under construction or to be constructed where the mortgagee makes partial disbursements and inspections of the property during the progress of construction.

(iii) If the mortgage involves repair or rehabilitation, and the mortgagee meets the conditions of paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section relating to disbursements and inspections, the charge prescribed in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section may be collected in connection with that portion of the mortgage applied to such repair or rehabilitation. The charge with respect to any part of the mortgage not applied to repair or rehabilitation, or any part of the mortgage so applied which does not meet the conditions of paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section relating to disbursements and inspections, shall be limited to that provided in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

(3) Reasonable and customary amounts, but not more than the amount actually paid by the mortgagee, for any of the following items:

(i) Recording fees and recording taxes or other charges incident to recordation;

(ii) Credit Report;

(iii) Survey, if required by mortgagee or mortgagor;

(iv) Title examination; title insurance, if any;

(v) Fees paid to an appraiser or inspector approved by the Commissioner for the appraisal and inspection, if required, of the property. Notwithstanding any limitations in this paragraph (a)(3) if the mortgagee is permitted by applicable regulations to use the services of staff appraisers and inspectors for processing mortgages, and does so, the mortgagee may collect from the mortgagor the reasonable and customary amounts for such appraisals and inspections.

(vi) Such other reasonable and customary charges as may be authorized by the Commissioner.

(4) Reasonable and customary charges in the nature of discounts.

(5) Interest from the date of closing or the date on which the mortgagee disburses the mortgage proceeds to the account of the mortgagor or the mortgagor's creditors, whichever is later, to the date of the beginning of amortization.

(b)-(c) [Reserved]

(d) Before the insurance of any mortgage, the mortgagee shall furnish to the Secretary a signed statement in a form satisfactory to the Secretary listing any charge, fee or discount collected by the mortgagee from the mortgagor. All charges, fees or discounts are subject to review by the Secretary both before and after endorsement under § 203.255.

(e) Nothing in this section will be construed as prohibiting the mortgagor from dealing through a broker who does not represent the mortgagee, if he prefers to do so, and paying such compensation as is satisfactory to the mortgagor in order to obtain mortgage financing.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 43 FR 19846, May 9, 1978; 45 FR 30602, May 8, 1980; 45 FR 33966, May 21, 1980; 47 FR 29525, July 7, 1982; 48 FR 11940, Mar. 22, 1983; 48 FR 28804, June 23, 1983; 49 FR 19457, May 8, 1984; 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 58 FR 13537, Mar. 12, 1993]

§ 203.28 Economic soundness of projects.

The mortgage must be executed with respect to a project which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, is economically sound, except that this section shall not apply in each of the following instances:

(a) To a mortgage of the character described in § 203.18(d) and with respect to such a mortgage, the Commissioner shall determine that the mortgage is an acceptable risk giving consideration to the need for providing adequate housing for families of low and moderate income, particularly in suburban and outlying areas or small communities.

(b) To a mortgage of the character described in § 203.18 (e).

(d) To a mortgage in a federally impacted area described in § 203.43e.

(e) To a rehabilitation loan of the character described in § 203.50.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 42 FR 57434, Nov. 2, 1977; 45 FR 33966, May 21, 1980; 53 FR 8880, Mar. 18, 1988]

§ 203.29 Eligible mortgages in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands.

(a) When is an increased mortgage limit permitted for these areas? For Alaska, Guam, Hawaii or the Virgin Islands, the Commissioner may increase the maximum mortgage amount permitted by section 203(b)(2)(A) of the National Housing Act when authorized by section 214 of that Act, through the procedures described in § 203.18(h).

(b) If a party believes that the otherwise applicable mortgage limit needs to be increased to reflect the extent to which high costs make it infeasible to construct dwellings without sacrificing sound standards of construction, design or livability, the party may submit documentation in support of an alternative mortgage limit. This documentation should include actual or estimated costs of such items as design, construction, materials, and labor. In addition, actual sales prices of new homes may be submitted, together with any other documentation requested by the Commissioner. Requests for alternative mortgage limits, together with supporting documentation should be sent to the appropriate HUD field office. The field office will forward the request and supporting material, with the field office's recommendation, to the Commissioner for determination.

(c) If the Alaska Housing Authority, or the Government of Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands or any agency or instrumentality of those entities, is the mortgagor or the mortgagee, or the mortgagor is regulated or restricted as to rents or sales, charges, capital structure, rate of return, and methods of operation to such an extent and in such manner as the Commissioner determines advisable to provide reasonable rental and sales prices and a reasonable return on the investment, any mortgage otherwise eligible for insurance under this subpart may be insured:

(1) In any case where the Alaska Housing Authority, or the government of Guam, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, or any agency or instrumentality of those entities, is the mortgagor, without regard to any requirement that the mortgagor occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or a secondary residence (as these terms are defined in § 203.18(f)), or meet loan-to-value or comparable limitations based on the failure of the mortgagor to meet this occupancy requirement;

(2) Without regard to any requirement that the mortgagor has paid on account of the property a prescribed percentage of the appraised value of the property; or

(3) Without regard to any requirement that the mortgagor certify that the mortgaged property is free and clear of all liens other than the mortgage offered for insurance and that there will not be any unpaid obligations contracted in connection with the mortgage transaction or the purchase of the mortgaged property.

(d) The provisions of § 203.28 requiring economic soundness shall not be applicable to mortgages covering property located in Alaska, in Guam, in Hawaii, or in the Virgin Islands, but the Commissioner shall find that the property or project is an acceptable risk, giving consideration to the acute housing shortage in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0302) [36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 49 FR 14338, Apr. 11, 1984; 55 FR 34804, Aug. 24, 1990; 56 FR 18948, Apr. 24, 1991; 64 FR 14569, Mar. 25, 1999] Effective Date Note:

At 64 FR 14569, Mar. 25, 1999, § 203.29 was amended by revising paragraph (a), effective Apr. 26, 1999. For the convenience of the user, the superseded text is set forth as follows:

§ 203.29 Eligible mortgages in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands.

(a) If the Commissioner finds that, because of higher prevailing costs in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands, it is not feasible to construct dwellings within the maximum mortgage limits provided in this part without sacrificing sound standards of construction, design, or livability, the Commissioner may increase the principal obligation of mortgages insurance for those areas under this part by publishing in the Federal Register a Notice stating the amounts necessary to compensate for such costs, but not to exceed, in any event, the otherwise applicable maximum (including any high-cost area increases) by more than one-half thereof.

§ 203.30 Certificate of nondiscrimination by the mortgagor.

The mortgagor shall certify to the Commissioner as to each of the following points:

(a) That neither he, nor anyone authorized to act for him, will refuse to sell or rent, after the making of a bonafide offer, or refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny the dwelling or property covered by the mortgage to any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, familial status (except as provided by law), or handicap.

(b) That any restrictive covenant on such property relating to race, color, religion, or national origin is recognized as being illegal and void and is hereby specifically disclaimed.

(c) That civil action for preventative relief may be brought by the Attorney General in any appropriate U.S. District Court against any person responsible for a violation of this certification.

(d) That buildings having four (4) or more units, which were built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, were constructed in compliance with the Fair Housing Act new construction requirements in 24 CFR 100.205.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.31 Mortgagor of a principal residence in military service cases.

(a) A mortgage that is otherwise eligible for insurance under any of the provisions of this part may be insured without regard to any requirement contained in this part that the mortgagor occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)) at the time of insurance, or that the mortgagor meet loan-to-value or comparable limitations based on the failure of the mortgagor to meet an occupancy requirement, if:

(1) The Commissioner is satisfied that the inability of the mortgagor to meet the occupancy requirement is by reason of his or her entry into military service after the filing of an application for insurance; and

(2) The mortgagor expresses an intent (in such form as the Commissioner may prescribe), to meet the occupancy requirement upon his or her discharge from the service.

(b) A serviceperson will also be considered to meet the occupancy requirement referred to in paragraph (a) of this section for mortgage insurance purposes, if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The serviceperson and his or her family expect to meet the occupancy requirement referred to in paragraph (a) of this section for two or more years. The Commissioner may shorten this period to one year, if (i) the serviceperson's family will occupy the property for at least one year and (ii) the serviceperson is assigned to a combat zone or other hazardous duty area where the family cannot accompany him or her; and

(2) The property is located in an area in which the prospects of resale are reasonable.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0059) [55 FR 34804, Aug. 24, 1990]

Eligible Mortgagors

§ 203.32 Mortgage lien.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a mortgagor must establish that, after the mortgage offered for insurance has been recorded, the mortgaged property will be free and clear of all liens other than such mortgage, and that there will not be outstanding any other unpaid obligations contracted in connection with the mortgage transaction or the purchase of the mortgaged property, except obligations that are secured by property or collateral owned by the mortgagor independently of the mortgaged property.

(b) With prior approval of the Secretary, the mortgaged property may be subject to a secondary mortgage or loan made or insured, or other secondary lien held, by a Federal, State, or local government agency or instrumentality, or an entity designated in the homeownership plan submitted by an applicant for an implementation grant under the Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere (HOPE) program, or an eligible nonprofit organization as defined in § 203.41(a)(5) of this part, provided that the required monthly payments under the insured mortgage and the secondary mortgage or lien shall not exceed the mortgagor's reasonable ability to pay as determined by the Secretary.

(c) With the prior approval of the Secretary, the mortgaged property may be subject to a second mortgage held by a mortgagee not described in paragraph (b) of this section. Unless the mortgage is for the purpose described in paragraph (d) of this section, it shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The required monthly payments under the insured mortgage and the second mortgage shall not exceed the mortgagor's reasonable ability to pay, as determined by the Commissioner;

(2) Periodic payments, if any, shall be collected monthly and be substantially the same;

(3) The sum of the principal amount of the insured mortgage and the second mortgage shall not exceed the loan-to-value limitation applicable to the insured mortgage, and shall not exceed the maximum mortgage limit for the area;

(4) The repayment terms shall not provide for a balloon payment before ten years, or for such other term as the Commissioner may approve, except that the mortgage may become due and payable on sale or refinancing of the secured property covered by the insured mortgage; and

(5) The mortgage shall contain a provision permitting the mortgagor to prepay the mortgage in whole or in part at any time, and shall not provide for the payment of any charge on account of such prepayment.

(d)(1) With the prior approval of the Commissioner, the mortgaged property may be subject to a junior (second or third) mortgage securing the repayment of funds advanced to reduce the mortgagor's monthly payments on the insured mortgage following the date it is insured, if the junior mortgage meets the following requirements:

(i) The junior mortgage shall not provide for any payment of principal or interest until the property securing the junior mortgage is sold or the insured mortgage is refinanced, at which time the junior mortgage shall become due and payable;

(ii) The total amount of repayments under the junior mortgage shall not exceed the least of:

(A) One-half of the mortgagor's equity interest in the property at the time of sale or refinancing;

(B) Three times the amount of funds advanced to effect the interest rate buy-down; or

(C) The sum of the original loan amount plus the total accrued interest on the junior mortgage at the time of repayment; and

(iii) The junior mortgage shall contain a provision permitting the mortgagor to prepay the mortgage in whole or in part at any time, and shall not provide for the payment of any charge on account of such prepayment. Any full or partial prepayment will not be recoverable by the mortgagor if, by application of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) on sale or refinancing of the property, a lesser amount than the amount prepaid would have been due.

(2) The sum of the principal amount of the insured mortgage, any second mortgage made under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, and the mortgage securing the repayment of funds advanced to reduce the borrower's monthly payments (whether a second or third mortgage) may exceed the loan-to-value limitation applicable to the insured mortgage, but such sum may not exceed the maximum mortgage limit for the area.

[45 FR 19223, Mar. 25, 1980, as amended at 50 FR 20906, May 21, 1985; 56 FR 4477, Feb. 4, 1991; 58 FR 42647, Aug. 11, 1993]

§ 203.33 Relationship of income to mortgage payments.

(a) Adequacy of mortgagor's gross income. A mortgagor must establish, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that his or her gross income is and will be adequate to meet (1) the periodic payments required by the mortgage submitted for insurance and (2) other long-term obligations.

(b) Determinations of adequacy of mortgagor income under this section shall be made in a uniform manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, handicap, marital status, source of income of the mortgagor or location of the property.

[37 FR 16390, Aug. 12, 1972, as amended at 54 FR 38649, Sept. 20, 1989; 59 FR 59648, Nov. 18, 1994]

§ 203.34 Credit standing.

A mortgagor must have a general credit standing satisfactory to the Commissioner.

§ 203.35 Disclosure and verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers.

To be eligible for mortgage insurance under this part, the mortgagor must meet the requirements for the disclosure and verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers, as provided by part 200, subpart U, of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control numbers 2502-0059, 2502-0159, and 2502-0268) [54 FR 39693, Sept. 27, 1989]

§ 203.36 [Reserved]

Eligible Properties

§ 203.37 Nature of title to realty.

A mortgage, to be eligible for insurance, must be on real estate held in fee simple, or on leasehold under a lease for not less than 99 years which is renewable, or under a lease having a period of not less than 10 years to run beyond the maturity date of the mortgage.

[49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984]

§ 203.38 Location of dwelling.

At the time a mortgage is insured there must be located on the mortgaged property one or more dwellings designed principally for residential use for not more than four families.

[61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.39 Standards for buildings.

The buildings on the mortgaged property must conform with the standards prescribed by the Commissioner.

§ 203.40 Location of property.

The mortgaged property shall be located within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The mortgaged property, if otherwise acceptable to the Commissioner, may be located in any community where the housing standards meet the requirements of the Commissioner.

[49 FR 12697, Mar. 30, 1984, as amended at 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.41 Free assumability; exceptions.

(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) Low- or moderate-income housing means housing which is designed to be affordable, taking into account available financing, to individuals or families whose household income does not exceed 115 percent of the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families. The Secretary may approve a higher percentage up to 140 percent.

(2) Eligible governmental or nonprofit program means a program operated pursuant to a program established by Federal law, operated by a State or local government, or operated by an eligible nonprofit organization, if the program is designed to assist the purchase of low-or moderate-income housing including rental housing.

(3) Legal restrictions on conveyance means any provision in any legal instrument, law or regulation applicable to the mortgagor or the mortgaged property, including but not limited to a lease, deed, sales contract, declaration of covenants, declaration of condominium, option, right of first refusal, will, or trust agreement, that attempts to cause a conveyance (including a lease) made by the mortgagor to:

(i) Be void or voidable by a third party;

(ii) Be the basis of contractual liability of the mortgagor for breach of an agreement not to convey, including rights of first refusal, pre-emptive rights or options related to mortgagor efforts to convey;

(iii) Terminate or subject to termination all or a part of the interest held by the mortgagor in the mortgaged property if a conveyance is attempted;

(iv) Be subject to the consent of a third party;

(v) Be subject to limits on the amount of sales proceeds retainable by the seller; or

(vi) Be grounds for acceleration of the insured mortgage or increase in the interest rate.

(4) Tax-exempt bond financing means financing which is funded in whole or in part by the proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds described in section 143 of the Internal Revenue code of 1986, or any successor section, on which the interest is exempt from Federal income tax. The term does not include financing by qualified veterans’ mortgage bonds as defined in section 143(b) of the Code.

(5) Eligible nonprofit organization means an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as an organization exempt under section 501(a) of the Code, which has:

(i) Two years experience as a provider of low- or moderate-income housing;

(ii) A voluntary board; and

(iii) No part of its net earnings inuring to the benefit of any member, founder, contributor or individual.

(b) Policy of free assumability with no restrictions. A mortgage shall not be eligible for insurance if the mortgaged property is subject to legal restrictions on conveyance, except as permitted by this part.

(1) The restrictions are part of an eligible governmental or nonprofit program and are permitted by paragraph (d) of this section; and

(2) The restrictions will automatically terminate if title to the mortgaged property is transferred by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or if the mortgage is assigned to the Secretary.

(d) Exception for eligible governmental or nonprofit programs—specific policies. For purposes of paragraph (c) of this section, restrictions of the following types are permitted for eligible governmental or nonprofit programs, provided that a violation of legal restrictions on conveyance may not be grounds for acceleration of the insured mortgaged or for an increase in the interest rate, or for voiding a conveyance of the mortgagor's interest in the property, terminating the mortgagor's interest in the property, or subjecting the mortgagor to contractual liability other than requiring repayment (at a reasonable rate of interest) of assistance provided to make the property affordable as low- or moderate-income housing:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and the Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere (HOPE) programs, the mortgagor may be prohibited from selling the property at a price greater than the price permitted under the program, or the mortgagor may be required to pay a portion of the sales proceeds to a governmental body or an eligible nonprofit organization, as long as the mortgagor is not prohibited from recovering:

(i) The sum of the mortgagor's original purchase price, the mortgagor's reasonable costs of sale, the reasonable costs of improvements made by the mortgagor, and any negative amortization on a graduated payment mortgage insured under § 203.45 of this part; and

(ii) A reasonable share, as determined by the Secretary, of the appreciation in value which shall be the sales price reduced by the sum determined under paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) Legal restrictions on conveyance may extend beyond the term of the mortgage, subject to paragraph (c)(2) of this section and any limitations applicable in the jurisdiction.

(3) Except as otherwise required by the HOME and HOPE programs, rights under an option to purchase, pre-emptive rights to purchase or rights of first refusal shall only be held by a governmental body or eligible nonprofit organization, or another individual or organization approved by the Secretary, and shall be exercised by them (or an assignee who will purchase and occupy the property) only within a reasonable time after the event permitting exercise of the rights occurs, not to exceed a period of time determined by the Secretary. The Secretary may approve another individual or organization under the preceding sentence even if the restriction is not part of an eligible governmental or nonprofit program.

(4) In addition to the restrictions stated in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the purchase price under an option may not be less than the sum of the mortgagor's original purchase price, the mortgagor's reasonable costs of sale, the reasonable costs of improvements made by seller, and a reasonable share, as determined by the Secretary, of the appreciation in value.

(5) The mortgagor may be required to continue to be an owner-occupant.

(6) The mortgagor may be limited in his or her ability to choose a purchaser for the property, but only to the extent necessary to ensure that the property is preserved as low- or moderate-income housing.

(7) The mortgagor for a rehabilitation loan insured under § 203.50 of this part may hold title subject to a condition subsequent, provided that the holder of the right of entry for condition broken also executes the mortgage, and that the right is exercisable only for failure by the mortgagor to complete the rehabilitation or occupy the property as agreed by the mortgagor.

(8) Property may be subject to a legal restriction on conveyance to the extent approved in writing by an authorized representative of the Secretary prior to September 10, 1993.

(e) Exception for tax-exempt bond financing. A mortgage may be funded through tax-exempt bond financing and may include a due-on-sale provision in a form approved by the Secretary which permits the mortgagee to accelerate a mortgage that no longer meets Federal requirements for tax-exempt bond financing or for other reasons acceptable to the Secretary. Except as provided in this paragraph (e), a mortgage funded through tax-exempt bond financing shall comply with all form requirements prescribed under § 203.17(a) of this part and shall contain no other provisions designed to enforce compliance with Federal or State requirements for tax-exempt bond financing. Other legal restrictions on conveyance are permitted as provided in other paragraphs of this section.

(f) Exception for protective covenants excluding non-elderly. Mortgaged property may be subject to protective covenants which prohibit or restrict occupancy by, or transfer to, persons who are not elderly if:

(1) The restrictions do not have an undue effect on marketability; and

(2) The restrictions do not constitute illegal discrimination and are consistent with the Fair Housing Act and all other applicable nondiscrimination laws.

(g) Exceptions for specific jurisdictions. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, mortgages insured on certain Indian land or Hawaiian home lands under sections 247 and 248 of the National Housing Act and §§ 203.43h and 203.43i of this part, or on property in the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa, shall not be ineligible for insurance under this section solely because applicable law does not permit free alienability of title to all persons.

[58 FR 42648, Aug. 11, 1993; 59 FR 15112, Mar. 31, 1994]

§ 203.42 Rental properties.

(a) A mortgage on property upon which there is a dwelling to be rented by the mortgagor shall not be eligible for insurance if the property is a part of, or adjacent or contiguous to, a project, or group of similar rental properties, in which the mortgagor has a financial interest in eight or more dwelling units.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply where:

(1) A mortgage qualifies as a rehabilitation loan under § 203.50 of this part;

(2) The mortgage is to be used for the rehabilitation of property located in a specific area or neighborhood that has been targeted by a State or local government for redevelopment, in accordance with a specific program that involves substantial public or private commitments in support of neighborhood improvement or redevelopment; and

(3) The State or local government has approved, and has submitted to the Commissioner a plan describing the program of neighborhood redevelopment and revitalization, including the geographic area targeted for redevelopment, and the nature and proportion of public or private commitments that have been made in support of the redevelopment program.

(c) No two-, three-, or four-family dwelling, and no single-family dwelling, if it is part of a group of five or more single-family dwellings held by the same mortgagor, or any part or unit thereof, shall be rented or offered for rent for transient or hotel purposes, as defined in § 203.16, so long as the dwelling is subject to any insured mortgage.

[56 FR 27692, June 17, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.43 Eligibility of miscellaneous type mortgages.

(a) A mortgage which meets the requirements of this subpart, except as modified by this section, shall be eligible for insurance under this subpart subject to compliance with the additional requirements of this section.

(b) The mortgage may be accepted for insurance if:

(1) Executed in connection with the sale by the Government, or any agency or official thereof, of any housing acquired or constructed under Public Law 849, Seventy-sixth Congress, as amended; Public Law 781, Seventy-sixth Congress, as amended; or Public Law 9, 73 or 353, Seventy-seventh Congress, as amended (including any property acquired, held or constructed in connection with such housing or to serve the inhabitants thereof); or

(2) Executed in connection with the sale by the Public Housing Administration, or by any public housing agency with the approval of the said Administration, or any housing (including any property acquired, held or constructed in connection with such housing or to serve the inhabitants thereof) owned or financially assisted pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 671, Seventy-sixth Congress; or

(3) Executed in connection with the sale by the Government, or any agency or official thereof, or any of the so-called Greenbelt towns, or parts thereof, including projects, or parts thereof, known as Greenhills, OH; Greenbelt, MD; and Greendale, WI, developed under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935; or of any of the village properties or employee's housing under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority; or of any housing under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior located within the town area of Coulee Dam, WA, acquired by the United States for the construction, operation, and maintenance of Grand Coulee Dam and its appurtenant works or of any permanent housing under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior constructed under the Boulder Canyon Project Act of December 21, 1928, as amended and supplemented, located within the Boulder City municipal area; or

(4) Executed in connection with the sale by the Government, or any agency or official thereof, of any housing (including any property acquired, held, or constructed in connection therewith or to serve the inhabitants thereof) pursuant to the Atomic Energy Community Act of 1955, as amended: Provided, That such insurance shall be issued without regard to any preferences or priorities except those prescribed by the National Housing Act or the Atomic Energy Community Act of 1955, as amended; or

(5) Executed in connection with the sale by a State or municipality, or an agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of either, of a project consisting of any permanent housing (including any property acquired, held or constructed in connection therewith or to serve the inhabitants thereof), constructed by or on behalf of such State, municipality, agency, instrumentality or political subdivision, for the occupancy of veterans (persons who have served in the active military or naval service of the United States at any time on or after September 16, 1940, and prior to July 26, 1947, or on or after June 27, 1950, and prior to February 1, 1955) their families and others: Provided, That the principal obligation of a mortgage referred to in this paragraph shall not exceed 90 percent of the appraised value of the mortgaged property; or

(6) Executed in connection with the first resale, within two years from the date of its acquisition from the Government, of any portion of a project or property of the character described in paragraphs (b) (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section.

(c) The Commissioner may insure under this part, without regard to any limitation upon eligibility contained in the other provisions of this subpart, any mortgage given to refinance an existing mortgage insured under the National Housing Act. The refinancing mortgage must meet the following special requirements:

(1)(i) Except as provided by paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the refinancing mortgage must be in an amount that does not exceed the least of (A) the original principal amount of the existing mortgage; (B) the sum of the outstanding principal balance of the existing mortgage, plus loan closing charges approved by the Commissioner; or (C) in the case of an eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as defined in § 203.18(f)), the outstanding balance of the existing mortgage.

(ii) In the case of graduated payment mortgages insured under section 203 of the Act pursuant to section 245 (a) or (b) of the Act (§ 203.45 or § 203.46 [as in effect immediately before its removal at 52 FR 32754, published August 28, 1987]), the refinancing mortgage must have a principal amount that does not exceed the outstanding balance of the existing mortgage.

(iii) If a one-time mortgage insurance premium (MIP) was financed as part of the existing mortgage referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section, the amount of the premium refund to which the mortgagor is entitled must be deducted in determining the original principal amount and the unpaid principal balance of the existing mortgage under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section and the outstanding balance of the existing mortgage under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. However, the maximum amount of the refinancing mortgage computed in accordance with this paragraph (c)(1) may be increased by the amount of the one-time MIP (if any) associated with the refinancing mortgage;

(2) It must have a term which does not exceed the unexpired term of the existing mortgage, except that in any case where the Commissioner determines that an extension of the term of the mortgage will inure to the benefit of the applicable insurance fund, taking into consideration the outstanding insurance liability under the existing insured mortgage, the term may be extended to the lesser of (i) 30 years or (ii) the unexpired term of the existing mortgage, plus 12 years;

(3) The mortgage must result in a reduction in regular monthly payments by the mortgagor, except:

(i) When a fixed rate mortgage is given to refinance an adjustable rate mortgage held by a mortgagor who is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or secondary residence, as these terms are defined in § 203.18(f); or

(ii) When refinancing a mortgage for a shorter term will result in an increase in the mortgagor's regular monthly payments of no more than $50. In the case of a graduated payment mortgage, the reduction in regular monthly payments means a reduction from the payment due under the existing mortgage for the month in which the refinancing mortgage is executed.

(4) It must be made by a mortgagor whose record of payment on the existing mortgage meets standards established by the Commissioner; and

(5) The mortgagee may not require a minimum principal amount to be outstanding on the loan secured by the existing mortgage.

(d)-(f) [Reserved]

(g) The provisions of § 203.28 shall not apply to mortgages insured under this section.

(h) The provisions of § 203.38 shall not apply to mortgages of the character described in paragraph (b) of this section and at the time any such mortgage is insured there must be located on the mortgaged property a dwelling unit designed principally for residential use for not more than eight families.

(i)-(j) [Reserved]

(k) The Commissioner may insure under this part, without regard to any limitation upon eligibility contained in this subpart, any mortgage assigned to the Commissioner in connection with payment under a contract of mortgage insurance, or executed in connection with a sale by the Commissioner of any property acquired in the settlement of an insurance claim under any section or title of the National Housing Act.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 45 FR 30602, May 8, 1980; 47 FR 29525, July 7, 1982; 52 FR 4139, Feb. 10, 1987; 52 FR 37287, Oct. 6, 1987; 52 FR 44861, Nov. 23, 1987; 53 FR 8880, Mar. 18, 1988; 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990; 55 FR 38033, Sept. 14, 1990; 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.43a Eligibility of mortgages covering housing in certain neighborhoods.

(a) A mortgage financing the repair, rehabilitation, construction, or purchase of property located in an older declining urban area shall be eligible for insurance under this subpart subject to compliance with the additional requirements of this section.

(b) The mortgage shall meet all of the requirements of this subpart, except such requirements as are judged to be not applicable on the basis of the following determinations to be made by the Commissioner:

(1) That the conditions of the area in which the property is located prevent the application of certain eligibility requirements of this subpart.

(2) That the area is reasonably viable, and there is a need in the area for adequate housing for families of low and moderate income.

(3) That the mortgage to be insured is an acceptable risk.

(c) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 223(e) of the National Housing Act. Such mortgages shall be insured under and be the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund.

(d) For restrictions against approving mortgage insurance for a certain category of newly legalized alien, see 24 CFR part 49.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 55 FR 18493, May 2, 1990]

§ 203.43b [Reserved]

§ 203.43c Eligibility of mortgages involving a dwelling unit in a cooperative housing development.

A mortgage involving a dwelling unit in a cooperative housing development which meets the requirements of this subpart, except as modified by this section, shall be eligible for insurance under section 203(n) of the National Housing Act.

(a) The provisions of §§ 203.16a, 203.17, 203.18, 203.18a, 203.23, 203.24, 203.26, 203.37, 203.38, 203.43h, 203.43i, 203.43j, 203.44, 203.49, and 203.50 of this part do not apply to mortgages insured under section 203(n) of the National Housing Act.

(b) As used in connection with the insurance of mortgages under this section and § 203.437 of this part: (1) The term mortgage shall mean a first lien given to secure a loan made to finance the unpaid purchase price of a Corporate Certificate together with the applicable Occupancy Certificate of a cooperative ownership housing corporation in which the permanent occupancy of the dwelling units is restricted to members of such corporation, and may refer both to a security instrument creating a lien, whether called a mortgage, deed of trust, security deed or another term used in a particular jurisdiction, as well as the credit instrument, or note, secured thereby.

(2) Corporation shall mean an organization which holds title to a cooperative housing development which is covered by a blanket mortgage or mortgages insured by FHA under the National Housing Act.

(3) Corporate Certificate shall mean such stock certificates, membership certificates, or other instruments which the laws of the jurisdictions in which the cooperative housing development is located require to evidence ownership of a specified interest in the corporation.

(4) Occupancy Certificate shall mean a written instrument provided by the corporation to each holder of a Corporate Certificate which grants an exclusive right of possession of a specific dwelling unit in the cooperative housing development.

(5) References in this subpart to a dwelling, residence or property which is sold, conveyed, covered by a mortgage or subject to a lien shall be construed to mean the Corporate Certificate together with the Occupancy Certificate, except that where such references when interpreted in light of section 203(n) of the National Housing Act clearly indicate the intent to be the dwelling unit, such reference shall mean the dwelling unit identified in the Occupancy Certificate.

(c) The organizational documents of the cooperative corporation must provide that: (1) Either the Secretary or a mortgagee under a mortgage insured under this section shall be a member of the cooperative corporation for so long as either owns a Corporate Certificate;

(2) A mortgage insured under this section shall be a first lien upon the property covered by the mortgage;

(3) The Secretary may exercise the voting rights which are attributable to each Corporate Certificate owned by the Secretary;

(4) The Secretary may designate as her proxy an agent for the purpose of exercising the voting rights of the Secretary which are attributable to the corporate Certificate or Certificates owned by the Secretary;

(5) The Secretary may cease making monthly payments attributable to any dwelling unit for which the Secretary owns a Corporate Certificate six months after the Secretary notifies the corporation to sell the Corporate Certificate or upon default by the corporation on the blanket mortgage covering the dwelling unit;

(6) The Secretary or a mortgagee shall not be obligated to make payments to the corporation for any amounts unpaid by a mortgagor under a mortgage insured under this section prior to the date the Secretary or the mortgagee becomes the owner of the Corporate Certificate.

(d) The corporation shall have entered into an agreement with the Secretary and the mortgagee which: (1) Requires that the corporation shall furnish the Secretary with the most recent annual financial report certified to have been based on generally accepted accounting principles and the most recent monthly or quarterly financial report;

(2) Waives any option or right of first refusal the corporation may have to purchase any Corporate Certificate covered by a mortgage insured under section 203(n) of the National Housing Act, unless the corporation pays the full amount due under such mortgage or pays the full amount of the Secretary's investment if the Secretary is the owner of the Corporate Certificate, whichever is greater.

(3) Except with the approval of the Secretary, waives all authority the corporation may have to approve or reject the buyer of a Corporate Certificate owned by the Secretary or the buyer of a Corporate Certificate covered by a mortgage insured under Section 203(n) of the National Housing Act.

(4) Requires the corporation on notice by the Secretary to act as her agent for a fee to be determined by the Secretary for the limited purposes of:

(i) Selling all Corporate Certificates of the corporation owned by the Secretary;

(ii) Renting and collecting rents on any dwelling unit for which the Secretary owns the Corporate Certificate.

(5) Provides that the Secretary shall not be obligated to make payments to the corporation for outstanding debts of the mortgagor;

(6) Requires the corporation to furnish to a mortgagee or to the Secretary, on request:

(i) A statement, certified by the officer charged with maintenance of the Corporate Certificate Transfer Book, that such book currently shows that the mortgagee or the Secretary is the owner of any Corporate Certificate transferred to the mortgagee or the Secretary; and

(ii) The Occupancy Certificate in the name of the mortgagee or the Secretary.

(7) Requires the corporation to notify the mortgagee, whose name and address has been provided, of any default in corporation fee payments by the mortgagor within 15 days of such default;

(8) Requires the mortgagee to notify the corporation of any default in mortgage payments by the mortgagor within 15 days of such default;

(9) Requires the corporation upon notice by the Secretary or the mortgagee, when the Secretary or the mortgagee is the owner of the Corporate Certificate, and for a fee to be determined by the Secretary to evict any person or persons from a dwelling unit identified in the Occupancy Certificate.

(10) Contains such other provisions as the Secretary may require.

(e) The mortgagee shall obtain such security and other undertakings as may be required to establish a first lien on the Corporate Certificate and the Occupancy Certificate under the laws of the State where the Cooperative Housing Development is located.

(f) The mortgage involves a one-family dwelling unit in a cooperative housing development which is covered by a blanket mortgage or mortgages insured under the National Housing Act.

(g) The mortgage shall not exceed the balance remaining after subtracting, from the amount determined under §§ 203.18(a), 203.18(g) and 203.18a of this part, an amount equal to the portion of the unpaid balance of the blanket mortgage covering the cooperative development which is attributable to the dwelling unit the mortgagor is entitled to occupy as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance.

(h) The mortgage shall be executed upon a form conforming to the applicable provisions of this part and shall:

(1) Involve a principal obligation in multiples of $50.

(2) Come due on the first of the month.

(3) Contain complete amortization provisions satisfactory to the Secretary and an amortization period not in excess of the term of the mortgage.

(4) Be for a term not to exceed 30 years or the remaining term of the blanket mortgage covering the cooperative development or three-quarters of the remaining economic life of the building improvements, whichever is less.

(5) Provide for payments to principal and interest to begin not later than the first day of the month following 60 days from the date the mortgagee's certificate on the commitment was executed.

(6) Contain a provision stating that the failure of the mortgagor to pay the mortgagor's share of the common expenses or assessments and charges imposed by the corporation as provided in the instruments establishing the cooperative shall be considered a default.

(i) The entire principal amount of the mortgage must have been disbursed to the mortgagor or to his creditors for his account and with his consent.

(j) The mortgage must be executed by a mortgagor who intends to be an occupant of the unit.

(k) The mortgagee shall collect from the mortgagor upon the execution of the mortgage: (1) A sum that will be sufficient to pay the mortgage insurance premium for the period beginning on the date of the closing of the loan and ending on the date of the first monthly payment under the mortgage or (2), where applicable, the one-time mortgage insurance premium payable pursuant to § 203.280.

(l) The mortgagee shall upon application for a mortgage insurance commitment provide true copies of the following organizational documents of the cooperative corporation for examination and approval by the appropriate HUD Field Office:

(1) Certificate of Incorporation;

(2) Regulatory Agreement;

(3) By-Laws as amended;

(4) The financial statements required in paragraph (d)(1) of this section;

(5) Proposed Occupancy Certificate;

(6) Proposed Corporate Certificate;

Provided that one or more of the requirements of this paragraph may be waived by the Secretary if the documents have been approved by the Secretary and the mortgagee submits with the application a statement certified by an officer of the cooperative corporation that no changes have been made in the documents since such approval. [42 FR 40431, Aug. 10, 1977, as amended at 45 FR 29278, May 2, 1980; 45 FR 76377, Nov. 18, 1980; 48 FR 12085, Mar. 23, 1983; 48 FR 28804, June 23, 1983; 49 FR 23584, June 6, 1984; 52 FR 48201, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 53 FR 34282, Sept. 6, 1988; 56 FR 24631, May 30, 1991; 58 FR 41002, July 30, 1993]

§ 203.43d Eligibility of mortgages in certain communities.

Notwithstanding any other requirements of this subpart, a mortgage covering a one- to four-family dwelling occupied by the mortgagor as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)) is eligible for insurance if the following requirements are met:

(a) The property is located in a community where the Secretary determines that:

(1) Temporary adverse economic conditions exist throughout the community as a direct and primary result of outstanding claims to ownership of land in the community by an American Indian tribe, band, or Nation;

(2) Such ownership claims are reasonably likely to be settled, by court action or otherwise;

(3) As a direct result of the community's temporarily impaired economic condition, owners of homes in the community occupied as principal residences (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)) have been involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and have, thus, incurred substantial reductions in income that significantly impair their ability to continue timely payment of their mortgages;

(4) As a result, widespread mortgage foreclosures and distress sales of homes are likely in the community; and

(5) Fifty or more individuals were joined as parties defendant or were members of a defendant class prior to December 31, 1976 in litigation involving claims to ownership of land in the community by an American Indian tribe, band or Nation.

(b) The mortgagor, as a direct result of the community's temporarily impaired economic condition, has been involuntarily unemployed or underemployed and has thus incurred a substantial reduction in income which significantly impairs the owners ability to continue timely payment of the mortgage.

(c) The mortgagee certifies that the security instrument has been recorded and is a good and valid first lien on the property except for the claims specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(d) The mortgagee agrees upon insurance of the mortgage to assign such mortgage to the Secretary within 30 days from the date of the issuance of the insurance certificate and if such assignment does not take place, the contract of insurance is terminated and becomes null and void.

(e) Any individual, organization, institution or governmental agency shall be considered a mortgagee for the purposes of this section.

(f) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 203(o) of the National Housing Act. Such mortgages shall be insured under and be the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund.

(g) The mortgage was executed and filed for record on or before October 12, 1977.

[42 FR 57434, Nov. 2, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990]

§ 203.43e Eligibility of mortgages covering houses in federally impacted areas.

(a) A mortgage executed in connection with the construction, repair, rehabilitation or purchase of property located near any installation of the Armed Forces of the United States in federally impacted areas shall be eligible for insurance pursuant to this part if the Secretary finds the following additional requirements are met;

(1) The benefits to be derived from such use outweigh the risk of probable cost to the Government; and

(2) The Secretary of Defense certifies that there is no intention to curtail substantially the personnel assigned or to be assigned to such installation.

(b) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 238(c) of the National Housing Act. Such mortgages shall be insured under and be the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund.

[42 FR 57434, Nov. 2, 1977]

§ 203.43f Eligibility of mortgages covering manufactured homes.

A mortgage covering a one-family manufactured home (as defined in 24 CFR 3280.2(a)(16)) that meets the requirements of this subpart, except as modified by this section, shall be eligible for insurance pursuant to this subpart.

(a) The manufactured home, when erected on site, shall have floor space area of not less than four hundred square feet and shall have been constructed in conformance with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards as evidenced by a certification label affixed thereto in accordance with 24 CFR 3280.8.

(b) The mortgage shall cover the manufactured home and site, shall constitute a mortgage on a property classified and taxed as real estate, and shall have a term of not more than 30 years from the date of the beginning of amortization.

(c) In the case of a manufactured home which has not been permanently erected on a site for more than one year prior to the date of the application for mortgage insurance:

(i) The manufactured home shall be erected on a site-built permanent foundation that meets or exceeds applicable requirements of the Minimum Property Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 4900.1 (see 24 CFR 200.929(b)(1)) (MPS) and shall be permanently attached thereto by anchoring devices adequate for all loads identified in the MPS. The towing hitch or running gear, which includes axles, brakes, wheels and other parts of the chassis that operate only during transportation, shall have been removed. The finished grade level beneath the manufactured home shall be at or above the 100-year return frequency flood elevation. The site, site improvements, and all other features of the mortgaged property not addressed by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards shall meet or exceed applicable requirements of the MPS.

(ii) The space beneath the manufactured home shall be enclosed by continuous foundation-type construction designed to resist all forces to which it is subject without transmitting forces to the building superstructure. The enclosure shall be adequately secured to the perimeter of the manufactured home and be constructed of materials that conform to MPS requirements for foundations.

(iii) The manufactured home shall have an overall coefficient of heat transmission (“Uo” value) calculated in accordance with the procedures of NFPA 501 BM-1976 (“Mobile Home Heating, Cooling Load Calculations”) that does not exceed the following for all locations within the following climatic zones:

Zone I

.145

Zone II

.099

Zone III 1

.087 NFPA 501 BM-1976 is incorporated by reference and is issued by and available from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.

1 Zone III includes Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

(iv) The manufactured home shall be braced and stiffened before it leaves the factory to resist racking and potential damage during transportation.

(v) The conditions of § 203.18(a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this subpart shall not apply to construction of the manufactured home but shall be applicable to improvement of the site, including construction of the site-built foundation.

(vi) Section 203.14 of this subpart is modified to the extent provided in this paragraph. Applications relating to insurance of mortgages under this paragraph (c) must be accompanied by an agreement in form satisfactory to the Commissioner executed by the seller or builder or such other person as the Commissioner may require agreeing that in the event of any sale or conveyance of the dwelling within a period of one year beginning with the date of initial occupancy, the seller, builder, or such other person will at the time of such sale or conveyance deliver to the purchaser or owner of such property the manufacturer's warranty on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, which shall provide that the manufacturer's warranty is in addition to and not in derogation of all other rights and remedies the purchaser or owner may have, and a warranty in form satisfactory to the Commissioner warranting that the manufactured home, the foundation, positioning and anchoring of the manufactured home to its permanent foundation, and all site improvements are constructed in substantial conformity with the plans and specifications (including amendments thereof or changes and variations therein which have been approved in writing by the Commissioner) on which the Commissioner has based his valuation of the dwelling. The warranty shall also include provisions that the manufactured home sustained no hidden damage during transportation, and if the manufactured home is a double-wide, that the sections were properly joined and sealed. Such agreement must provide that upon the sale or conveyance of the dwelling and delivery of the warranty, the seller, builder or such other person will promptly furnish the Commissioner with a conformed copy of the warranty establishing by the purchaser's receipt thereon that the original warranty has been delivered to the purchaser in accordance with this section.

(d) In the case of a manufactured home which has been permanently erected on a site for more than one year prior to the dae of the application for mortgage insurance:

(i) The manufactured home shall be permanently anchored to and supported by permanent footings and shall have permanently installed utilities that are protected from freezing. The space beneath the manufactured home shall be a properly enclosed crawl space.

(ii) The site, site improvements, and all other features of the mortgaged property not addressed by the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards shall meet or exceed applicable requirements of the Requirements for Existing Housing—One to Four Family Living Units (Handbook 4905.1). The finished grade level beneath the manufactured home shall be at or above the 100-year return frequency flood elevation.

(iii) The manufactured home shall have been occupied only at the location subject to the mortgage sought to be insured.

[48 FR 7735, Feb. 24, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.43g Eligibility of mortgages in certain communities.

(a) A mortgage which meets the requirements of this subpart shall be eligible for insurance without regard to the limitation in this part relating to marketability of title under the following conditions:

(1) The mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)).

(2) The defect or potential defect in title is a direct and primary result of outstanding claims to ownership of land in the community by an American Indian tribe, band, group or Nation.

(3) Fifty or more individual owners were joined as parties defendant or were members of a defendant class before April 1, 1980 in litigation involving claims to ownership of land in the community in which the property is located by an American Indian tribe, band, group or Nation pursuant to a dispute involving the Articles of Confederation, the Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790 or any similar State or Federal law.

(4) Such ownership claims are reasonably likely to be settled by court action or otherwise.

(5) Temporary adverse economic conditions exist throughout the community as a direct and primary result of such claims.

(b) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this subpart as modified by this section shall be the obligation of the Special Risk Insurance Fund.

[49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984, as amended at 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990]

§ 203.43h Eligibility of mortgages on Indian land insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act.

A mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence located on Indian land shall be eligible for insurance pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-13), notwithstanding otherwise applicable requirements related to marketability of title, if the mortgage meets the requirements of this subpart as modified by this section and is made by an Indian Tribe or on a leasehold estate, by an Indian who will occupy it as a principal residence. Mortgage insurance on cooperative shares is not authorized under this section.

(a) Exemptions. (1) The provisions of subparts I, J, and M of part 200, and § 203.30, shall not apply to approval of mortgagors for mortgages insured under this section if the Indian tribe to which the prospective mortgagor belongs is subject to the Indian Civil Rights Act.

(2) In the case of an Indian tribe which is not subject to the Indian Civil Rights Act, the authorities cited in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall apply, but any preference in the tribe's approval of the sale or assumption of a lease and mortgage under this section in favor of an eligible Indian over a non-Indian shall not be considered to be a violation of subpart I, J or M.

(b) Eviction procedures. Before HUD will insure a mortgage on Indian land, the tribe having jurisdiction over such property must certify to the HUD Field Office that it has adopted and will enforce procedures for eviction of defaulted mortgagors where the insured mortgage has been foreclosed.

The mortgage must be on a form which meets the requirements of § 203.17(a)(2). Before HUD will insure any mortgage under this section, the mortgagee must demonstrate that the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior, has approved both the lease and mortgage.

(d) Construction advances. The Commissioner may issue a commitment for the insurance of advances made during construction and a Direct Endorsement mortgagee may request insurance of a mortgage that will involve the insurance of advances made during construction. The Commissioner will insure advances made by the mortgagee during construction if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The mortgage shall be a first lien on the leasehold;

(2) The mortgagor and the mortgagee execute a building loan agreement, approved by the Commissioner, setting forth the terms and conditions under which advances will be made;

(3) The advances are made only as provided in the commitment or the approval by the Direct Endorsement underwriter;

(4) The principal amount of the mortgage is held by the mortgagee in an interest bearing account, trust, or escrow for the benefit of the mortgagor, pending advancement to the mortgagor or to his or her creditors as provided in the loan agreement;

(5) The mortgage shall bear interest on the amount advanced to the mortgagor or to his or her creditors and on the amount held in an account or trust for the benefit of the mortgagor; and

(6) The Secretary had determined that no feasible financing alternative is available.

(e) Assumption or sale of leasehold. The form of lease must contain a provision requiring tribal consent before any assumption of an existing lease, except where title to the leasehold interest is obtained by the Secretary through foreclosure of the insured mortgage. A mortgagee other than the Secretary must obtain tribal consent before obtaining title through a foreclosure sale. Tribal consent must be obtained on any subsequent transfer from the purchaser, including the Secretary, at foreclosure sale. The lease may not be terminated by the lessor without HUD's approval while the mortgage is insured or held by the Secretary.

(f) First lien. The first lien requirement under this part is implemented where the mortgage is filed in the State recording system and is a first lien under that system, even though the leasehold interest securing the mortgage is located on Indian land and filed with Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Any tribal government whose courts have jurisdiction to hear foreclosures must also:

(1) Enact a law satisfactory to the Commissioner providing for the satisfaction of FHA-insured and Secretary-held mortgages before other obligations (other than tribal leasehold taxes against the property assessed after the property is mortgaged) are satisfied; or

(2) Enact a law providing that State law shall determine the priority of liens against the property.

(g) Definitions. As used in this section and elsewhere in this part, the term:

(1) Indian means and individual member of any Indian tribe and that member's family.

(2) Indian land means trust or otherwise restricted land (i) as defined by the Secretary of the Interior, over which an Indian tribe is recognized by the United States as having governmental jurisdiction; (ii) held in trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual or held by any Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation; or (iii) acquired by Alaska natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act or any other land acquired by Alaska natives pursuant to statute by virtue of their unique status as Alaska natives.

(3) Indian tribe means any Indian or Alaska native tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians or Alaskan natives recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians or Alaska natives by the Secretary of the Interior because of its status as such an entity, or that is an eligible recipient under chapter 67 of title 31, United States Code. For purposes of engaging in section 248 insured mortgage transactions under this section, an Indian tribe may act through its duly authorized representative.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0340) [51 FR 21871, June 16, 1986, as amended at 53 FR 34282, Sept. 6, 1988; 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.43i Eligibility of mortgages on Hawaiian Home Lands insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act.

(a) Eligibility. A mortgage on a homestead lease granted by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands covering a one- to four-family residence located on Hawaiian home lands is eligible for insurance pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z-12) if the mortgagor is a native Hawaiian who will occupy it as a principal residence, and if the mortgage meets the requirements of this subpart as modified by this section. Mortgage insurance on cooperative shares under § 203.43c on homes in federally impacted areas under § 203.43e is not authorized under this section.

(b) Exemptions from other regulations. The provisions of subparts I, J, and M of part 200, and § 203.30, to the extent that these provisions would otherwise prohibit preferences in favor of Native Hawaiians in the leasing, sale or other disposition of Hawaiian home lands, do not apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act. The first lien requirement contained in § 203.17 also does not apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act.

(c) Definitions. (1) Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is a Department of the State of Hawaii responsible for management of Hawaiian home lands for the benefit of native Hawaiians.

(2) Hawaiian home lands means all land given the status of Hawaiian home lands under section 204 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, or under the corresponding provisions of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii adopted under section 4 of the Act entitled, “An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union”, approved March 18, 1959.

(3) Native Hawaiian means any descendant of not less than one-half part of the blood of the races inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands before Janaury 1, 1778 (or, in the case of an individual who succeeds a spouse or parent in an interest in a lease of Hawaiian home lands, such lower percentage as may be established for such succession under section 209 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, or under the corresponding provision of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii adopted under section 4 of the Act entitled, “An Act to provide for the admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union”, approved March 18, 1959).

(d) Conditions for insurance. Mortgages will be eligible for insurance under this section, according to the procedures in §§ 203.5, 203.6, or 203.7 (as applicable), only where the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:

(1) Will be a comortgagor;

(2) Guarantees or reimburse the Secretary for any mortgage insurance claim paid in connection with a property on Hawaiian home lands; or

(3) Offers other security acceptable to the Secretary.

(e) Acceptable security. Any agreement by the Secretary to accept alternative security under paragraph (d)(3) of this section must contain provisions designed to ensure that the insurance of mortgages under this section has a neutral impact on the appropriate insurance funds. These provisions may require the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to make an initial deposit of funds with HUD and to maintain additional funds in reserve for subsequent deposits with HUD. The initial and subsequent deposits shall be used to pay obligations incurred by HUD in connection with the insurance of mortgages under this section and any associated costs, including refunds of insurance premiums to mortgagors. If the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands agrees to make deposits in amounts acceptable to HUD, then the Secretary may agree to use a portion of the premiums received for insurance of mortgages under this section solely for payment of such obligations and associated costs.

(f) Recordation. The mortgagee must certify that the mortgage has been recorded with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

(g) Construction advances. Advances made by the mortgagee during construction are eligible for insurance, according to the procedures in §§ 203.5, 203.6, or 203.7 (as applicable), if the Secretary determines that no feasible financing alternative is available and if:

(1) The mortgagor and the mortgagee execute a building loan agreement, approved by the Secretary, setting forth the terms and conditions under which advances will be made;

(2) The advances are made only as provided in the commitment or the approval by the Direct Endorsement or Lender Insurance underwriter;

(3) The principal amount of the mortgage is held by the mortgagee in an interest bearing account, trust, or escrow for the benefit of the mortgagor, pending advancement to the mortgagor or to his or her creditors as provided in the loan agreement; and

(4) The mortgage bears interest on the amount advanced to the mortgagor or to his or her creditors and on the amount held in an account or trust for the benefit of the mortgagor.

(h) Form of lease. The form of lease must be approved by both HUD and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The form of lease must contain a provision requirung that, while the mortgage insurance remains in effect, assumption of the leasehold is restricted to those persons who have certificates issued by the DHHL certifying that they are Native Hawaiians. The lease may not be terminated by DHHL without the approval of the Secretary while the mortgage is insured or held by the Secretary.

(i) Eligibility of mortgagor. In addition to the eligibility requirements contained in this subpart, the mortgagor must produce the following documentation in order to establish his or her eligibility:

(1) A certificate of eligibility issued by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands certifying that the mortgagor is a Native Hawaiian; and

(2) A homestead lease granted to the mortgagor by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0358) [52 FR 8067, Mar. 16, 1987, and 52 FR 28470, July 30, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 53 FR 34282, Sept. 6, 1988; 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996; 62 FR 30226, June 2, 1997]

§ 203.43j Eligibility of mortgages on Allegany Reservation of Seneca Nation of Indians.

A mortgage on a leasehold estate covering a one- to four-family residence located on the Allegany Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians in the State of New York is eligible for insurance if the mortgage meets the requirements of this subpart as modified by this section.

(a) Title. This section applies only to a mortgage which:

(1) Does not meet the requirements of § 203.37;

(2) Is on a leasehold under a lease with a termination date in February 1991, which provides for renewal in accordance with the Act of February 19, 1875 (18 Stat. 330) and the Act of September 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 558).

A mortgage may not be on a leasehold created by a lease which is executed after the effective date of this section as a renewal or replacement of a lease described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. A mortgage may not be secured by any other right of occupancy created in lieu of a leasehold after the effective date of this section by agreement of the Seneca Nation, court order, law or any other means.

(b) Provisions of mortgage. The Secretary will prescribe special mortgage provisions in the form of a mortgage rider in order better to secure the mortgagee, including:

(1) Authorization for the mortgagee to exercise the option of lease renewal if the mortgagor fails to do so, and to recover from the mortgagor authorized expenses incurred to obtain lease renewal; and

(2) Making a mortgagor failure to take steps necessary for less renewal an event of default under the mortgage.

(c) Secretary agreement with mortgagor. The mortgagor must enter into an agreement with the Secretary and such other parties as the Secretary may require regarding actions to be taken to obtain either a renewal of the lease or a new lease.

(d) Certification. The borrower must certify that it has received disclosures, in a form prescribed by the Secretary, explaining the status of the lease and the consequences of nonrenewal. The disclosure shall include a discussion of the fact that a mortgagor who does not obtain a lease renewal and loses the right of occupancy will remain liable for the outstanding balance of the mortgage.

(e) Purchase for principal residence. The mortgagor must be a purchaser who intends to occupy the property as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)), or a current owner-occupant refinancing a mortgage which is now due or which will become due before the lease termination date in February 1991.

(f) Relationship of income to housing expense. For purposes of § 203.33(a), the total prospective housing expense shall include the Secretary's estimate of future lease payments during the term of the mortgage rather than lease payments in effect at the time of application.

(g) Suspension of commitments. The Secretary may suspend the issuance of commitments to insure mortgages under this section, for the entire period during which commitments could otherwise be issued for insurance under this section (i.e., through February 18, 1991) or for such lesser period as the Secretary may specify, by providing thirty days notice of suspension in the Federal Register. Regardless of its duration, a suspension to be imposed prior to February 19, 1990, will be based on a determination by the Secretary that, for mortgages insured during a specified period, the rate of monetary defaults (as measured by 90 day delinquencies) for mortgages insured under this section exceeds the rate of such monetary defaults for all insured mortgages on one- to four-family properties in the State of New York. A suspension to be imposed after February 18, 1990, will be based on a consideration by the Secretary of the probable costs to the Special Risk Insurance Fund of further commitments to insure under this section, as measured by such factors as the current and projected rate and amount of claims payments, together with other significant current and projected costs as determined by the Secretary, including a review of the actual and projected monetary default rate (as measured by 90 day delinquencies) and the actual and projected rate of lease renewal through negotiation and arbitration.

[52 FR 48201, Dec. 21, 1987, and 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 32970-32971, Aug. 11, 1989; 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990]

§ 203.44 Eligibility of advances.

Mortgagees may not make open-end advances under section 225 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715p) in connection with the mortgages insured under this chapter.

[61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.45 Eligibility of graduated payment mortgages.

A mortgage containing provisions for varying rates of amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income shall be eligible for insurance under this subpart subject to compliance with the additional requirements of this section.

(a) The mortgage may provide that any interest which accrues and which is unpaid pursuant to a financing plan approved by the Secretary, shall be added to the principal obligation of the mortgage.

(b) The mortgage shall bear interest at the rate agreed upon by the mortgagee and the mortgagor.

(1) The limits prescribed by §§ 203.18, 203.18a, and 203.29; or,

(2) An amount which, when added to all accrued mortgage interest which will be unpaid under a financing plan approved by the Secretary, shall not exceed 97 percent of the appraised value of the property covered by the mortgage as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance. However, if the mortgagor is a veteran, the mortgage amount, when added to all accrued mortgage interest which will be unpaid under a financing plan approved by the Secretary, shall not exceed the applicable limits prescribed for veterans in § 203.18(a).

(d) The mortgage must contain complete amortization provisions satisfactory to the Secretary requiring monthly payments by the mortgagor not in excess of his reasonable ability to pay as determined by the Secretary. The sum of the payments to principal and/or interest may increase annually for a period of five years at a rate of 21/2 percent, 5 percent or 71/2 percent or for a period of ten years at a rate of 2 percent or 3 percent. Any required increase in payments shall occur on the anniversary date of the beginning of amortization. On the termination of the period of annual increases of payments, the sum of the payments to principal and interest in each month shall be substantially the same.

(e) The mortgagee shall fully explain to the mortgagor the nature of the obligation undertaken and the mortgagor shall certify that he or she fully understands the obligation.

(f) Sections 203.21 and 203.44 shall not apply to this section.

(g) This section applies only to mortgagors who are to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)). It does not apply to a mortgage that meets the requirements of §§ 203.18(a)(4), 203.18 (c) through (e), 203.43, 203.43a, 203.43j, or 203.49.

(h) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 245 of the National Housing Act.

[41 FR 42949, Sept. 29, 1976, as amended at 45 FR 33966, May 21, 1980; 45 FR 56341, Aug. 24, 1980; 49 FR 19453, 19458, May 8, 1984; 49 FR 23584, June 6, 1984; 52 FR 48201, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993]

§ 203.47 Eligibility of growing equity mortgages.

A mortgage containing provisions for accelerated amortization corresponding to anticipated variations in family income shall be eligible for insurance under this subpart, subject to compliance with the additional requirements of this section.

(a) The mortgage must contain complete amortization provisions, satisfactory to the Secretary, requiring monthly payments by the mortgagor not in excess of the mortgagor's reasonable ability to pay, as determined by the Secretary.

(b) The mortgage must contain a provision setting forth the payments required for principal and interest in each year of the mortgage.

(c) The monthly payments for principal and interest for the initial year, or such other initial period as the commissioner may approve, shall be determined on the basis of a 30-year level payment amortization schedule. Subsequent monthly payments for principal and interest may increase annually, biennially or at such other interval that is greater than one year, as the Commissioner may approve. The subsequent periodic increases may be up to five percent above the payments for principal and interest for the previous period.

(d) No later than at the time that a loan application is offered to a prospective mortgagor, the mortgagee shall explain fully to the mortgagor the nature of the obligation undertaken and the mortgagor shall certify that he or she fully understands the obligation.

(e) The mortgage amount shall not exceed the limits prescribed by § 203.18, 203.18a, or 203.29.

(f) Sections 203.21 and 203.44 shall not apply to this section.

(g) This section shall not apply to a mortgage which meets the requirements of § 203.43, § 203.43a, or § 203.49.

(h) Mortgages complying with the requirements of this section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 245(a) of the National Housing Act.

[49 FR 19453, May 8, 1984, as amended at 49 FR 23584, June 6, 1984; 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993]

§ 203.49 Eligibility of adjustable rate mortgages.

A mortgage containing the provisions for periodic adjustments by the mortgagee in the effective rate of interest charged shall be eligible for insurance under this subpart subject to compliance with the additional requirements of this section. This section shall apply only to mortgage loans described under sections 203(b), 203(h) and 203(k) of the National Housing Act.

(a) Interest-rate index. Changes in the interest rate charged on an adjustable rate mortgage must correspond to changes in the weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury Securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each change in the mortgage interest rate must correspond to the upward and downward change in the index.

(b) Amortization provisions. The mortgage must contain amortization provisions satisfactory to the Secretary, allowing for periodic adjustments in the rate of interest charged corresponding to changes in the interest rate index.

(c) Frequency of interest rate changes. Interest rate adjustments must occur on an annual basis, except that the first adjustment may occur no sooner than 12 months nor later than 18 months from the date of the mortgagor's first debt service payment. To set the new interest rate, the mortgagee will determine the change between the initial (i.e., base) index figure and the current index figure, or will add a specified margin to the current index figure. The initial index figure shall be the most recent figure available before the date of mortgage loan origination. The current index figure shall be the most recent index figure available 30 days before the date of each interest rate adjustment.

(d) Method of rate changes. Interest rate changes may only be implemented through adjustments to the mortgagor's monthly payments.

(e) Magnitude of changes. The adjustable rate mortgage initial contract interest rate shall be agreed upon by the mortgagee and the mortgagor. Subsequent adjustments to this interest rate shall correspond to annual changes in the interest rate index, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(1) No single adjustment to the interest rate may result in a change in either direction of more than one percentage point from the interest rate in effect for the period immediately preceding that adjustment. Index changes in excess of one percentage point may not be carried over for inclusion in an adjustment in a subsequent year. Adjustments in the effective rate of interest over the entire term of the mortgage may not result in a change in either direction of more than five percentage points from the initial contract interest rate.

(2) At each adjustment date, changes in the index interest rate, whether increases or decreases, must be translated into the adjusted mortgage interest rate, except that the mortgage may provide for minimum interest rate change limitations and for minimum increments of interest rate changes.

(f) Pre-loan disclosure. The mortgagee shall explain fully and in writing to the mortgagor, no later than on the date upon which the mortgagee provides the (prospective) mortgagor with a loan application, the nature of the obligation taken. The mortgagor shall certify that he or she fully understands the obligation. Such mortgagee disclosure must include the following items:

(1) The fact that the mortgage interest rate may change, and an explanation of how changes correspond to changes in the interest rate index;

(2) Identification of the interest rate index, its source of publication and availability;

(3) The frequency (i.e., annually) with which interest rate levels and monthly payments will be adjusted, and the length of the interval that will precede the initial adjustment;

(4) A hypothetical monthly payment schedule that displays the maximum potential increases in monthly payments to the mortgagor over the first five years of the mortgage, subject to the provisions of the mortgage instrument.

(g) Annual disclosure. At least 25 days before any adjustment to a mortgagor's monthly payment may occur, the mortgagee must advise the mortgagor of the new mortgage interest rate, the amount of the new monthly payment, the current index interest rate value, and how the payment adjustment was calculated.

(h) Cross-reference. Sections 203.21 (level payment amortization provisions) and 203.44 (open-end advances) do not apply to this section. This section does not apply to a mortgage that meets the requirements of §§ 203.18(a)(4) (mortgagors of secondary residences), 203.18(c) (eligible non-occupant mortgagors), 203.18(d) (outlying area properties), 203.18(e) (disaster victims), 203.43 (miscellaneous type mortgages), 203.43c (mortgages involving a dwelling unit in a cooperative housing development), 203.43d (mortgages in certain communities), 203.43e (mortgages covering houses in federally impacted areas), 203.45 (graduated payment mortgages), and 203.47 (growing equity mortgages).

(i) Aggregate amount of mortgages insured. The aggregate number of mortgages insured pursaunt to this section and § 234.79 of this chapter in any fiscal year may not exceed 30 percent of the aggregate number of mortgages and loans insured by the Commissioner under title II of the Act during the preceding fiscal year.

(j) Insurance authority. Mortgages complying with the requirements ofthis section shall be insured under this subpart pursuant to section 251 of the National Housing Act.

[49 FR 23584, June 6, 1984, as amended at 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 54 FR 111, Jan. 4, 1989; 55 FR 34805, Aug. 24, 1990; 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.50 Eligibility of rehabilitation loans.

A rehabilitation loan which meets the requirements of this subpart, except as modified by this section, shall be eligible for insurance under section 203(k) of the National Housing Act.

(a) For the purpose of this section:

(1) The term rehabilitation loan means a loan, advance of credit, or purchase of an obligation representing a loan or advancement of credit, made for the purpose of financing:

(i) The rehabilitation of an existing one-to-four unit structure which will be used primarily for residential purposes;

(ii) The rehabilitation of such a structure and refinancing of the outstanding indebtedness on such structure and the real property on which the structure is located; or

(iii) The rehabilitation of such a structure and the purchase of the structure and the real property on which it is located; and

(2) The term ‘rehabilitation’ means the improvement (including improvements designed to meet cost-effective energy conservation standards prescribed by the Secretary and improvements for accessibility to the handicapped) or repair of a structure, or facilities in connection with a structure, and may include the provision of such sanitary or other facilities as are required by applicable codes, a community development plan, or a statewide property insurance plan to be provided by the owner or tenant of the project.

(b) The provisions of § 203.18 (except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (f) (1) and (2) of this section) and § 203.43c shall not apply to loans insured under this section.

(c) The loan shall cover a dwelling which was completed more than one year preceding the date of the application for mortgage insurance and which was approved for mortgage insurance prior to the beginning of rehabilitation.

(d)(1) The buildings on the mortgaged property must, upon completion of rehabilitation, conform with standards prescribed by the Secretary.

(2) Improvements or repairs made under this section must be designed to meet cost-effective energy conservation standards prescribed by the Secretary.

(e) The loan transaction shall be an acceptable risk as determined by the Commissioner.

(f) The loan may not exceed an amount which, when added to any outstanding indebtedness of the borrower that is secured by the property, creates an outstanding indebtedness in excess of the lesser of:

(1)(i) The limits prescribed in §§ 203.18(a) (1) and (3) (in the case of a dwelling to be occupied as a principal residence, as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)); (ii) the limits prescribed in §§ 203.18(a) (1) and (4) (in the case of a dwelling to be occupied as a secondary residence, as defined in § 203.18(f)(2)); (iii) 85 percent of the limits prescribed in § 203.18(c), or such higher limit, not to exceed the limits set forth in §§ 203.18(a) (1) and (3), as the Secretary may prescribe (in the case of an eligible non-occupant mortgagor as defined in § 203.18(f)(3)); (iv) the limits prescribed in § 203.18a, based upon the sum of the estimated cost of rehabilitation and the Commissioner's estimate of the value of the property before rehabilitation; or

(2) The limits prescribed in the authorities listed in this paragraph (f), based upon 110 percent of the Commissioner's estimate of the value of the property after rehabilitation.

(g) The loan limitation prescribed by paragraph (f)(2) of this section shall not be applicable where a unit of local government demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that:

(1) The property is located within an area which is subject to a community sponsored program of concentrated redevelopment or revitalization, and,

(2) The loan limitation prescribed by paragraph (f)(2) of this section, prevents the utilization of the program to accomplish rehabilitation in the subject area, and,

(3) The interests of the mortgagor and the Commissioner are adequately protected.

(h) Insurance may be available for advances made during rehabilitation or upon completion of rehabilitation, according to the procedures in § 203.5, 203.6, or 203.7 (as applicable).

(i) Rehabilitation loans which do not involve the insurance of advances, the refinancing of outstanding indebtedness or the purchase of the property need not be a first lien on the property but shall not be junior to any lien other than a first mortgage. The provisions of §§ 203.15, 203.19, 203.23, 203.24, 203.26, and 203.43j shall not be applicable to such loans.

(j) The Commissioner may insure advances made by the mortgagee during rehabilitation if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The mortgage shall be a first lien on the property.

(2) The mortgagor and the mortgagee shall execute a rehabilitation loan agreement, approved by the Commissioner, setting forth the terms and conditions under which advances will be made.

(3) The advances shall be made as provided in the reliabilitation loan agreement.

(4) The principal amount of the mortgage shall be held by the mortgagee in an interest bearing account, trust, or escrow for the benefit of the mortgagor pending advancement to the mortgagor or his creditors as provided in the rehabilitation loan agreement.

(5) The loan shall bear interest at the rate prescribed in § 203.20 on the amount advanced to the mortgagor or its creditors, and the amount held in an account or trust for the benefit of the mortgagor.

(6) If paragraph (k) of this section applies, the rehabilitation loan agreement shall restrict advancement to the mortgagor, or to creditors other than the mortgagee, so that any loan proceeds in excess of the 85 percent set forth in paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section shall not be advanced until the property is sold to a purchaser described in paragraph (k)(2) of this section.

(k) In the case of a dwelling (1) to be occupied neither as a principal residence nor as a secondary residence and (2) where the loan is approved for a limit higher than the 85 percent set forth in paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section, the eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as defined in § 203.18(f)(3)) shall certify to the Commissioner that:

(1) The mortgagor will not rent (except for a rental term of not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days), sell (except where the insured mortgage is paid in full as an incident of the sale), or occupy the property before a due date approved by the Commissioner, except with the prior written approval of the Commissioner;

(2) The mortgagor agrees that, if the property is not sold before a due date approved by the Commissioner to a purchaser, acceptable to the Commissioner, who will occupy the property, assume personal liability, and agree to pay the mortgage indebtedness, any amount held in escrow, trust, or special account under paragraph (j) of this section will be applied in reduction of the outstanding principal amount of the mortgage as of the due date approved by the Commissioner;

(3) The mortgagee agrees that any portion of the fund held in escrow, trust, or special account, not applied to the mortgage in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph (k), shall be deducted from the amount of the insurance benefits to which the mortgagee would otherwise be entitled if a claim for insurance benefits is filed.

[45 FR 33966, May 21, 1980, as amended at 45 FR 76378, Nov. 18, 1980; 50 FR 19926, May 13, 1985; 52 FR 48201, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 8881, Mar. 18, 1988; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 55 FR 34806, Aug. 24, 1990; 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993; 59 FR 13882, Mar. 24, 1994; 62 FR 30226, June 2, 1997]

§ 203.51 Applicability.

The provisions of §§ 203.18 (a), (c), (d), (e)(1), and (f); § 203.29(c); § 203.31; § 203.43(c); 203.43(k); § 203.43c(g); § 203.43d(a), § 203.43g(a)(1); § 203.43j(e); § 203.45(g); § 203.49(h); § 203.50(f); and § 203.50(k) of this subpart apply to mortgages insured:

(1) Pursuant to a conditional commitment or master conditional commitment issued on or after September 24, 1990; or

(2) In accordance with the Direct Endorsement program, if the underwriter of the mortgagee signs the appraisal report or master appraisal report for the property on or after September 24, 1990; or

(3) Pursuant to a certificate of reasonable value or master certificate of reasonable value issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs on or after September 24, 1990.

[55 FR 34806, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 58347, Dec. 9, 1992; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.52 Acceptance of individual residential water purification equipment.

If a property otherwise eligible for insurance under this part does not have access to a continuing supply of safe and potable water without the use of a water purification system, the requirements of this section must be complied with as a condition to acceptance of the mortgage for insurance. The mortgagee must provide appropriate documentation with the submission for insurance endorsement to address each of the requirements of this section.

(a) Equipment. Water purification equipment must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory acceptable to the local or state health authority.

(b) Certification by local (or state) health authority. A local (or state) health authority certification must be submitted to HUD which certifies that:

(1) A point-of-entry or point-of-use water purification system is currently in operation on the property. If the system in operation employs point-of-use equipment, the purification system must be employed on each water supply source (faucet) serving the property. Where point-of-entry systems are used, separate water supply systems carrying untreated water for flushing toilets may be constructed.

(2) The system is sufficient to assure an uninterrupted supply of safe and potable water adequate to meet household needs.

(3) The water supply, when treated by the equipment, meets the requirements of the local (or state) health authority, and has been determined to meet local or state quality standards for drinking water. If neither state nor local standards are applicable, then quality shall be determined in accordance with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act. (EPA standards are prescribed in the National Primary Drinking Water requirements, 40 CFR parts 141 and 142.)

(4) There exists a Plan providing for the monitoring, servicing, maintenance, and replacement of the water equipment, which Plan meets the requirements of paragaph (f) of this section.

(c) Mortgagor notice and certification. (1) The prospective mortgagor must have received written notification, before the mortgagor signed a sales contract, that the property has a hazardous water supply that requires treatment in order to remain safe and acceptable for human consumption. The notification to the mortgagor must identify specific contaminants in the water supply serving the property, and the related health hazard arising from the presence of those contaminants.

(2) The mortgagor must have received, with the notification described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, a written good faith estimate of the maintenance and replacement costs of the equipment necessary to assure continuing safe drinking water.

(3) A copy of the notification statement (including cost estimates), dated before the date of the sales contract, and signed by the prospective mortgagor to acknowledge its receipt, must accompany the submission for insurance endorsement. If a sales contract is signed in advance of the disclosure required by this paragraph, another sales contract must be executed after the information is provided to the prospective mortgagor and he or she has acknowledged receipt of the disclosure.

(4) The prospective mortgagor must sign a certification, substantially in the form set out in this paragraph (c)(4), at the time the application for mortgage credit approval is signed. This certification must be submitted to HUD:

Mortgagor's Certificate. I hereby acknowledge and understand that the home I am purchasing has a water purification system which I am responsible for maintaining.

I undertstand that the individual water supply is unsafe for consumption unless the system is operating properly. I am aware that if I do not properly maintain the system, the water supply will not be purified or treated properly, thereby rendering the water supply unsafe for consumption.

I also understand that the Department of Housing and Urban Development does not warrant the condition of the property, will not give me any money for repairs to the water purification system, and has relied upon the local (or state) health authority to assure that the water supply, when processed by properly maintained equipment, is acceptable for human use and consumption.

[Mortgagor's signature and date]

(d) Service contract. Before mortgage closing, the mortgagor must enter into a service contract with an organization or individual specifically approved by the local (or state) health authority to carry out the provisions of the required Plan for servicing, maintenance, repair and replacement of the water purification equipment. A copy of the signed service contract must be provided to HUD.

(e) Escrow for maintenance and replacement. The mortgagee must establish and maintain an escrow account which provides for the accumulation of funds paid with the mortgagor's monthly mortgage payment adequate to assure proper servicing, maintenance, repair and replacement of the water purification equipment. The amount to be collected and escrowed by the mortgagee shall be based upon information provided by the manufacturer for the maintenance and replacement of the water purification equipment and for other charges anticipated by the service contractor. The initial monthly escrow amount shall be stated in the Plan. Disbursements from the account will be limited to costs associated with the normal servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement of the water purification equipment. Disbursements may only be made to the service contractor or its successor, to equipment suppliers, to the local (or state) health authority for the performance of testing or other required services, or to another entity approved by the health authority. So long as water purification remains necessary and the mortgage is insured by HUD, the mortgagee must maintain the escrow account.

(f) Approved Plan. A Plan, in the form of a contract entered into by the mortgagor and mortgagee and approved by the local (or state) health authority, must set out conditions that must be met by the parties as a condition to insurance of the mortgage by HUD. To be approved by the health authority:

(1) The Plan must set forth the respective responsibilities to be assumed by the mortgagor and the mortgagee, as well as the other entities who will implement the Plan, i.e., the health authority and the service contractor. In particular:

(i) The Plan must set out the responsibilities of the health authority for monitoring and enforcing performance of the service contractor, including any successor contractor that the health authority may later have occasion to name. By its approval of the Plan, the health authority documents its acceptance of these responsibilities, and the Plan should so indicate;

(ii) The Plan must provide for the monitoring of the operation of the water purification equipment, as well as for servicing (including disinfecting), and for repairing and replacing the system, as frequently as necessary, taking into consideration the system's design, anticipated use, and the type and level of contaminants present. Installation, servicing, repair and replacement of the water purification system must be performed by an individual or organization approved for the purpose by the local (or state) health authority and identified in the Plan. In meeting the requirements of paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, the Plan may incorporate by reference specific terms and conditions of the service contract required under paragraph (d) of this section.

(iii) Under the Plan, responsibility for monitoring the performance of the service contractor and for assuring that the water purification system is properly serviced, repaired, and replaced rests with the local (or state) health authority that has given its approval to the Plan. The Plan must confer on the health authority all powers necessary to effect compliance by the service contractor. The health authority's powers shall include the authority to notify the mortgagor of any noncompliance by the service contractor. The plan must provide that, upon any notification of noncompliance received from the health authority, the mortgagor shall have the right to discharge the service contractor for cause and to appoint a successor organization or individual as service contractor; and

(iv) The Plan must provide for the mortgagor to make periodic escrow payments necessary for the servicing, maintenance, repair and replacement of the water purification system, and for the mortgagee to disburse funds from the escrow account as required, to the appropriate party or parties.

(2) The Plan must provide that if the dwelling served by the water purification system is refinanced, or is sold or otherwise transferred with a HUD-insured mortgage, the Plan will:

(i) Continue in full force and effect;

(ii) Impose an obligation on the mortgagor to notify any subsequent purchaser or transferee of the necessity for the water purification system and for its proper maintenance, and of the obligation to make escrow payments; and

(iii) Require the mortgagor to furnish the purchaser with a copy of the Plan, before any sales contract is signed.

(g) Periodic analysis. Any Plan developed in accordance with this section must provide that an analysis of the water supply shall be obtained from the local (or state) health authority no less frequently than annually, but more frequently, if determined at any time to be necessary by the health authority or by the service contractor.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0474) [57 FR 9609, Mar. 19, 1992; 57 FR 27927, June 23, 1992]

Insured Ten-Year Protection Plans (Plan) Source:

Sections 203.200-203.209 issued at 55 FR 41021, Oct. 5, 1990, unless otherwise noted.

Effective Date Note:

At 64 FR 14574, Mar. 25, 1999, §§ 203.200-203.209 were removed, effective Apr. 27, 1999.

§ 203.200 Definitions.

As used in § 203.201 through § 203.209, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

Coverage contract means a warranty certificate, insurance policy, or other document of similar purpose (including any endorsements), delivered to the homeowner at the time of closing or settlement which is issued by a State, a builder, a warranty company, or an insurance company and which defines the terms and conditions under which a Plan will provide warranty coverage of the covered property.

Construction deficiencies are defects (not of a structural nature) in a dwelling covered by an insured ten-year protection plan that are attributable to poor workmanship or to the use of inferior materials which result in the impaired functioning of the dwelling or some part thereof. Defects resulting from homeowner abuse or from normal wear and tear are not considered construction deficiencies.

Insurance backing (or insurance backer) means the direct insurance or reinsurance of potential Plan obligations by one or more insurance companies.

Insured ten-year protection plan or Plan means an agreement between a homeowner and a Plan issuer which, among other things, contains warranties regarding the construction and structural integrity of the homeowner's one- to four-family dwelling covered by an FHA-insured mortgage. A Plan issuer may be a State, an insurance company, a warranty company, a Risk Retention Group as defined in 15 U.S.C. 3901a(4)(A)-(H) (Supp. IV 1986), a builder, or by any other HUD-approved entity with the required insurance backing. A Plan must specify in its coverage contract the obligations and duties of the Plan issuer to the homeowner (or to the homeowner's successor in interest) with respect to the warranties covering the dwelling.

Plumbing means all components of piped on-site gas, fluid, or fluid-based systems that are not separately covered by manufacturers’ warranties, and includes any on-site water supply or sewage disposal systems.

State includes the several States, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.

Structural defect is actual physical damage to the designated load-bearing portions of a home caused by failure of such load-bearing portions that affects their load-bearing functions to the extent that the home becomes unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unlivable. Load-bearing components for the purpose of defining structural defects are defined as follows: Footing and foundation systems; beams; girders; lintels; columns; load-bearing walls and partitions; roof framing systems; and floor systems, including basement slabs in homes constructed in designated areas (see § 203.207) containing expansive or collapsible soils. Damage to the following nonload-bearing portions of the home is not considered a structural defect: Roofing; drywall and plaster; exterior siding; brick, stone, or stucco veneer; floor covering material; wall tile and other wall coverings; nonload-bearing walls and partitions; concrete floors in attached garages; electrical; plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilation systems; appliances, fixtures and items of equipment; paint; doors and windows; trim, cabinets, hardware, and insulation. Repair of a structural defect is limited to:

(1) The repair of damage to designated load-bearing portions of the home which is necessary to restore their load-bearing ability;

(2) The repair of designated non-load-bearing portions, items or systems of the home, damaged by the structural defect, which make the home unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unlivable (such as the repair of inoperable windows, doors and the restoration of functionality of damaged electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems); and

(3) The repair and cosmetic correction of only those surfaces, finishes and coverings, original with the home, damaged by the structural defect, or which require removal and replacement attendant to repair of the structural defect, or to repair other damage directly attributable to the structural defect. It is the intent of this section to ensure the repair of a covered home to a condition approximately the condition just prior to the defect, not to a like new condition. It does not require refinishing of all interior or exterior surfaces if only one or two surfaces are damaged. It does not cover personal property items, not a part of the structure, which are damaged by the defect or as a result of the defect. It excludes damage covered by a homeowner's casualty insurance policy.

Warranty company is an insurance company or other entity that provides insurance backing for an insured ten-year protection plan which, if the Plan issuer fails to meet its obligations to a covered homeowner, will assume the obligations and perform in accordance with the Plan's coverage contract with the homeowner.

§ 203.201 Scope.

Effective August 6, 1991, the provisions and requirements set forth in § 203.202 through § 203.209 apply to one- to four-family dwellings covered by HUD mortgage insurance (including family units in a condominium where the units are insured under subpart A of part 234 of this chapter).

§ 203.202 Plan acceptability and acceptance renewal criteria—general.

(a) For a Plan to be acceptable to HUD, it must assure that:

(1) If a builder, for any reason, fails to correct structural defects or construction deficiencies in a property covered by an insured 10-year protection Plan during the term of any warranty offered by the builder on the property, the Plan issuer will effect the corrections in accordance with the terms of the Plan; and

(2) If a Plan issuer, for any reason, fails to effect correction of these deficiencies or defects, or otherwise fails to honor the terms of its coverage, its insurance backer or, if the Plan issuer is an insurance company, the insurance company itself, will effect the corrections or otherwise honor the terms of the Plan.

(b) In evaluating applications for renewal of Plan acceptance, HUD will take into consideration such reliable evidence as is made available to the Department of a Plan issuer's failure to fulfill its obligations. Where HUD has credible evidence of a Plan issuer's failure to correct covered homeowner problems, or there are justifiable homeowner complaints about untimely problem resolution by a Plan issuer, HUD will consider this as cause for termination of a Plan's acceptance and as grounds for initiation of sanctions against a Plan issuer or insurance backer in accordance with 24 CFR part 24. If HUD proposes to terminate a Plan's acceptance, the issuer of the Plan will be advised of the reason therefor, and the procedural safeguards of 24 CFR part 24 will apply.

(c) Unless renewed, Plan acceptance by HUD expires automatically on the second anniversary date of acceptance. The Plan issuer must apply for acceptance renewal at least two months, but no more than three months, in advance of expiration to avoid automatic acceptance termination. Prior acceptance of a Plan will be continued beyond the date of automatic acceptance termination only by a written notification to the Plan issuer and only if the delay is caused by a lack of timely HUD processing of a renewal application. HUD will not extend the expiration date of a prior Plan acceptance if the Plan issuer has negligently provided incomplete information with its renewal application.

(d) After a Plan has been accepted by HUD, there shall be no change in, or modification to, its provisions, or in its insurance backers or insurance contract(s), without prior written HUD acceptance of such change or modification, except that changes mandated by other applicable laws may not require HUD's prior approval. A violation of this condition may be cause for termination of a Plan's acceptance, and may be grounds for initiation of sanctions against the Plan issuer in accordance with 24 CFR part 24. Insofar as practicable, HUD will respond to a Plan issuer's request for acceptance of a change within 30 days of receipt of the request. Plan acceptance by HUD will be for a two-year period.

(e) Requests for initial HUD acceptance or renewal of acceptance of a Plan should be made to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Single Family Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. Requests must be accompanied by information and documentation evidencing Plan compliance with § 203.204. Acceptability of Plans will be determined by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Single Family Housing who will notify applicants of his or her determination. If a Plan is rejected, the applicant will be advised of the reason for rejection. The applicant may appeal the rejection to the Assistant Secretary for Housing, at the above address, stating specifically why the Plan should be approved. The Assistant Secretary (whose decision is final) will, within a reasonable time, advise the applicant whether the rejection will be upheld or reversed. Each HUD field office will be advised of Plans determined to be acceptable, or Plans that have been rejected.

(f) Existing Plans will be allowed a grace period of 9 months commencing from November 6, 1990 to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the provisions and requirements of § 203.200 to § 203.209.

(g) Each Plan issuer must submit a written certification addressed to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Single Family Housing, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410, no later than three weeks before the anniversary date of the Plan's acceptance by HUD, that the insurance company backing its Plan is still an insurance carrier approved by the State insurance commission (or the equivalent entity) in each jurisdiction in which the Plan is offered, or is still a Risk Retention Group meeting the criteria of § 203.208 of this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0343)

§ 203.203 Issuance and nature of insured 10-year protection plans.

(a) Plans may be issued:

(1) By a builder, warranty company, insurance company, or Risk Retention Group (see 15 U.S.C. 3901a(4)(A)-(H) (Supp. IV 1986); or

(2) By a State that guarantees the builder's performance and the State's continuing financial backing throughout the Plan's coverage period.

(b) All Plans must have insurance backing unless backed by the full faith and credit of a State.

(c)(1) Plans backed by the full faith and credit of a State must be in compliance with § 203.200 through § 203.202, § 203.204 through § 203.206, and § 203.209 to be acceptable to HUD. HUD will evaluate these Plans to ensure their compliance with these sections.

(2) HUD will not accept Plans backed by a State agency or a State insurance guaranty fund unless HUD is assured that the full faith and credit of the State is pledged to satisfy any and all obligations of the State agency or guaranty fund that may arise in connection with its financial backing of a Plan.

(d) The functions of a Plan issuer and an insurance backer may be performed by a single corporate entity.

§ 203.204 Requirements and limitations of a plan.

In addition to complying with the criteria set out in § 203.202 and § 203.205, for a Plan to be acceptable to HUD, it must meet the following requirements:

(a) A Plan must assure timely resolution of homeowners’ complaints or claims covered under § 203.205. Warranties set forth in a Plan must comply with section 2301(a)(1)-(13) of the Magnuson-Mass Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act (15 U.S.C. 2301-2312) along with the requirements and criteria set out in this section.

(b) The entire cost to the homeowner for Plan coverage must be prepaid by the builder, or the Plan issuer must give irrevocable coverage, at the time of settlement. In the case of optional coverage beyond the coverage required under § 203.205, the cost for the optional coverage may be paid by either the builder or the homeowner.

(d) Issued Plan coverage must be noncancellable by a Plan issuer or by its insurance backer(s).

(e) Exclusions from Plan coverage must not defeat coverage objectives stated in § 203.202 and § 203.205 and must permit normal homeowner use of the covered property, including normal maintenance and emergency property protection measures.

(f) Unless prohibited by applicable law, Plans must, at a minimum, stipulate that all homeowner complaints covered by a Plan, including those regarding construction deficiencies and structural defects claims, will be settled in the amount of their actual cost to correct or for the original sales price of the property, whichever is the lesser, subject to a deductible not to exceed a total of $250 for all claims filed by a homeowner during the first two years of coverage and not to exceed a maximum of $250 per claim during the third through the tenth year of coverage.

(1) In the case of claims filed by a condominium association, the deductible is limited to $250.00 per claim for each affected unit in the structure, not to exceed a maximum of $5,000.00 where the claim relates to the same event that affected several units. Recurrent claims for structural defects occasioned by a common cause shall be subject to the payment of no more than one deductible. In addition, a Plan covering a condominium must provide the condominium association with an additional warranty that allows for claims by homeowners involving the common elements of the building.

(2) A homeowner shall be liable for a deductible only if a builder defaults on warranty performance and the Plan issuer has to make the covered corrections. When the builder performs corrections under the builder's warranty, no deductible that may be included in the Plan is applicable.

(g) In the event of any dispute regarding a homeowner complaint or structural defect claim, Plans must, unless prohibited by applicable law, provide for binding arbitration proceedings arranged through a nationally recognized dispute settlement organization. The sharing of arbitration charges shall be as determined by the Plan. A Plan must contain pre-arbitration conciliation provisions at no cost to the homeowner, and provision for judicial resolution of disputes, but arbitration, which must be available to a homeowner during the entire term of the coverage contract, must be an assured recourse for a dissatisfied homeowner.

(h) Where a State has a home protection act or other statutes or regulations that require its approval of Plans, a Plan issuer must demonstrate such approval to HUD as an additional prerequisite to HUD acceptance.

(i) A Plan issuer must provide homeowners an executed coverage contract clearly describing—

(1) The identity of the property covered;

(2) The time at which coverage begins;

(3) The maximum amount of Plan liability;

(4) Noncancellability of the coverage contract by the Plan or its insurance backers;

(5) No-cost transferability of unexpired coverage to successors in title;

(6) The property coverage provided;

(7) Any exclusions from coverage;

(8) Performance standards for resolving homeowner complaints and claims (if standards for complaint and claim adjustment are promulgated as part of a Plan);

(9) Dispute settlement procedures;

(10) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Plan issuer and its insurance backers; and

(11) When, to whom, under what conditions, and to what address homeowners should submit any construction deficiency complaints or structural defects claims.

(j) Plans will not be required to warrant that a covered property complies with:

(1) Original dwelling plans and specifications;

(2) Applicable building codes; or

(3) Specific terms of a homeowner's contract to purchase a property.

[55 FR 41021, Oct. 5, 1990, as amended at 61 FR 36264, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.205 Plan coverage.

(a) Plan coverage must take effect at closing or settlement following the initial sale of the property to the homeowner.

(b) During the first year of coverage, a Plan must provide for a warranty against defects in workmanship and materials resulting from the failure of the covered property to comply with standards of quality as measured by acceptable trade practices, as well as correct the problems with, or restore the reliable function of, appliances and equipment damaged during installation or improperly installed by the builder. The plan must also cover structural defects as defined in § 203.200.

(c) During the first and second year of coverage, a Plan must provide a warranty against defects in the wiring, piping and ductwork in the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, ventilating, and mechanical systems.

(d) Basement slabs in designated areas must be covered by a warranty in the Plan against damage from the first through the fourth year.

(e) From the first through the tenth year, structural defect (as defined in § 203.200), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, must be covered by a warranty in the Plan.

(f) A Plan must provide insurance coverage for builder default on any warranty obligation.

The coverage described in paragraph (b) through (f) of this section is the minimum level of coverage that HUD will find acceptable in a Plan.

§ 203.206 Housing performance standards or criteria.

A Plan may contain housing performance standards or criteria for resolution of homeowner claims or complaints that are fair, reasonable, and consistent with the intent of the Plan, including Plan coverage under § 203.205. If a Plan contains such criteria or standards, they must be acceptable to the Secretary.

§ 203.207 Designated area.

The Secretary may designate any part of the country as a “high risk area” where construction practices allow basement slabs to be placed on expansive or collapsible soil. By virtue of this authority, the Secretary has designated the State of Colorado as a “high risk area.”

§ 203.208 Insurance backing criteria.

An insurance company backing or operating a Plan must be duly licensed or approved (and with the Plan filed and approved where appropriate) to market such insurance coverage by the proper regulatory agency in each State in which the Plan will operate. Any company operating under the Product Liability Risk Retention Act of 1981, as amended, will be regarded as having met licensing, filing, and approval requirements of all States, but must first demonstrate that it—

(1) Meets licensing, filing and approval requirements in its domiciliary State; and

(2) Meets each of the requirements of paragraphs (A) through (H) of section (a)(4) of the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. 3901(a)(4) (A) through (H), (Supp. IV 1986).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0343)

§ 203.209 Payments under a plan.

(a) If a Plan issuer or insurance backer elects to compensate a homeowner for damage suffered by the homeowner's property that is covered under a Plan in lieu of the Plan issuer's making repairs such compensation must be made jointly to the mortgagee and the homeowner.

(b) If payment is to be made to the mortgagee and homeowner, the Plan issuer first must receive the mortgagee's assurance in witing that the mortgagee is satisfied, based on a showing by the homeowner, that the homeowner has made a binding commitment to have the necessary repairs made to restore the damaged property. It a homeowner elects not to repair his or her damaged property, then the mortgagee must apply the compensation in reduction of the outstanding indebtedness of the mortgage.

Effective Date

§ 203.249 Effect of amendments.

The regulations in this subpart may be amended by the Secretary at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, but such amendment will not adversely affect the interests of a mortgagee under the contract of insurance on any mortgage or loan already insured, and will not adversely affect the interest of a mortgagee on any mortgage or loan to be insured for which either the Direct Endorsement or Lender Insurance mortgagee has approved the mortgagor and all terms and conditions of the mortgage or loan, or the Secretary has issued a firm commitment. In addition, such amendment will not adversely affect the eligibility of specific property if such property is covered by a conditional commitment issued by the Secretary, a certificate of reasonable value issued by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or an appraisal report approved by a Direct Endorsement or Lender Insurance underwriter.

[62 FR 30226, June 2, 1997]

Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations Definitions

§ 203.251 Definitions.

As used in this subpart, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(a) Commissioner means the Federal Housing Commissioner or his authorized representative.

(b) Act means the National Housing Act, as amended.

(d) Mortgage is defined at § 203.17(a)(1).

(e) Mortgagor means the original borrower under a mortgage and his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.

(f) Mortgagee means the original lender under a mortgage and its successors and such of its assigns as are approved by the Commissioner.

(g)-(h) [Reserved]

(i) Insured mortgage means a mortgage which has been insured as evidenced by the issuance of a Mortgage Insurance Certificate or by the endorsement of the credit instrument for insurance by the Commissioner.

(j) Contract of Insurance means the agreement evidenced by the issuance of a Mortgage Insurance Certificate or by the endorsement of the Commissioner upon the credit instrument given in connection with an insured mortgage, incorporating by reference the regulations in this subpart and the applicable provisions of the Act.

(k) MIP means the mortgage insurance premium paid by the mortgagee to the Commissioner in consideration of the contract of insurance.

(l)-(m) [Reserved]

(n) Open-end advance means an insured advance made by an approved mortgagee in connection with a previously insured mortgage, pursuant to an open-end provision in the mortgage.

(o) Open-end insurance charge means the charge paid by the mortgagee to the Commissioner in consideration of the insurance of an open-end advance.

(p) Beginning of amortization means the date one month prior to the date of the first monthly payment to principal and interest.

(q) Maturity means the date on which the mortgage indebtedness would be extinguished if paid in accordance with periodic payments provided for in the mortgage.

(r) Debentures means registered, transferable securities in certificated or book entry form which are valid and binding obligations, issued in the name of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund in accordance with the provisions of this part; such debentures are the primary liability of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and are unconditionally guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.

(s) State includes the several States, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 8661, Apr. 29, 1972; 41 FR 49734, Nov. 10, 1976; 49 FR 12697, Mar. 30, 1984; 53 FR 34282, Sept. 6, 1988; 59 FR 49815, Sept. 30, 1994; 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

Endorsement and Contract of Insurance

§ 203.255 Insurance of mortgage.

(a) Mortgages with firm commitments. For applications for insurance involving mortgages not eligible to be originated under the Direct Endorsement program under § 203.5, or under the Lender Insurance program under § 203.6, the Secretary will either endorse the mortgage for insurance by issuing a Mortgage Insurance Certificate, provided that the mortgagee is in compliance with the firm commitment, or will electronically acknowledge that the mortgage has been insured.

(b) Endorsement with Direct Endorsement processing. For applications for insurance involving mortgages originated under the Direct Endorsement program under § 203.5, the mortgagee shall submit to the Secretary, within 60 days after the date of closing of the loan or such additional time as permitted by the Secretary, properly completed documentation and certifications as listed in this paragraph (b):

(1) Property appraisal upon a form meeting the requirements of the Secretary, or a HUD conditional commitment (for proposed construction only) or a Department of Veterans Affairs certificate or reasonable value, and all accompanying documents required by the Secretary;

(2) An application for insurance of the mortgage in a form prescribed by the Secretary;

(3) A certified copy of the mortgage and note executed upon forms which meet the requirements of the Secretary;

(4) A warranty of completion, on a form prescribed by the Secretary, for proposed construction cases;

(5) An underwriter certification, on a form prescribed by the Secretary, stating that the underwriter has personally reviewed the appraisal report and credit application (including the analysis performed on the worksheets) and that the proposed mortgage complies with HUD underwriting requirements, and incorporating each of the underwriter certification items which apply to the mortgage submitted for endorsement, as set forth in the applicable handbook or similar publication that is distributed to all Direct Endorsement mortgagees, except that where an automated underwriting system (AUS) approved by the Secretary or Commissioner is used by the lender, and the AUS has determined that the application represents an acceptable risk under terms and conditions agreed to by the FHA, a Direct Endorsement underwriter shall not be required to certify that he/she has personally reviewed the credit application (including the analysis performed on any worksheets);

(6) Where applicable, a certificate under oath and contract regarding use of the dwelling for transient or hotel purposes;

(7) Where applicable, a certificate of intent to occupy by military personnel;

(8) Where a mortgage for an existing property is to be insured under section 221(d)(2) of the National Housing Act, a letter from the appropriate local government official that the property meets applicable code requirements;

(9) Where an individual water or sewer system is being used, an approval letter from the local health authority indicating approval of the system in accordance with § 200.926d(f) of this chapter;

(10) For proposed construction if the mortgage (excluding financed mortgage insurance premium) exceeds a 90 percent loan to value ratio, evidence that the mortgagee qualifies for a higher ratio loan under one of the applicable provisions in the appropriate regulations;

(11) A mortgagee certification on a form prescribed by the Secretary, stating that the authorized representative of the mortgagee (or loan correspondent sponsored by the mortgagee) who is making the certification has personally reviewed the mortgage documents and the application for insurance endorsement, and certifying that the mortgage complies with the requirements of this paragraph (b). The certification shall incorporate each of the mortgagee certification items which apply to the mortgage loan submitted for endorsement, as set forth in the applicable handbook or similar publication that is distributed to all Direct Endorsement mortgagees;

(12) For a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage under part 206 of this chapter, the additional documents required by § 206.15 of this chapter; and

(13) Such other documents as the Secretary may require.

(c) Pre-endorsement review for Direct Endorsement. Upon submission by an approved mortgagee of the documents required by paragraph (b) of this section, the Secretary will review the documents and determine that:

(1) The mortgage is executed on a form which meets the requirements of the Secretary;

(2) The mortgage maturity meets the requirements of the applicable program;

(3) The stated mortgage amount does not exceed the maximum mortgage amount for the area as most recently announced by the Secretary, except for mortgages under 24 CFR part 206;

(4) All documents required by paragraph (b) of this section are submitted;

(5) All necessary certifications are made in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section;

(6) There is no mortgage insurance premium, late charge or interest due to the Secretary; and

(7) The mortgage was not in default when submitted for insurance or, if submitted for insurance more than 60 days after closing whether the mortgage shows an acceptable payment history.

In addition, the Secretary is authorized to determine if there is any information indicating that any certification or required document is false, misleading, or constitutes fraud or misrepresentation on the part of any party, or that the mortgage fails to meet a statutory or regulatory requirement. If, following this review, the mortgage is determined to be eligible, the Secretary will endorse the mortgage for insurance by issuance of a Mortgage Insurance Certificate. If the mortgage is determined to be ineligible, the Secretary will inform the mortgagee in writing of this determination, and include the reasons for the determination and any corrective actions that may be taken.

(d) Submission by mortgagee other than originating mortgagee. If the originating mortgagee assigns the mortgage to another approved mortgagee before pre-endorsement review under paragraph (c) of this section, the assignee may submit the required documents for pre-endorsement review in the name of the originating mortgagee. All certifications must be executed by the originating mortgagee (or its underwriter, if appropriate). The purchasing mortgagee may pay any required mortgage insurance premium, late charge and interest.

(e) Post-Endorsement review for Direct Endorsement. Following endorsement for insurance, the Secretary may review all documents required by paragraph (b) of this section. If, following this review, the Secretary determines that the mortgage does not satisfy the requirements of the Direct Endorsement program, the Secretary may place the mortgagee on Direct Endorsement probation, or terminate the authority of the mortgagee to participate in the Direct Endorsement program pursuant to § 203.3(d), or refer the matter to the Mortgagee Review Board for action pursuant to part 25 of this title.

(f) Lender Insurance—(1) Pre-insurance review. For applications for insurance involving mortgages originated under the Lender Insurance program under § 203.6, the mortgagee is responsible for performing a pre-insurance review that meets HUD's requirements. HUD will directly inform participating mortgagees of its minimum requirements for pre-insurance review. The mortgagee's staff that performs the pre-insurance review must not be the same staff that originated the mortgage or underwrote the mortgage for insurance.

(2) Recordkeeping. Mortgagees must maintain records, including origination files, in a manner and for a time period to be prescribed by the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, and must make them available to authorized HUD staff upon request.

(3) Insuring the mortgage. If, following this review, the mortgage is determined to be eligible, the mortgagee will electronically submit all required data to HUD regarding the mortgage. HUD's electronic system will acknowledge that the mortgage has been insured. HUD's electronic system may also issue a notice to the mortgagee that the mortgage has been selected for post-insurance technical review, and that the HUD case binder must be sent to the identified HUD office.

(4) Indemnification. By insuring the mortgage, the mortgagee agrees to indemnify HUD under the conditions of section 256(c) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1717z-21(c)).

[57 FR 58348, Dec. 9, 1992; 58 FR 13537, Mar. 12, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 42759, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996; 62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997; 63 FR 29507, May 29, 1998] Effective Date Note:

At 62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997, paragraph (f) was added to § 203.255. This paragraph contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.

§ 203.256 Insurance of open-end advance.

Insurance on an open-end advance will be evidenced by delivery of a certificate stating the amount of the advance, the date of insurance, and the regulations under which the advance is insured.

§ 203.257 Creation of the contract.

The mortgage shall be an insured mortgage from the date of the issuance of a Mortgage Insurance Certificate, from the date of the endorsement of the credit instrument, or from the date of HUD's electronic acknowledgement to the mortgagee that the mortgage is insured, as applicable. The Commissioner and the mortgagee are thereafter bound by the regulations in this subpart with the same force and to the same extent as if a separate contract had been executed relating to the insured mortgage, including the provisions of the regulations in this subpart and of the Act.

[62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997]

§ 203.258 Substitute mortgagors.

(a) Selling mortgagor. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the mortgagee may effect the release of a mortgagor from personal liability on the mortgage note, only if it obtains the Commissioner's approval of a substitute mortgagor, as provided by this section.

(b) Purchasing mortgagor. (1) The Commissioner may approve a substitute mortgagor with respect to any mortgage insured under § 203.43h or § 203.43i only if the mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence (as defined in § 203.18(f)(1)).

(2) The Commissioner may approve a substitute mortgagor with respect to any mortgage insured under this part (except a mortgage referred to in paragraph (b)(1) of this section), only if the substitute mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or as a secondary residence (as these terms are defined in § 203.18(f)) or if the substitute mortgagor is an eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as defined in § 203.18(f)).

(3) With respect to any mortgage covering a dwelling to be occupied as a secondary residence, the loan to value ratio may not exceed 85 percent of the greater of:

(i) The appraised value of the property at the time the mortgage is accepted for insurance; or

(ii) The appraised value of the property at the time approval of a substitute mortgagor is requested.

(c) Applicability-current mortgages. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to the Commissioner's approval of a substitute mortgagor only if the mortgage executed by the original mortgagor was insured:

(1) Pursuant to a conditional commitment or master conditional commitment issued on or after December 15, 1989; or

(2) In accordance with the Direct Endorsement program, where the underwriter of the mortgagee signed the appraisal report or master appraisal report for the property on or after December 15, 1989;

(3) Pursuant to a certificate of reasonable value or master certificate of reasonable value issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs on or after December 15, 1989.

(d) Applicability—earlier mortgages. If the mortgage was insured:

(1) Pursuant to a conditional commitment or master conditional commitment issued on or after February 5, 1988, but before December 15, 1989; or

(2) In accordance with the Direct Endorsement program, where the approved underwriter of the mortgagee signed the appraisal report or master appraisal report for the property on or after February 5, 1988, but before December 15, 1989, or

(3) Pursuant to a certificate of reasonable value or master certificate of reasonable value issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs on or after February 5, 1988, but before December 15, 1989, the Commissioner may approve a substitute mortgagor with respect to the mortgage only if the substitute mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or a secondary residence (as these terms are defined in § 203.18(f)), or is an eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as defined in the following sentence), or if the mortgage has a principal balance that is not more than 75 percent of the greater of (i) the appraised value of the property at the time the mortgage is accepted for insurance, or (ii) the appraised value of the property at the time approval of a substitute mortgagor is requested. For purposes of this paragraph (d), the term eligible non-occupant mortgagor has the meaning given in § 203.18(f), except that paragraph (d)(3)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section apply in place of § 203.18(f)(3) (i) and (ii).

(A) A public entity, as provided in section 214 or 247 of the National Housing Act; and

(B) A private nonprofit or public entity, as provided in section 221(h) or 235(j) of the National Housing Act.

If neither paragraph (b) nor the preceding portion of this paragraph (d) applies, the Commissioner may approve a substitute mortgagor without regard to whether the mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling.

(e) Direct endorsement. Mortgagees approved for participation in the Direct Endorsement program under § 203.3 may, subject to limitations established by the Commissioner, themselves approve an appropriate substitute mortgagor under this section for mortgages which they own or service, and need not obtain further specific approval from the Commissioner.

(f) Definition. As used in this section, the term substitute mortgagor includes:

(1) Persons who, upon the release by a mortgagee of a previous mortgagor from personal liability on the mortgage note, assume this liability and agree to pay the mortgage debt; and

(2) Persons who purchase without assuming liability on the mortgage note or purchase where no release is given by the mortgagee to the previous mortgagor.

[55 FR 34806, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 58349, Dec. 9, 1992; 58 FR 13537, Mar. 12, 1993; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

Mortgage Insurance Premiums—In General

§ 203.259 Method of payment of MIP.

The payment of any MIP under this subpart shall be made to the Commissioner by the mortgagee either in cash or debentures at par plus accrued interest.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.259a Scope.

(a) The Commissioner shall charge a one-time MIP pursuant to § 203.280 for mortgages that:

(1) Are insured pursuant to § 203.43(c) (if the mortgage to be refinanced was executed prior to July 1, 1991 and the new mortgage is executed on or after April 24, 1992); or insured pursuant to § 203.43i; or

(2)(i) Are obligations of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund under this part (except insured open-end advances as provided by § 203.270);

(ii) Are insured pursuant to: (A) An application for a conditional commitment received on or after September 1, 1983; or

(B) An application for mortgage insurance endorsement under the single family Direct Endorsement program as provided in § 203.255, where the property appraisal report is signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after September 1, 1983; and

(iii) Are executed before July 1, 1991.

(b) Except as provided in § 203.284(h) or § 203.285(d), the Commissioner shall charge an up-front MIP pursuant to § 203.284 or § 203.285 for mortgages executed on or after July 1, 1991 that are obligations of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. In the cases that the Commissioner deems appropriate, the Commissioner may require, by means of instructions communicated to all affected mortgages, that up-front MIP be remitted electronically.

(c) The periodic MIP provision of §§ 203.260 through 203.268 shall not apply to mortgages referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, nor shall they apply to mortgages to which the provision of § 203.284 or § 203.285 apply.

[57 FR 15211, Apr. 24, 1992, as amended at 57 FR 46983, Oct. 14, 1992; 58 FR 12902, Mar. 8, 1993; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993; 59 FR 13882, Mar. 24, 1994; 60 FR 34138, June 30, 1995; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

Mortgage Insurance Premiums—Periodic Payment

§ 203.260 Amount of mortgage insurance premium (periodic MIP).

The mortgagee shall pay to the Commissioner an initial MIP in an amount equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the first year of amortization. After payment of the initial MIP, the mortgagee shall pay to the Commissioner an amount equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the 12-month period preceding each subsequent anniversary date of the beginning of amortization.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.261 Calculation of periodic MIP.

The amount of any periodic MIP shall be calculated in accordance with the original amortization provisions of the mortgage, without taking into account delinquent payments, prepayments, agreements to postpone payments, or agreements to recast the mortgage.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.262 Due date of periodic MIP.

The full initial and each annual MIP shall be due and payable to the Commissioner no later than the 10th day after the amortization anniversary date.

[61 FR 37801, July 19, 1996]

§ 203.264 Payment of periodic MIP.

The mortgagee shall pay each MIP in twelve equal monthly installments. Each monthly installment shall be due and payable to the Commissioner no later than the tenth day of each month, beginning in the month in which the mortgagor is required to make the first monthly mortgage payment. This will be effective for amortization beginning on or after September 1, 1996.

[61 FR 42787, Aug. 19, 1996]

§ 203.265 Mortgagee's late charge and interest.

(a) Periodic MIP which are received by the Commissioner after the payment dates prescribed by §§ 203.262 and 203.264 shall include a late charge of four percent of the amount paid.

(b) In addition to the late charge provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the mortgagee shall pay interest on any periodic MIP which are remitted to the Commissioner more than 20 days after the payment dates prescribed in § 203.264. Such interest rate shall be paid at a rate set in conformity with the Treasury Financial Manual.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 37801, July 19, 1996]

§ 203.266 Period covered by periodic MIP.

The initial MIP shall cover the period beginning with the date of the issuance of a Mortgage Insurance Certificate and ending on the next anniversary of the beginning of amortization. Subsequent premium payments shall cover the twelve-month period preceding each subsequent anniversary date.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.267 Duration of periodic MIP.

The mortgagee shall pay the MIP to the Commissioner until the deed to the Commissioner is filed for record or the contract of insurance is terminated.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.268 Pro rata payment of periodic MIP.

(a) If the insurance contract is terminated before the due date of the initial MIP, the mortgagee shall pay a portion of the MIP prorated from the beginning of amortization, as defined in § 203.251, to the date of termination.

(b) If the insurance contract is terminated after the due date of the initial MIP, the mortgagee shall pay a portion of the current annual MIP prorated from the due date of the last annual MIP to the date of termination.

(c) A pro rata MIP shall not be due or payable where the mortgagee notifies the Commissioner that foreclosure or other action to acquire the property has been completed and that the property will not be conveyed to the Commissioner in exchange for insurance benefits. Any MIP due and paid after the institution of foreclosure or the date the property was otherwise acquired by the mortgagee will be refunded to the mortgagee upon receipt by the Commissioner of the notice from the mortgagee that the property will not be conveyed to the Commissioner.

[48 FR 28805, June 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 37801, July 19, 1996]

§ 203.269 Method of payment of periodic MIP.

In cases that the Commissioner deems appropriate, the Commissioner may require, by means of instructions communicated to all affected mortgagees, that periodic MIP be remitted electronically.

[60 FR 34138, June 30, 1995]

Open-end Insurance Charges—All Mortgages

§ 203.270 Open-end insurance charges.

(a) Required charge. In the case of an insured open-end advance the mortgagee shall pay to the Commissioner an open-end insurance charge.

(b) Payment of charge for mortgages with periodic MIP. The amount of any insured open-end advance shall be added to the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the purpose of determining the amount of periodic MIP as provided in §§ 203.260 through 203.268, except that the initial additional charge shall be prorated to cover the period beginning with the first day of the month following the issuance of a certificate evidencing the insurance of the open-end advance and ending on the due date of the next MIP.

(c) Payment of charge for mortgages with one-time or up-front MIP. In the case of a mortgage with a one-time or up-front MIP pursuant to § 203.280, § 203.284, or § 203.285 of this part, the insurance charge shall be in an amount equal to 1/2 percent per annum of the outstanding principal obligation of the open-end advance. Sections 203.260 through 203.268 shall apply to the open-end charge on a mortgage with a one-time or up-front MIP, except that all references to amortization dates shall refer to amortization dates of the open-end advance, references to MIP shall refer to the open-end insurance charge, and references to outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage shall refer to outstanding principal obligation of the open-end advance.

(d) Method of payment—all mortgages. The payment of any open-end insurance charge under this subpart shall be made to the Commissioner by the mortgagee either in cash or debentures issued by the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund at par plus accrued interest.

[48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983, as amended at 56 FR 24624, May 30, 1991; 57 FR 15211, Apr. 24, 1992; 57 FR 46983, Oct. 14, 1992; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993]

Mortgage Insurance Premiums—One-Time Payment

§ 203.280 One-time MIP.

For mortgages for which a one-time MIP is to be charged in accordance with § 203.259a, the mortgagee shall, within fifteen days of closing and as a condition to the endorsement of the mortgage for insurance, pay to the Commissioner for the account of the mortgagor, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner, a premium representing the total obligation for the insuring of the mortgage by the Commissioner.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2535-0089) [48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.281 Calculation of one-time MIP.

(a) The applicable premium percentage determined under paragraph (b) of this section assumes, for purposes of calculation, that the entire amount of the one-time MIP is added to the loan amount. The amount of the one-time MIP shall be determined by multiplying the loan amount otherwise insurable under this part by the applicable premium percentage, subject to adjustment for the portion of the MIP, if any, that is not to be included in the insured mortgage.

(b)(1) The Commissioner shall determine the applicable premium percentage in accordance with sound financial and actuarial practice.

(2) Application of the premium percentage determined under paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall not result in a MIP in excess of an amount equivalent to 1 per centum per annum of the amount of the principal obligation of the mortgage outstanding at any time, without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments.

[48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983, as amended at 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.282 Mortgagee's late charge and interest.

(a) Payment of one-time MIP is late if it is not received by HUD by the fifteenth day after closing. Late payment shall include a late charge of four percent of the amount of the MIP.

(b) If payment of the MIP is not received by HUD within 30 days after closing, the mortgagee will be charged additional late fees until payment is received at an interest rate set in conformity with the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual.

[48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983]

§ 203.283 Refund of one-time MIP.

(a) The Commissioner shall provide for the refund to the mortgagor of a portion of the unearned MIP paid pursuant to § 203.280 if the contract of insurance covering the mortgage is terminated:

(1) By coveyance to one other than the Commissioner and a claim for the insurance benefits is not presented for payment (§ 203.315),

(2) By prepayment of the mortgage (§ 203.316), or

(3) By voluntary agreement with the approval of the Commissioner (§ 203.317).

(b) The Commissioner shall determine the amount of the premium refund by multiplying the amount the premium paid at the time the mortgage was insured by the applicable premium refund percentage for mortgages insured in the year the mortgage was endorsed for insurance. The Commissioner shall determine the applicable premium refund percentage for each year in an equitable manner and in accordance with sound financial and actuarial practice, taking into account: (1) Projected salaries and expenses, (2) prospective losses generated by insurance claims, and (3) expected future payments of premium refunds.

[48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 1327, Jan. 13, 1987]

Calculation of Mortgage Insurance Premium on or After July 1, 1991

§ 203.284 Calculation of up-front and annual MIP on or after July 1, 1991.

Except for insured mortgages with a term of 15 or fewer years executed on or after December 26, 1992, (see § 203.285 of this part), up-front and annual MIP will be calculated in accordance with this section.

(a) Permanent provisions. Any mortgage executed on or after October 1, 1994 that is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1) Up-Front. The Commissioner shall establish and collect a single premium payment in an amount not exceeding 2.25 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage.

(2) Annual. In addition to the premium under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the Commissioner shall establish and collect annual premium payments in an amount not exceeding .50 percent of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) for the following periods:

(i) For any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) that is less than 90 percent of the appraised value of the property (as of the date of the mortgage is accepted for insurance), for the first 11 years of the mortgage term.

(ii) For any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) that is greater than or equal to 90 percent of the appraised value of the property (as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance), for the lesser of the mortgage term or the first 30 years of the mortgage term; except that, for any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a)(1) of this section) that is greater than 95 percent of the appraised value, the annual premium collected during the period determined under this clause shall be in an amount not exceeding 0.55 percent of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (a)(1) of this section).

(b) Transition provisions. Mortgage insurance premiums on mortgages executed during fiscal years 1991 through 1994 that are obligations of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be subject to the following requirements:

(1) 1991 and 1992. For mortgages executed during fiscal years 1991 and 1992, but after July 1, 1991, the Commissioner shall establish and collect the following premiums:

(i) Up-Front. A single premium payment in an amount equal to 3.80 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage.

(ii) Annual. In addition to the premium under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, annual premium payments in an amount equal to 0.50 percent of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section) for any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section) that is:

(A) Less than 90 percent of the appraised value of the property (as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance), for the first five years of the mortgage term;

(B) Greater than or equal to 90 percent of such value, but equal to or less than 95 percent of such value, for the first 12 years of the mortgage term; and

(2) 1993 and 1994. For mortgages executed during fiscal years 1993 and 1994, the Commissioner shall establish and collect the following premiums:

(i) Up-Front. A single premium payment in an amount not exceeding 3.00 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage.

(ii) Annual. In addition to the premium under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, annual premium payments in an amount not exceeding 0.50 percent of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section) for any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section) that is:

(A) Less than 90 percent of the appraised value of the property (as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance), for the first seven years of the mortgage term:

(B) Greater than or equal to 90 percent of such value, but equal to or less than 95 percent of such value, for the first 12 years of the mortgage term; and

(C) Greater than 95 percent of such value, for the lesser of the mortgage term or the first 30 years of the mortgage term.

(c) Refunds. With respect to any mortgage subject to premiums under this section, the Commissioner shall refund all of the unearned premium charges paid on a mortgage upon termination of insurance by voluntary agreement or upon payment in full of the principal obligation of the mortgage before the maturity date.

(d)-(e) [Reserved]

(f) Applicability of other sections. The provisions of §§ 203.261, 203.262, 203.264, 203.265, 203.266, 203.267, 203.268, 203.269, 203.280, and 203.282 are applicable to mortgages subject to premiums under this section.

(g) Definition. As used in this section the term remaining insured principal balance means the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the first year of amortization, or for a 12-month period preceding a subsequent anniversary date of the beginning of amortization.

(h) Exception for streamline refinance. This section shall not apply to any mortgage insured pursuant to § 203.43(c) if the mortgage to be refinanced was executed before July 1, 1991 and the new mortgage is executed on or after April 24, 1992. This exception does not have the effect of exempting streamline refinancing mortgages from the requirement that a one-time MIP be paid in accordance with § 203.259a(a).

[57 FR 15211, Apr. 24, 1992, as amended at 57 FR 46983, Oct. 14, 1992; 58 FR 41003, July 30, 1993; 60 FR 34138, June 30, 1995; 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 37801, July 19, 1996]

§ 203.285 Fifteen-year mortgages: Calculation of up-front and annual MIP on or after December 26, 1992.

(a) Up Front. Any mortgage for a term of 15 or fewer years executed on or after December 26, 1992 that is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be subject to a single up-front premium payment, established and collected by the Commissioner in an amount not exceeding 2.0 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage. Upon termination of insurance by voluntary agreement, or upon payment in full of the principal obligation of the mortgage before the maturity date, the Commissioner shall refund all of the unearned premium charges paid on the mortgage pursuant to this paragraph (a).

(b) Annual. In addition to the premium under paragraph (a) of this section, the Commissioner shall establish and collect annual premium payments in amounts not exceeding the following percentages of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (a) of this section) for the following periods:

(1) For any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a) of this section) that is less than 90 percent of the appraised value of the property (as of the date the mortgage is accepted for insurance), no annual premium will be charged.

(2) For any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a) of this section) that is greater than or equal to 90 percent of such value, but less than or equal to 95 percent of such value, an annual premium not exceeding .25 percent shall be collected for the first four years of the mortgage term.

(3) For any mortgage involving an original principal obligation (excluding any premium collected under paragraph (a) of this section) that is greater than 95 percent of such value, an annual premium not exceeding .25 percent shall be collected for the first eight years of the mortgage term.

(c) Applicability of certain provisions. The provisions of §§ 203.261, 203.262, 203.264, 203.265, 203.266, 203.267, 203.268, 203.269, 203.280, 203.282, 203.284(c), and 203.284(g) are applicable to mortgages subject to premiums under this section.

(d) Exception for streamline refinance. This section shall not apply to any mortgage insured pursuant to § 203.43(c) if the mortgage to be refinanced was executed before July 1, 1991 and the new mortgage is executed on or after December 26, 1992.

[58 FR 41004, July 30, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 34138, June 30, 1995; 61 FR 37801, July 19, 1996]

Adjusted Mortgage Insurance Premium

§ 203.288 Discontinuance of adjusted premium charge.

Notwithstanding any provision in the mortgage instrument, there shall be no adjusted mortgage insurance premium due the Commissioner on account of the prepayment of any mortgage on or after May 1, 1972.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

Voluntary Termination

§ 203.295 Voluntary termination.

Upon request by the mortgagor and mortgagee the Commissioner may terminate the insurance contract on any mortgage under this part covering a 1-to-4 family residence. The mortgagee shall cancel the insurance endorsement on the mortgage insurance certificate or note upon receipt of notice from the Commissioner that the contract of insurance is terminated. Notwithstanding any provision in a mortgage instrument, there shall be no voluntary termination charge due the Commissioner on account of the voluntary termination of any mortgage insurance contract where the request for termination is received by the Commissioner on or after May 1, 1972.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

Termination of Insurance Contract

§ 203.315 Termination by conveyance to other than Commissioner.

(a) For those mortgages to which the provisions of § 203.368 apply, the contract of insurance shall be terminated under the following circumstances:

(1) The mortgagee notifies the Commissioner that it will not convey title to the Commissioner and will not file a claim for the insurance benefits when:

(i) The mortgagee either acquires the property by any means, or

(ii) Acquires the property and gives such notice during the redemption period; or

(2) The mortgagee notifies the Commissioner that it will not file a claim for the insurance benefits when:

(i) The property is bid in and acquired at foreclosure by a party other than the mortgagee, or

(ii) After foreclosure of the mortgaged property by the mortgagee the property is redeemed.

(b) For those mortgages to which the provisions as set forth in § 203.368 do not apply, the contract of insurance shall be terminated under the following circumstances:

(1) The mortgagee acquires the mortgaged property but does not convey it to the Commissioner;

(2) The property is bid in and acquired at a foreclosure sale by a party other than the mortgagee;

(3) After foreclosure the property is redeemed;

(4) After foreclosure and during the redemption period the mortgagee gives notice that it will not tender the property to the Commissioner.

[52 FR 1327, Jan. 13, 1987]

§ 203.316 Termination by prepayment of mortgage.

The contract of insurance shall be terminated if the mortgage is paid in full prior to its maturity.

§ 203.317 Termination by voluntary agreement.

The contract of insurance shall be terminated if the mortgagor and mortgagee jointly request termination.

§ 203.318 Notice of termination by mortgagee.

No contract of insurance shall be terminated until the mortgagee has given written notice thereof to the Commissioner within 15 calendar days from the occurrence of one of the approved methods of termination set forth in this subpart.

[45 FR 31716, May 14, 1980]

§ 203.319 Pro rata payment of premiums and charges.

No contract of insurance shall be terminated until the mortgagee has paid to the Commissioner the pro rata portion of the current annual MIP or open-end insurance charge as set forth in this subpart.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

§ 203.320 Notice and date of termination by Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall notify the mortgagee that the contract of insurance has been terminated and the effective termination date. The termination date shall be the last day of the month in which one of the following events has occurred:

(a)(1) For those mortgages to which the provisions of § 203.368 apply, the date foreclosure proceedings were instituted by the mortgagee, or the property was otherwise acquired by the mortgagee or a party other than the mortgagee (including the mortgagor or other party as redemptor) if the mortgagee notifies the Commissioner that title will not be conveyed to the Commissioner and a claim for the insurance benefits will not be presented for payment.

(2) For those mortgages to which the provisions of § 203.368 do not apply, the date foreclosure proceedings were instituted, or the property was otherwise acquired by the mortgagee, if the mortgagee notifies the Commissioner that title will not be conveyed to the Commissioner.

(b) The date the mortgage was prepaid in full.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 52 FR 1327, Jan. 13, 1987]

§ 203.321 Effect of termination.

Upon termination of the contract of insurance, the obligation to pay any subsequent periodic MIP or open-end insurance charge shall cease and all rights of the mortgagor and mortgagee shall be terminated, except as otherwise provided in this part.

[48 FR 28807, June 23, 1983]

Default Under Mortgage

§ 203.330 Delinquency and default.

A mortgage account is delinquent any time a payment is due and not paid. If the mortgagor fails to make any payment, or to perform any other obligation under the mortgage, and such failure continues for a period of 30 days, the mortgage shall be considered in default for the purposes of this part.

[41 FR 49734, Nov. 10, 1976]

§ 203.331 Date of default.

For the purposes of this subpart, the date of default shall be considered as 30 days after—

(a) The first uncorrected failure to perform any obligation under the mortgage; or

(b) The first failure to make a monthly payment which subsequent payments by the mortgagor are insufficient to cover when applied to the overdue monthly payments in the order in which they became due.

§ 203.332 Notice of delinquency.

Once each month the mortgagee shall report or cause to be reported all mortgages insured under this part which are 90 or more days delinquent and concerning the status of all mortgages which were reported as 90 or more days delinquent the previous month. Such reports shall be made on a form approved by the Commissioner.

[41 FR 49734, Nov. 10, 1976]

§ 203.333 Reinstatement of defaulted mortgage.

If after default and prior to the completion of foreclosure proceedings the mortgagor shall cure the default, the insurance shall continue as if a default had not occurred, provided the mortgagor pays to the mortgagee such expenses as the mortgagee has incurred in connection with the foreclosure proceedings and the mortgagee gives written notice of reinstatement to the Commissioner.

Continuation of Insurance

§ 203.340 Special forbearance.

(a) If the conditions of § 203.614 are met and special forbearance relief is granted pursuant to that section, the contract of insurance shall continue in force except as otherwise provided in this subpart.

(b) The contract of insurance shall continue in force, except as otherwise provided in this subpart, when the conditions of this section which were effective prior to January 1, 1977, have been met and special forbearance relief is granted pursuant thereto prior to January 1, 1977.

[41 FR 49735, Nov. 10, 1976]

§ 203.341 Partial claim.

If the conditions of § 203.371 are met and a partial claim is paid pursuant to that section, the contract of insurance shall continue in force, except as otherwise provided in this subpart.

[62 FR 60129, Nov. 6, 1997]

§ 203.342 Mortgage modification.

If a mortgage is recast pursuant to § 203.616, the principal amount of the mortgage, as modified, shall be considered to be the “original principal balance of the mortgage” as that term is used in § 203.401.

[62 FR 60129, Nov. 6, 1997]

§ 203.343 Partial release, addition or substitution of security.

(a) Except as provided in § 203.389(n), a mortgagee shall not release the security or any part thereof, while the mortgage is insured, without the prior consent of the Commissioner.

(b) A mortgagee may, with the prior consent of the Commissioner, accept an addition to, or substitution of, security for the purpose of removing the dwelling to a new lot under the following conditions:

(1) The mortgagee obtains a good and valid first lien on the property to which the dwelling is removed.

(2) All damages to the structure are repaired without cost to HUD.

(3) The property to which the dwelling is removed is in an area known to be reasonably free from natural hazards or, if in a flood zone, the mortgagor will insure or reinsure under the Federal Flood Insurance Program.

(c) A mortgagee may, without the prior consent of the Commissioner, accept an addition to, or substitution of, security for the purpose of removing the dwelling to a new lot under the following conditions.

(1) The dwelling has survived an earthquake or other disaster with little damage, but continued location on the property might be hazardous.

(2) The conditions stated in paragraph (b) of this section exist.

(3) Immediately following the emergency removal the mortgagee notifies the Commissioner of the reasons for removal.

[41 FR 49735, Nov. 10, 1976]

Forbearance Relief for Military Personnel

§ 203.345 Postponement of principal payments—mortgagors in military service.

In addition to the special forbearance relief afforded by §§ 203.340 through 203.342, if the mortgagor is a person in the military service (as defined in the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940), the mortgagee may, by written agreement with the mortgagor, postpone for the period of military service and three months thereafter any part of the monthly payment which represents amortization of principal. The agreement shall contain a provision for the resumption of monthly payments after such period in amounts which will completely amortize the mortgage debt within the maturity as provided in the original mortgage. The agreement shall in no way affect the amount of the annual MIP which will continue to be calculated in accordance with the original amortization provisions of the mortgage.

§ 203.346 Postponement of foreclosure—mortgagors in military service.

If at any time during default the mortgagor is a “Person in military service,” as such term is defined in the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, the period during which the mortgagor is in such service shall be excluded in computing the period within which the mortgagee shall commence foreclosure or acquire the property by other means as provided in § 203.355 of this subpart. No postponement or delay in the prosecution of foreclosure proceedings during the period the mortgagor is in such military service shall be construed as failure on the part of the mortgagee to exercise reasonable diligence in prosecuting such proceedings to completion as required by this subpart.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

Assignment of Mortgage

§ 203.350 Assignment of mortgage.

(a) Assignment of modified mortgages pursuant to section 230, National Housing Act. HUD may accept an assignment of any mortgage covering a one-to-four family residence if the following requirements are met:

(1) The mortgage was in default;

(2) The mortgagee has modified the mortgage under § 203.616 to cure the default and to provide for mortgage payments within the reasonable ability of the mortgagor to pay, at an interest rate not exceeding current market interest rates; and

(3) Such other conditions that HUD may prescribe, which may include the requirement that the mortgagee continue to be responsible for servicing the mortgage.

(b) Assignments pursuant to section 248, National Housing Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the Commissioner shall, upon application by the mortgagee, approve the assignment to the Commissioner of any mortgage insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act (see § 203.43h) where the mortgagor has been in default for more than 90 days. The mortgagee may not request the Commissioner to accept an assignment until the mortgagee has submitted documents to the Commissioner showing that the requirements of § 203.604 have been met. HUD shall then notify the mortgagee of its approval of the mortgagee's actions under § 203.604 and that the mortgagee may assign the mortgage to the Secretary, or HUD will specify what further action the mortgagee must take to meet the requirements of § 203.604.

(c) Assignment of mortgages insured pursuant to section 247, National Housing Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary will, upon application by the mortgagee, agree to accept an assignment of any mortgage insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43i of this part) where the mortgagor has been in default for more than 180 days, provided that the requirements of § 203.665 are satisfied.

(d) Assignment of mortgages authorized by section 203(q), National Housing Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary will, upon application by the mortgagee, agree to accept assignment of any mortgage authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43j of this part) if

(1) The mortgagor has been in default for more than 90 days for failure to make a monthly payment,

(2) The requirements of § 203.666 are satisfied, and

(3) The date of default occurs before the mortgagor and the lessor execute a lease renewal or a new lease with a term of not less than five years beyond the maturity date of the mortgage, or with a term established by an arbitration award.

If the default is non-monetary, the date of default occurs prior to an action described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the requirements of § 203.666 are satisfied, and the mortgagor has been in default for more than 30 days, the Secretary may in his or her discretion, upon application by the mortgagee, agree to accept an assignment of the mortgage. If the leasehold estate has terminated before the mortgage has been assigned, or title to the property conveyed, to the Secretary, and the mortgage is in default for any reason for more than 30 days, the Secretary will, upon application by the mortgagee, agree to accept an assignment of the mortgage.

(e) Filing assignment for record. Within 30 days of the Secretary's written agreement to accept assignment of a defaulted mortgage, or within such additional time as the Secretary authorizes in writing, the mortgagee must file the assignment for record.

(Information collection requirements in paragraph (b) were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0169) [51 FR 21872, June 16, 1986, as amended at 52 FR 48202, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 53 FR 13404, Apr. 25, 1988; 55 FR 282, Jan. 4, 1980; 61 FR 35018, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.351 Application for insurance benefits and fiscal data.

On the date the assignment of the mortgage is filed for record, the mortgagee shall forward to the Commissioner the prescribed application for insurance benefits and fiscal data pertaining to the mortgage transaction, together with the receipts covering all disbursements, as required by the fiscal data form. In addition, the following requirements shall be met:

(a) Items to be included with application. The following items shall be forwarded to the Commissioner with the application:

(1) Credit and security instrument. The original credit and security instruments assigned without recourse or warranty, except that no act or omission of the mortgagee shall have impaired the validity and priority of the mortgage.

(2) Recorded assignment instrument. The original of the recorded assignment of mortgage. If the original of the assignment is not available, a copy shall be furnished and the original forwarded as soon as possible.

(3) Hazard insurance. All hazard insurance policies held in connection with the mortgaged property, together with a copy of the mortgagee's notification to the carrier authorizing the amendment of the loss payable clause substituting the Commissioner as the mortgagee.

(4) Rights and interests. An assignment of all rights and interests arising under the mortgage, and all claims of the mortgagee against the mortgagor or others arising out of the mortgage transaction.

(5) Property. All property of the mortgagor held by the mortgagee or to which it is entitled (other than the cash items which are to be retained by the mortgagee).

(6) Records and accounts. All records, ledger cards, documents, books, papers and accounts relating to the mortgage transaction.

(7) Additional information. Any additional information or data which the Commissioner may require.

(8) Title evidence. All title evidence held by the mortgagee. It need not be extended to include the recordation of the assignment. If a mortgagee's title policy is furnished, the Commissioner shall be a named insured under such policy.

(b) Items to be retained by mortgagee. The mortgagee shall retain all cash amounts held or deposited for the account of the mortgagor or to which it is entitled under the mortgage transaction that have not been applied in reduction of the principal mortgage indebtedness.

(c) Title evidence for mortgages insured under § 203.43d as set forth in § 203.385 shall accompany the application for insurance benefits.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 7693, Apr. 10, 1972; 42 FR 57435, Nov. 2, 1977]

§ 203.353 Certification by mortgagee.

At the time of assignment of the mortgage, the mortgagee shall certify to the Commissioner that:

(a) Priority of mortgage to liens. The mortgage is prior to all mechanics’ and materialmen's liens filed of record, regardless of when such liens attach, and prior to all liens and encumbrances, or defects which may arise except such liens or other matters as may have been approved by the Commissioner;

(b) Amount due. The amount stated in the instrument of assignment is actually due and owing under the mortgage;

(c) Offsets or counterclaims. There are no offsets or counterclaims thereto and the mortgagee has a good right to assign.

Claim Procedure

§ 203.355 Acquisition of property.

(a) In general. Upon default of a mortgage, except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section, the mortgagee shall take one of the following actions within nine months from the date of default, or within any additional time approved by the Secretary or authorized by §§ 203.345 or 203.346. For mortgages where the date of default is on or after February 1, 1998, the mortgagee shall take one or a combination of the following actions within six months of the date of default or within such additional time approved by HUD or authorized by §§ 203.345 or 203.346:

(1) Obtain a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (see §§ 203.357, 203.389 and 203.402(f) of this part) with title being taken in the name of the mortgagee or the Secretary;

(2) Commence foreclosure;

(3) Enter into a special forbearance agreement under § 203.614;

(4) Complete a modification of the mortgage under § 203.616;

(5) Complete a refinance of the mortgage under § 203.43(c);

(6) Complete an assumption under § 203.512;

(7) File a partial claim under § 203.371; or

(8) Initiate a pre-foreclosure sale under § 203.370.

(b) Vacant or abandoned property. With respect to defaulted mortgages on vacant or abandoned property, if the mortgagee discovers, or should have discovered, that the property is vacant or abandoned, the mortgagee must commence foreclosure within the later of 120 days after the date the property became vacant, or 60 days after the date the property is discovered, or should have been discovered, to be vacant or abandoned; but no later than the number of months from the date of default as provided in paragraph (a) of this section. The mortgagee must not delay foreclosure on vacant or abandoned property because of the requirements of § 203.606.

(c) Prohibition of foreclosure within time limits. If the laws of the State in which the mortgaged property is located, or Federal bankruptcy law:

(1) Do not permit the commencement of foreclosure within the time limits described in paragraphs (a), (b), (g), (h) and (i) of this section, the mortgagee must commence foreclosure within 90 days after the expiration of the time during which foreclosure is prohibited; or

(2) Require the prosecution of a foreclosure to be discontinued, the mortgagee must recommence the foreclosure within 90 days after the expiration of the time during which foreclosure is prohibited.

(d) Property located on Indian land. Upon default of a mortgage on property located on Indian land insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act (see § 203.43h of this part), the mortgagee must comply with §§ 203.350(b) and 204.664 of this part.

(e) Property located on Hawaiian home lands. Upon default of a mortgage on property located on Hawaiian home lands insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act (see § 203.43i of this part), the mortgagee must comply with §§ 203.350(c) and 203.665 of this part.

(f) Property located on the Allegany Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Upon default of a mortgage on property located on the Allegany Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act (see § 203.43j of this part), the mortgagee must comply with §§ 203.350(d) and 203.666 of this part, unless the mortgagor and the lessor have executed a lease renewal or a new lease either with a term of not less than five years beyond the maturity date of the mortgage, or with a term established by arbitration award. If a lease renewal or new lease has been executed, the mortgagee must comply with paragraph (a) of this section.

(g) Pre-foreclosure sale procedure. Within 90 days of the end of a mortgagor's participation in the pre-foreclosure sale procedure, or within the time limit described in paragraph (a) of this section, whichever is later, if no closing of an approved pre-foreclosure sale has occurred, the mortgagee must obtain a deed in lieu of foreclosure, with title being taken in the name of the mortgagee or the Secretary, or undertake one of the actions listed at § 203.355(a). The end-of-participation date is defined as:

(1) Four months after the date of commencement of participation, if there is no signed Contract of Sale at that time, unless extended by the Commissioner;

(2) Six months after the date of commencement of participation, if there is a signed contract but settlement has not occurred by that date, unless extended by the Commissioner;

(3) The date the mortgagee is notified of the mortgagor's withdrawal from the Pre-foreclosure Sale procedure; or

(4) The date of the letter sent by the mortgagee to the mortgagor prior to the expiration of the customary participation period, terminating the mortgagor's opportunity to participate in the Pre-foreclosure Sale procedure.

(h) Special forbearance. If the mortgagor fails to meet the requirements of a special forbearance under § 203.614 and the failure continues for 60 days, the mortgagee must undertake one of the actions listed at § 203.355(a) within the time limit described in paragraph (a) of this section or 90 days after the mortgagor's failure to meet the special forbearance requirements, whichever is later.

(i) Modification under § 203.616, refinance under § 203.43(c), or assumption under § 203.512. Provided that the mortgagee has established the mortgagor's eligibility within the time frame provided in § 203.355(a), if a mortgagee enters into a loss mitigation relief measure (i.e., modification under § 203.616, refinance under § 203.43(c), or assumption under § 203.512) and it fails, the six-month period provided in § 203.355(a) is extended by an additional 90 days to allow the mortgagee to try another loss mitigation tool or go to foreclosure.

[57 FR 47970, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 50143, Sept. 30, 1994; 60 FR 57678, Nov. 16, 1995; 61 FR 35018, July 3, 1996; 62 FR 60129, Nov. 6, 1997]

§ 203.356 Notice of foreclosure and pre-foreclosure sale; reasonable diligence requirements.

(a) Notice of foreclosure and pre-foreclosure sale. The mortgagee must give notice to the Secretary, in a format prescribed by the Secretary, within 30 days after the institution of foreclosure proceedings. The mortgagee must give notice to the Secretary, in a format prescribed by the Secretary, within the time-frame prescribed by the Secretary, of the acceptance of any mortgagor into the pre-foreclosure sale procedure.

(b) Reasonable diligence. The mortgagee must exercise reasonable diligence in prosecuting the foreclosure proceedings to completion and in acquiring title to and possession of the property. A time frame that is determined by the Secretary to constitute “reasonable diligence” for each State is made available to mortgagees.

[61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.357 Deed in lieu of foreclosure.

(a) Mortgagors owning one property. In lieu of instituting or completing a foreclosure, the mortgagee may acquire property from one other than a corporate mortgagor by voluntary conveyance from the mortgagor who certifies that he does not own any other property subject to a mortgage insured or held by FHA. Conveyance of the property by deed in lieu of foreclosure is approved subject to the following requirements:

(1) The mortgage is in default at the time the deed is executed and delivered;

(2) The credit instrument is cancelled and surrendered to the mortgagor;

(3) The mortgage is satisfied of record as a part of the consideration for such conveyance;

(4) The deed from the mortgagor contains a covenant which warrants against the acts of the grantor and all claiming by, through, or under him and conveys good marketable title;

(5) The mortgagee transfers to the Commissioner good marketable title accompanied by satisfactory title evidence.

(b) Corporate mortgagors. A mortgagee may accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure from a corporate mortgagor in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, if the mortgagee obtains the prior written consent of the Commissioner.

(c) Mortgagors owning more than one property. The mortgagee may accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure in compliance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, from an individual who owns more than one property which is subject to a mortgage insured or held by the FHA if the mortgagee obtains the prior written consent of the Commissioner.

§ 203.358 Direct conveyance of property.

In acquiring the property or conveying the property to the Commissioner the mortgagee may arrange for the deed to be made directly to the Commissioner from the mortgagor or other grantor. The mortgagee shall be responsible for determining that such conveyance will comply with all of the provisions of this part conveying good marketable title and satisfactory title evidence.

§ 203.359 Time of conveyance to the Secretary.

(a) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued prior to November 19, 1992 or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's approved underwriter prior to November 19, 1992. After acquiring good marketable title to and possession of the property the mortgagee must transfer the property to the Secretary:

(1) Within 30 days after acquiring possession of the mortgaged property by foreclosure or other means; or

(2) Within such further time as may be necessary to complete the title examination and perfect the title.

(b) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992—(1) Conveyance by the mortgagee. The mortgagee must acquire good marketable title and transfer the property to the Secretary within 30 days of the later of:

(i) Filing for record the foreclosure deed;

(ii) Recording date of deed in lieu of foreclosure;

(iii) Acquiring possession of the property;

(iv) Expiration of the redemption period; or

(v) Such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing.

(2) Direct conveyance. In cases where the mortgagee arranges for a direct conveyance of the property to the Secretary, the mortgagee must ensure that the property is transferred to the Secretary within 30 days of the reasonable diligence time frame specified in § 203.356 of this part.

[57 FR 47971, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.360 Notice of property transfer or pre-foreclosure sale and application for insurance benefits.

(a) On the date the deed is filed for record the mortgagee shall notify the Commissioner on a form prescribed by him of the filing of such conveyance and shall assign, without recourse or warranty any or all claims which the mortgagee has acquired in connection with the mortgage transaction, and as a result of the foreclosure proceedings or other means by which the mortgagee acquired or conveyed such property, except such claims as may have been released with the approval of the Commissioner.

(b) Within 30 days of the closing of an approved pre-foreclosure sale, the mortgagee shall notify the Commissioner on a form prescribed by him of the pre-foreclosure sale.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 59 FR 50144, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.361 Acceptance of property by Commissioner.

Upon receipt of notice of property transfer the Commissioner shall accept title to and possession of the property as of the date of the filing for record of the deed to the Commissioner, subject to compliance with the regulations in this part.

§ 203.362 Conditions for withdrawal of application for insurance benefits.

With the consent of the Commissioner, a mortgagee may withdraw an application for insurance benefits if the mortgagee agrees that it will:

(a) Accept a reconveyance of the property under a deed which warrants against the acts of the Commissioner and all claiming by, through, or under him; and

(b) Promptly file a reconveyance for record; and

(d) Reimburse the Commissioner for property expenditures as set forth in § 203.364.

§ 203.363 Effect of noncompliance with regulations.

(a) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued prior to November 19, 1992 or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's approved underwriter prior to November 19, 1992. If, for any reason, the mortgagee fails to comply with the regulations in this subpart, the Secretary may hold processing of the application for insurance benefits in abeyance for a reasonable time in order to permit the mortgagee to comply, or, in the alternative, the Secretary may reconvey title to the property to the mortgagee, in which event the application for insurance benefits shall be considered as cancelled without prejudice to the rights of the mortgagee to reapply for insurance benefits at a subsequent date.

(b) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992. If, for any reason, the mortgagee fails to comply with the regulations in this subpart, the Secretary may hold processing of the application for insurance benefits in abeyance for a reasonable time in order to permit the mortgagee to comply. In the alternative to holding processing in abeyance, the Secretary may reconvey title to the property to the mortgagee, in which event the application for insurance benefits shall be considered as cancelled and the mortgagee shall refund the insurance benefits to the Secretary as well as other funds required by § 203.364 of this part. The mortgagee may reapply for insurance benefits at a subsequent date; provided, however, that the mortgagee may not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection with the property after it has been reconveyed by the Secretary, or paid any debenture interest accrued after the date of initial conveyance or after the date conveyance was required by § 203.359 of this part, whichever is earlier, and there will be deducted from the insurance benefits any reduction in the Secretary's estimate of the value of the property occurring from the time of reconveyance to the time of reapplication.

[57 FR 47971, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.364 Mortgagee's liability for property expenditures.

Where the Secretary acquires a property and thereafter it becomes necessary for the Secretary to reconvey the property to the mortgagee due to the mortgagee's noncompliance with these regulations or the application for insurance benefits is withdrawn with the consent of the Secretary, the mortgagee shall reimburse the Secretary for all expenses incurred in connection with such acquisition and reconveyance. The reimbursement shall include interest on the amount of insurance benefits refunded by the mortgagee from the date the insurance benefits were paid to the date of refund at an interest rate set in conformity with the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual, and the Secretary's cost of holding the property, accruing on a daily basis, from the date the deed to the Secretary was filed for record to the date of reconveyance. These costs are based on the Secretary's estimate of the taxes, maintenance and operating expenses of the property, and administrative expenses. Appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Secretary on account of any income received from the property.

[57 FR 47971, Oct. 20, 1992]

§ 203.365 Documents and information to be furnished the Secretary; claims review.

(a) Items to be furnished the Secretary. Within 45 days after the deed is filed for record, in the case of a conveyance claim; or, in the case of a claim arising from a pre-foreclosure sale, within 30 days after the closing of the pre-foreclosure sale, unless extended by the Commissioner, the mortgagee must forward to the Secretary:

(1) A copy of the deed to the Secretary that has been filed for record and the title evidence continued so as to include recordation of the deed; or evidence, as prescribed by the Secretary, of the closing of the pre-foreclosure sale.

(2) Fiscal data pertaining to the mortgage transaction.

(3) Any additional information or data that the Secretary may require.

(b) Items to be retained by mortgagee. The mortgagee must retain all cash amounts, held or deposited for the account of the mortgagor or to which it is entitled under the mortgage transaction, that have not been applied in reduction of the principal mortgage indebtedness.

(c) Claim file to be maintained by mortgagee. (1) The Secretary may verify the accuracy of information regarding the insurance claim either before payment of the claim or after payment by periodic reviews of the mortgagee's records. Mortgagees must reimburse the Secretary for any claim and interest overpaid because of incorrect, unsupported, or inappropriate information provided by the mortgagee, or because of failure to provide correct information.

(2) Mortgagees must maintain a claim file containing documentation supporting all information submitted for claim payment for at least three years after a claim has been paid. All claim files for claims paid during a period relating to an unresolved or ongoing claim review must be maintained until final resolution of such review. Information to be maintained in the claim file includes receipts covering all disbursements as required by the fiscal data form, ledger cards covering the mortgage transaction, and any additional information or data relevant to the mortgage transaction or insurance claim.

(3) The Secretary may review any claim file at any time during the three-year period after the claim has been paid. Denial of access to any files will be grounds for withdrawal of the mortgagee's approved lender status, debarment by the Secretary, or immediate suspension of all claim payments.

(4) Within 24 hours of a request by the Secretary, a mortgagee must make available for review, or forward to the Secretary, hard copies of identified claim files.

(d) Statistical sampling. HUD may use statistical sampling in selecting claims to be reviewed and in determining the amount due the Secretary because of overpayment.

[57 FR 47972, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 59 FR 50144, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.366 Conveyance of marketable title.

(a) Satisfactory conveyance of title and transfer of possession. The mortgagee shall tender to the Commissioner a satisfactory conveyance of title and transfer of possession of the property. The deed or other instrument of conveyance shall convey good marketable title to the property, which shall be accompanied by title evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner.

(b) Conveyance of property without good marketable title. (1) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992, if the title to the property conveyed by the mortgagee to the Secretary is not good and marketable, the mortgagee must correct any title defect within 60 days after receiving notice from the Secretary, or within such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing.

(2) If the defect is not corrected within 60 days, or such further time as the Secretary approves in writing, the mortgagee must reimburse the Secretary for HUD's costs of holding the property, accruing on a daily basis, and interest on the amount of insurance benefits paid to the mortgagee at an interest rate set in conformity with the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual from the date of such notice to the date the defect is corrected or until the Secretary reconveys the property to the mortgagee, as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The daily holding costs to be charged a mortgagee shall include the costs specified in § 203.364 of this part.

(3) If the title defect is not corrected within a reasonable time, as determined by HUD, the Secretary will, after notice, reconvey the property to the mortgagee and the mortgagee must reimburse the Secretary in accordance with §§ 203.363 and 203.364 of this part.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 57 FR 47972, Oct. 20, 1992; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.367 Contents of deed and supporting documents.

The deed and supporting accompanying documents shall be as follows:

(a) Deed. A deed conveying the property to the Federal Housing Commissioner. The deed shall:

(1) Contain covenants which warrant title against acts of the grantor, and all claiming by, through, or under said grantor, if the grantor is the mortgagee or mortgagor; if the grantor is a party other than the mortgagee or mortgagor, the special warranty covenants may be limited or amended to accord with the law of the particular jurisdiction.

(2) Recite nominal consideration, if such recital is adequate under the laws of the State in which the property is located or such other consideration as may be necessary to support the deed.

(b) Maps or survey. A map or diagram showing property location with reference to public streets or roads or a survey, if available. When a part of the property has been taken by condemnation proceedings or conveyance in lieu of condemnation, a map or diagram showing the part taken and the property remaining is required.

(c) Credit documents. The original credit and security instruments, if available or a deficiency judgment, if any, duly assigned or endorsed by the mortgagee, without recourse, to the Commissioner.

§ 203.368 Claims without conveyance procedure.

(a)(1) The requirements of this section apply to any insured mortgage subject to this subpart which was either insured pursuant to:

(i) A conditional commitment issued on or after November 30, 1983 or, as appropriate,

(ii) An application for mortgage insurance endorsement under the Single Family Direct Endorsement Program, as provided in § 203.255(b), where the property appraisal report was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 30, 1983.

(2) The requirements of this section shall also apply to any other mortgages subject to this subpart where the mortgagee elects to provide the notice to HUD required by paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the requirements of this section do not apply if the mortgaged property has been damaged as set out in § 203.378.

(c) Nothing in this section shall affect any rights or obligations arising under the procedures set forth in subpart C of this part.

(d) After initiating proceedings to foreclose an insured mortgage within the coverage of paragraph (a)(1) of this section by judicial, statutory, or other means authorized by the mortgage instrument, the mortgagee shall furnish notice of the foreclosure to the Commissioner, containing such information as shall be prescribed by the Commissioner, together with a copy of the notice of sale, on or before the date of first publication, posting, or other notice. The mortgagee foreclosing an insured mortgage subject to this subpart and within the coverage of paragraph (a)(2) of this section may elect to become subject to this section by providing such notices to the Commissioner in accordance with the preceding sentence.

(e) Where notice of the foreclosure sale is provided pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, the Commissioner may elect to cause the mortgaged property to be appraised and to give written notice to the mortgagee, not less than five days prior to the date of the foreclosure sale, of the Commissioner's estimate of the fair market value of the mortgaged property, less adjustments as the Commissioner may deem appropriate (which may include, without limitation, the Commissioner's estimate of holding costs and resale costs that would be incurred if title to the mortgaged property were conveyed to the Commissioner). Such amount is referred to hereafter as the “Commissioner's adjusted fair market value.”

(f) If the Commissioner fails to provide notice of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value to the mortgagee not less than five days prior to the scheduled date of foreclosure sale, this section shall have no further application and §§ 203.355 through 203.367 shall apply: Provided, that a mortgagee which receives the Commissioner's notice at any time prior to the foreclosure sale may waive late receipt by so notifying the Commissioner, in which case this section shall apply.

(g) If the Commissioner provides notice of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section the following shall be applicable:

(1) The mortgagee shall tender a bid at the foreclosure sale in the amount of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value.

(2) If the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property pursuant to a bid at foreclosure sale in an amount equal to the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, the mortgagee may elect to retain title to the property and to file a claim for the insurance benefits computed as provided in § 203.401(b).

(3) If a party other than the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property either pursuant to a bid at foreclosure sale or through the redemption of the property in an amount not less than the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, the mortgagee may file a claim for the insurance benefits computed as provided in § 203.401(b).

(4) If the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property pursuant to a bid at foreclosure sale in an amount in excess of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, the mortgagee is deemed to have elected to retain title to the property and is limited to filing a claim for the insurance benefits computed as provided in § 203.401(b). In the event the mortgagee can show good cause for having bid an amount in excess of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, the Commissioner may, at his discretion, waive the provisions of this subparagraph and allow the mortgagee to convey title to the Commissioner and file a claim for the insurance benefits computed as provided in § 203.401(a). A mortgagee which has elected to follow the provisions of this section pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section and bids an amount in excess of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value shall not be subject to the provisions of this subparagraph, and may elect to retain or convey title in filing a claim for the insurance benefits.

(5) In any other case, the mortgagee may file a claim for insurance benefits only upon conveyance of title to the mortgaged property to the Commissioner.

(h) If the Commissioner provides timely notice of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value in accordance with paragraph (e), the Commissioner may require the mortgagee to advertise the upcoming sale in addition to the standard legal notices which may be required by state law.

(i) Where a mortgagee files a claim for the insurance benefits without conveying title to the property to the Commissioner, as authorized by this section:

(1) Sections 203.358 through 203.367 shall not be applicable.

(2) The mortgagee shall assign to the Commissioner, without recourse or warranty, any or all claims which the mortgagee has acquired in connection with the mortgage transaction and as a result of the foreclosure proceedings or other means by which the mortgagee or party other than the mortgagee acquired such property, except such claims as may have been released with the approval of the Commissioner.

(3) The mortgagee shall forward to the Commissioner:

(i) Fiscal data pertaining to the mortgage transaction;

(ii) The original credit and security instruments, if available, or a deficiency judgment, if any, duly assigned or endorsed by the mortgagee, without recourse, to the Commissioner; and

(iii) Any additional information or data which the Commissioner may require.

(4) The mortgagee shall retain all cash amounts held or deposited for the account of the mortgagor or to which the mortgagee is entitled under the mortgage transaction that have not been applied in reduction of the principal mortgage indebtedness. Cash amounts shall be itemized and deducted from the claim pursuant to § 203.403. Receipts for disbursements are to be retained by the mortgagee and are to be made available upon request by the Commissioner.

(5) The mortgagee shall file its claim:

(i) Within 30 days after the mortgagee acquired good marketable title to the property; or

(ii) Within 30 days after a party other than the mortgagee acquired good marketable title to the property; or

(iii) In redemption States, within 30 days after the mortgagor or another party redeemed the property or the redemption period has expired; or

(iv) Within such other time as may be determined by the Commissioner.

(6) In any case in which the insurance benefits paid include, pursuant to § 203.402(c), hazard insurance premiums paid by the mortgagee, the portion of the hazard insurance premium allocable to the period after acquisition of title by the mortgagee or a third party shall be deducted from the mortgage insurance benefits otherwise payable.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0347) [52 FR 1327, Jan. 13, 1987, as amended at 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.369 Deficiency judgments.

(a) Mortgages insured on or after March 28, 1988. (1) For mortgages insured pursuant to firm commitments issued on or after March 28, 1988, or pursuant to direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after March 28, 1988, the Secretary may require the mortgagee diligently to pursue a deficiency judgment in connection with any foreclosure. With respect to claims filed for insurance benefits on such mortgages, any judgment obtained by the mortgagee must be assigned to the Secretary.

(2) In cases where the Secretary requires the pursuit of a deficiency judgment and provides the mortgagee with the Secretary's estimate of the fair market value of the property, less adjustments, in accordance with § 203.368(e) of this part, the mortgagee must tender a bid at the foreclosure sale in that amount, and must take all other appropriate steps in accordance with State law to obtain a deficiency judgment.

(b) Mortgages insured before March 28, 1988. For mortgages insured pursuant to firm commitments issued before March 28, 1988, or pursuant to direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter before March 28, 1988, the Secretary may request that the mortgage diligently pursue a deficiency judgment in connection with the foreclosure. With respect to claims filed for insurance benefits on such mortgages, any judgment obtained by the mortgagee must be assigned to the Secretary.

(c) In cases where pursuit of a deficiency judgment is requested or required under this section, the Commissioner, where the Commissioner determines it appropriate under State law requirements, may extend the otherwise applicable period of time within which a deficiency judgment (and other claims against the mortgagor) and related credit documents must be assigned to the Commissioner under § 203.360, § 203.367 or § 203.368 of this subpart.

(d) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 203.356, in cases where the Commissioner determines it necessary because of State law requirements, the Commissioner may also require (or request, as the Commissioner may determine) the mortgagee to provide the Commissioner with notice of the mortgagee's intent to institute foreclosure proceedings a reasonable amount of time before proceedings are instituted, in order that the Commissioner may be able effectively to require or request the mortgagee, in appropriate cases, to seek a deficiency judgment.

(The information collection requirements contained in this section have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2535-0093) [53 FR 4387, Feb. 16, 1988, as amended at 57 FR 47972, Oct. 20, 1992; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.370 Pre-foreclosure sales.

(a) General. HUD will pay FHA insurance benefits to mortgagees in cases where, in accordance with all regulations and procedures applicable to pre-foreclosure sales, the mortgaged property is sold by the mortgagor, after default and prior to foreclosure, at its current fair market value (less adjustments as the Commissioner may deem appropriate) but for less than the mortgage loan amount currently outstanding.

(b) Notification of mortgagor. The mortgagee shall give notice, according to prescribed procedures, of the opportunity to be considered for the pre-foreclosure sale procedure to each mortgagor in default. All notices to mortgagors must be in an accessible format, if requested, or if required by the person's known disability, as required by 24 CFR part 9.

(c) Eligibility for the Pre-foreclosure Sale Procedure. In order to be considered for the pre-foreclosure sale procedure, a mortgagor:

(1) Must be an owner occupant in a single family residence that is security for a mortgage insured under this part, unless otherwise prescribed by the Secretary.

(2) Must have an account in default, for such period as determined by the Secretary, which default is the result of an adverse and unavoidable financial situation.

(3) Must have, at the time application is made to pursue a pre-foreclosure sale, a mortgaged property whose current fair market value, compared to the amount needed to discharge the mortgage, meets the criterion established by the Secretary, unless a variance is granted by the Secretary.

(4) Must have received homeownership counseling, as defined by the Secretary, and have executed a certification to that effect.

[59 FR 50144, Sept. 30, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35018, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.371 Partial claim.

(a) General. Notwithstanding the conveyance, sale or assignment requirements for payment of a claim elsewhere in this part, HUD will pay partial FHA insurance benefits to mortgagees after a period of forbearance, the maximum length of which HUD will prescribe, and in accordance with this section.

(b) Requirements. The following conditions must be met for payment of a partial claim:

(1) The mortgagor has been delinquent for at least 4 months or such other time prescribed by HUD;

(2) The amount of the arrearage has not exceeded the equivalent of 12 monthly mortgage payments;

(3) The mortgagor is able to resume making full monthly mortgage payments;

(4) The mortgagor is not financially able to make sufficient additional payments to repay the arrearage within a time specified by HUD; and

(5) The mortgagor is not financially qualified to support monthly mortgage payments on a modified mortgage or on a refinanced mortgage in which the total arrearage is included.

(c) Repayment of the subordinate lien. The mortgagor must execute a mortgage in favor of HUD with terms and conditions acceptable to HUD for the amount of the partial claim under § 203.414(a). HUD may require the mortgagee to be responsible for servicing the subordinate mortgage on behalf of HUD.

(d) Application for insurance benefits. Along with the prescribed application for partial claim insurance benefits, the mortgagee shall forward to HUD the original credit and security instruments required by paragraph (c) of this section.

[61 FR 35018, July 3, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 60130, Nov. 6, 1997]

Condition of Property

§§ 203.375-203.376 [Reserved]

§ 203.377 Inspection and preservation of properties.

The mortgagee, upon learning that a property subject to a mortgage insured under this part is vacant or abandoned, shall be responsible for the inspection of such property at least monthly, if the loan thereon is in default. When a mortgage is in default and a payment thereon is not received within 45 days of the due date, and efforts to reach the mortgagor by telephone within that period have been unsuccessful, the mortgagee shall be responsible for a visual inspection of the security property to determine whether the property is vacant. The mortgagee shall take reasonable action to protect and preserve such security property when it is determined or should have been determined to be vacant or abandoned until its conveyance to the Secretary, if such action does not constitute an illegal trespass. “Reasonable action” includes the commencement of foreclosure within the time required by § 203.355(b) of this part.

[57 FR 47972, Oct. 20, 1992]

§ 203.378 Property condition.

(a) Condition at time of transfer. When the property is transferred, or a mortgage is assigned to the Commissioner, the property shall be undamaged by fire, earthquake, flood, or tornado, except as set forth in this subpart.

(b) Damage to property by waste. The mortgagee shall not be liable for damage to the property by waste committed by the mortgagor, its heirs, successors or assigns in connection with mortgage insurance claims paid on or after July 2, 1968.

(1) Damage by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado;

(2) Damage to or destruction of security properties on which the loans are in default and which properties are vacant or abandoned, when such damage or destruction is due to the mortgagee's failure to take reasonable action to inspect, protect and preserve such properties as required by § 203.377 of this part, as to all mortgages insured on or after January 1, 1977; and

(3) As to all mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992, any damage of whatsoever nature that the property has sustained while in the possession of the mortgage if the property is conveyed to the Secretary without notice to and approval by the Secretary as required by § 203.379 of this part.

(d) Limitation. The mortgagee's responsibility for property damage shall not exceed the amount of its insurance claim as to a particular property.

[36 FR 34508, Dec. 22, 1971. Redesignated and amended at 41 FR 49735, Nov. 10, 1976; 57 FR 47973, Oct. 20, 1992; 58 FR 32057, June 8, 1993; 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.379 Adjustment for damage or neglect.

(a) If the property has been damaged by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, or, for mortgages insured on or after January 1, 1977, the property has suffered damage because of the mortgagee's failure to take action as required by § 203.377, the damage must be repaired before conveyance of the property or assignment of the mortgage to the Secretary, except under the following conditions:

(1) If the prior approval of the Secretary is obtained, there will be deducted from the insurance benefits the Secretary's estimate of the cost of repairing the damage or any insurance recovery received by the mortgagee, whichever is greater.

(2) If the property has been damaged by fire and was not covered by fire insurance at the time of the damage, or the amount of insurance coverage was inadequate to repair fully the damage, only the amount of insurance recovery received by the mortgagee, if any, will be deducted from the insurance benefits, provided the mortgagee certifies, at the time that a claim is filed for insurance benefits, that:

(i) At the time the mortgage was insured, the property was covered by fire insurance in an amount at least equal to the lesser of 100 percent of the insurable value of the improvements, or the principal loan balance of the mortgage; and

(ii) The insurer later cancelled this coverage or refused to renew it for reasons other than nonpayment of premium; and

(iii) The mortgagee made diligent though unsuccessful efforts within 30 days of any cancellation or non-renewal of hazard insurance, and at least annually thereafter, to secure other coverage or coverage under a FAIR Plan, in an amount described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, or if coverage to such an extent was unavailable at a reasonable rate, the greatest extent of coverage that was available at a reasonable rate; and

(iv) The extent of coverage obtained by the mortgagee in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section was the greatest available at a reasonable rate, or if the mortgagee was unable to obtain insurance, none was available at a reasonable rate; and

(v) The mortgagee took the actions required by § 203.377 of this part.

(3) The certification requirements set out in paragraph (a)(2) of this section apply to any mortgage insured by HUD on or after September 22, 1980, for which a claim has not been filed before September 30, 1986. Any mortgage insured on or after September 22, 1980, for which a claim has been filed before September 30, 1986, but the claim has not been settled before that date, will be governed by § 203.379(b) (1986) Edition as it existed immediately before September 30, 1986.

(4)(i) As used in this section, reasonable rate means a rate that is not in excess of the rate or advisory rate set by the principal State-licensed rating organization for essential property insurance in the voluntary market, or if coverage is available under a FAIR Plan, the FAIR Plan rate.

(ii) If a State has neither a FAIR Plan nor a State-licensed rating organization for essential property insurance in the voluntary market, the mortgagee must provide to the HUD Field Office having jurisdiction, information concerning the lowest rates available from an insurer for the types of coverage involved, with a request for a determination of whether the rate is reasonable. HUD will determine the rate to be reasonable if it approximates the rate assessed for comparable insurance coverage applicable to similarly situated properties in a State that offers a FAIR Plan or maintains a State-licensed rating organization.

(b) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992, the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section apply and, in addition, if the property has been damaged during the time of the mortgagee's possession by events other than fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, or if it was damaged notwithstanding reasonable action by the mortgagee as required by § 203.377 of this part, the mortgagee must provide notice of such damage to the Secretary and may not convey until directed to do so by the Secretary. The Secretary will either:

(1) Allow the mortgagee to convey the property damaged; or

(2) Require the mortgagee to repair the damage before conveyance, and the Secretary will reimburse the mortgagee for reasonable payments not in excess of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of repair, less any insurance recovery.

(c) In the event the damaged property is conveyed to the Secretary without prior notice or approval as provided in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, the Secretary may:

(1) After notice, reconvey the property to the mortgagee and the mortgagee must reimburse the Secretary in accordance with §§ 203.363 and 203.364 of this part, or

(2) Require the mortgagee to reimburse the Secretary for the greater of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of repair or any insurance recovery.

[57 FR 47973, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.380 Certificate of property condition.

(a) The mortgagee shall either:

(1) Certify that as of the date of the filing of deed for record, or assignment of the mortgage to the Secretary, the property was:

(i) Undamaged by fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane or tornado; and

(ii) As to mortgages insured or for which commitments to insure were issued on or after January 2, 1977, undamaged due to failure of the mortgagee to take action as required by § 203.377; and

(iii) As to mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992, undamaged while the property was in the possession of the mortgage; or

(2) Attach to its claim a copy of the Secretary's authorization to convey the property in damaged condition.

(b) In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the mortgagee's certificate or description of the damage shall be accepted by the Secretary as establishing the condition of the property, as of the date of the filing of the deed or assignment of the mortgage.

[57 FR 47973, Oct. 20, 1992, as amended at 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.381 Occupancy of property.

The mortgagee shall certify that the property is vacant and contains no personal property as of the date of filing for record of the deed to the Secretary or that the Secretary has consented to accept the property occupied.

[45 FR 59563, Sept. 10, 1980]

§ 203.382 Cancellation of hazard insurance.

The mortgagee shall cancel any hazard insurance policy as of the date of the filing for record of the deed to the Commissioner subject to the following conditions:

(a) The amount of the return premium due the mortgagee because of such cancellation may be calculated on a “short-rate” basis and reported on fiscal data supporting the application for debentures and the amount shall be deducted from the total amount claimed.

(b) If the mortgagee's calculation of the return premium is less than the actual return, the amount of the difference between the actual refund and the calculated amount shall be remitted to the Commissioner, accompanied by the carrier's or agent's statement.

(c) If the mortgagee's calculation of the return premium is more than the actual return, the mortgagee may file with the Commissioner a claim, supported by the carrier's or agent's statement of the amount of the refund, whereupon the Commissioner shall issue a check to the mortgagee in settlement of the claim.

Property Title Transfers and Title Waivers

§ 203.385 Types of satisfactory title evidence.

The following types of title evidence shall be satisfactory to the Commissioner:

(a) Fee or owner's title policy. A fee or owner's policy of title insurance, a guaranty or guarantee of title, or a certificate of title, issued by a title company, duly authorized by law and qualified by experience to issue such instruments. If an owner's policy of title insurance is furnished, it shall show title in the Commissioner and inure to the benefit of his successors in office.

(b) Mortgagee's policy of title insurance. A mortgagee's policy of title insurance supplemented by an Abstract and an Attorney's Certificate of Title covering the period subsequent to the date of the mortgage, the terms of the policy shall be such that the liability of the title company will continue in favor of the Commissioner after title is conveyed to him. The policy may be drawn in favor of the mortgagee and the Federal Housing Commissioner, “as their interests may appear”, with the consent of the title company endorsed thereon;

(c) Abstract and legal opinion. An abstract of title prepared by an abstract company or individual engaged in the business of preparing abstracts of title and accompanied by the legal opinion as to the quality of such title signed by an attorney at law experienced in examination of titles. If title evidence consists of an Abstract and an Attorney's Certificate of Title, the search shall extend for at least forty years prior to the date of the Certificate to a well recognized source of good title;

(d) Torrens of similar certificate. A Torrens or similar title certificate; or

(e) Title standard of U.S. or State government. Evidence of title conforming to the standards of a supervising branch of the Government of the United States or of any State or Territory thereof.

§ 203.386 Coverage of title evidence.

Evidence of title shall be executed as of a date to include the recordation of the deed to the Commissioner. The evidence of title shall show that according to the public records, there are not, at such date, any outstanding prior liens, including any past-due and unpaid ground rents, general taxes or special assessments.

§ 203.387 Acceptability of customary title evidence.

If the title and title evidence are such as to be acceptable to prudent lending institutions and leading attorneys generally in the community in which the property is situated, such title and title evidence shall be satisfactory to the Secretary and shall be considered as good and marketable. In cases of disagreement, the Secretary will make the final decision.

[57 FR 47974, Oct. 20, 1992]

§ 203.389 Waived title objections.

The Commissioner shall not object to title by reason of the following matters:

(a) Violations of a restriction based on race, color or creed, even where such restriction provides for a penalty of reversion or forfeiture of title or a lien for liquidated damage.

(b)(1) Customary easements for public utilities, party walls, driveways, and other purposes.

(2) Easements for public utilities along one or more of the property lines and extending not more than 10 feet therefrom and for drainage or irrigation ditches along the rear 10 feet of the property, provided the exercise of the rights thereunder do not interfere with any of the buildings or improvements located on the subject property.

(d) Mutual easements for joint driveways constructed partly on the subject property and partly on adjoining property, provided the agreements creating such easements are of record;

(e) Encroachments on the subject property by improvements on adjoining property where such encroachments do not exceed 1 foot, provided such encroachments do not touch any buildings or interfere with the use of any improvements on the subject property;

(f) Encroachments on adjoining property by eaves and overhanging projections attached to improvements on subject property where such encroachments do not exceed 1 foot.

(g) Encroachments on adjoining property by hedges, wooden or wire fences belonging to the subject property;

(h) Encroachments on adjoining property by driveways belonging to subject property where such encroachments do not exceed 1 foot, provided there exists a clearance of at least 8 feet between the buildings on the subject property and the property line affected by the encroachment;

(i) Variations between the length of the subject property lines as shown on the application for insurance and as shown by the record or possession lines, provided such variations do not interfere with the use of any of the improvements on the subject property and do not involve a deficiency of more than 2 percent with respect to the length of the front line or more than 5 percent with respect to the length of any other line;

(j) Encroachments by garages or improvements other than those which are attached to or a portion of the main dwelling structure over easements for public utilities, provided such encroachment does not interfere with the use of the easement or the exercise of the rights of repair and maintenance in connection therewith;

(k) Violations of cost or set back restrictions which do not provide a penalty of reversion or forfeiture of title, or a lien for liquidated damages which may be superior to the lien of the insured mortgage. Violations of such restrictions which do provide for such penalties, provided such penalty rights have been duly released or subordinated to the lien of the insured mortgage, or provided a policy of title insurance is furnished expressly insuring the Commissioner against loss by reason of such penalties.

(l) Customary building and use restrictions which:

(1) Are coupled with a reversionary clause, provided there has been no violation prior to the date of the deed to the Commissioner; or

(2) Are not coupled with a reversionary clause and have not been violated to a material extent.

(m) Outstanding oil, water or mineral rights (or damage caused by the exercise of such rights) which are customarily waived by prudent leading institutions and leading attorneys in the community.

(n) The voluntary or involuntary conveyance of a part of the subject property pursuant to condemnation proceedings or in lieu of condemnation proceedings, if:

(1) The part conveyed does not exceed 10 percent by area of the property;

(2) No damage to existing structures, improvements, or unrepaired damage to sewage, water, or paving has been suffered;

(3) All of the payment received as compensation for the taking by condemnation or conveyance in lieu of condemnation has been applied to reduction of the mortgage indebtedness;

(4) The conveyance occurred subsequent to insurance of the mortgage; and

(5) There is included with the documents and information furnished the Commissioner with the application for insurance benefits, a statement by the mortgagee that the requirements of this paragraph have been met.

(o) Federal tax liens and rights of redemption arising therefrom if the following conditions are observed. If the mortgagee acquires the property by foreclosure the mortgagee shall give notice to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the foreclosure action. The Commissioner will not object to an outstanding right of redemption in IRS if: (1) The Federal tax lien was perfected subsequent to the date of the mortgage lien, and (2) The mortgagee has bid an amount sufficient to make the mortgagee whole if the property is in fact redeemed by the IRS.

[36 FR 34508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976]

§ 203.390 Waiver of title—mortgages or property formerly held by the Secretary.

(a) Mortgages sold by the Secretary. (1) If the Secretary sells a mortgage and such mortgage is later reassigned to him or the property covered by such mortgage is later conveyed to him, he will not object to title by reason of any lien or other adverse interest that was senior to the mortgage on the date of the original sale of such mortgage.

(2) The Secretary will accept an assignment of a mortgage previously sold by him, where the mortgagee is unable to complete foreclosure because of a defect in the mortgage instrument, a defect in the mortgage transaction, or a defect in title which existed at or prior to the time the mortgage assignment was filed for record. In such instances, the Secretary will not object to title by reason of any such defect.

(b) Property sold by the Secretary. (1) If a property held by the Secretary is sold by the Secretary who also insures a mortgage financing the sale, and the mortgage is later reassigned to the Secretary or the property covered by the mortgage is later conveyed to the Secretary, the Secretary will not object to title by reason of any lien or other adverse interest that was senior to the mortgage on the date the mortgage was filed for record, except where the lien or other adverse interest arose from a lien or interest that had already been recorded against the mortgagor.

(2) The Secretary will accept an assignment of a mortgage executed in connection with the sale of property by the Secretary, where the mortgagee is unable to complete foreclosure because of a defect in the mortgage instrument, a defect in the mortgage transaction, or a defect in title which existed at or prior to the time the mortgage was filed for record, except where the defect arose from a lien or interest that had already been recorded against the mortgagor on the date that the mortgage was filed for record. Except for the case of a lien or interest that had already been recorded against the mortgagor, the Secretary will not object to title by reason of any of the above defects.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 58 FR 35370, July 1, 1993; 61 FR 36265, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.391 Title objection waiver with reduced insurance benefits.

Payment of an insurance claim will not automatically be refused solely because the title evidence reveals a condition of title not taken into consideration in the original appraisal and not covered by the provisions of § 203.389 of this part, or not otherwise waived in writing by the Secretary. In such instances, the Secretary may, at his or her option, approve the payment of a claim if the mortgagee agrees to accept a reduction in insurance benefits considered adequate by the Secretary to compensate for any anticipated loss to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund as a result of the existence of the title condition at the time of claim.

[57 FR 47974, Oct. 20, 1992]

Payment of Insurance Benefits

§ 203.400 Method of payment.

If the application for insurance benefits is acceptable to the Commissioner payment of the insurance claim shall be made in cash, in debentures or in a combination of both, as determined by the Commissioner at the time of payment except that where the mortgage is insured pursuant to section 223(e) of the Act such claim shall be paid in cash from the Special Risk Insurance Fund, unless the mortgagee files a written request with the application for payment in debentures. If such a request is made, the claim shall be paid by issuing debentures.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971; 43 FR 13511, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 203.401 Amount of payment—conveyed and non-conveyed properties.

(a) Conveyed properties. Where a claim for the insurance benefits is filed in accordance with this subpart, based on the conveyance of title to the mortgaged property to the Commissioner, the amount of the insurance benefits shall be computed by adding to the original principal balance of the mortgage (as increased by the amount of open-end advances made by the mortgagee and approved by the Commissioner) which was unpaid on the date of the institution of foreclosure proceedings, on the date of the acquisition of the property otherwise after default, or on the date the property was acquired by the Commissioner under a direct conveyance by the mortgagor, the amount of all payments made by the mortgagee and allowances for items set forth in § 203.402, less all applicable items set forth in § 203.403.

(b) Claims without conveyance of title. (1) If the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property pursuant to a bid amount equal to the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value and the mortgagee elects to retain title as provided in § 203.368(g)(2), or if the mortgagee acquires title pursuant to a bid in excess of the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value (see § 203.368(g)(4)), the amount of the insurance benefits shall be determined by deducting the amount bid at the sale from the original principal balance of the mortgage (as increased by the amount of open-end advances made by the mortgagee and approved by the Commissioner) which was unpaid on the date of institution of the foreclosure proceedings, and adding to the difference, if any, all applicable items set forth in § 203.402 and subtracting therefrom all applicable items set forth in § 203.403; provided however, that appropriate adjustment shall be made for any such items covered by proceeds of the foreclosure sale.

(2) If a party other than the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property pursuant to a bid at foreclosure sale not less in amount than the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, the amount of the insurance benefits shall be determined by deducting the proceeds of the foreclosure sale distributed to the mortgagee from the original principal balance of the mortgage (as increased by the amount of open-end advances made by the mortgagee and approved by the Commissioner) which was unpaid on the date of the foreclosure proceedings, and adding to the difference, if any, all applicable items set forth in § 203.402 and subtracting therefrom all applicable items set forth in § 203.403; provided, however, that appropriate adjustment shall be made for any such items covered by the proceeds of the foreclosure sale.

(3) If the mortgagee acquires title to the mortgaged property pursuant to a bid not less in amount than the Commissioner's adjusted fair market value, and the mortgagor or another party redeems the property, the amount of the insurance benefits shall be determined by deducting the amount paid to redeem the property and received by the mortgagee from the original principal balance of that mortgage (as increased by the amount of open-end advances made by the mortgagee and approved by the Commissioner) which was unpaid on the date of the institution of foreclosure proceedings, and adding to the difference, if any, all applicable items set forth in § 203.402 and subtracting therefrom all applicable items set forth in § 203.403; provided however, that appropriate adjustments shall be made for any such items covered by that amount paid by the mortgagor or other party to redeem the property.

(c) Pre-foreclosure Sales. Where a claim for insurance benefits is filed in accordance with this subpart, based on a pre-foreclosure sale approved by or on behalf of the Secretary (under the provisions of § 203.370), the amount of insurance benefits shall be computed by adding to the original principal balance of the mortgage (as increased by the amount of open-end advances made by the mortgagee and approved by the Commissioner) which was unpaid on the date of closing of the pre-foreclosure sale, the amount of all applicable items set forth in § 203.402; provided however that appropriate adjustment shall be made for any such items covered by proceeds of the pre-foreclosure sale.

(d) Final Payment. (1) The mortgagee may not file for any additional payments of its mortgage insurance claim after six months from payment by the Commissioner of the final payment except for:

(i) Cases where the Commissioner requests or requires a deficiency judgment.

(ii) Other cases where the Commissioner determines it appropriate and expressly authorizes an extension of time.

(2) For the purpose of this section, the term final payment shall mean, in the case of claims filed for conveyed properties, the payment under subpart B of this part which is made by the Commissioner based upon the submission by the mortgagee of all required documents and information filed pursuant to § 203.365. In the case of claims filed under claims without conveyance of title, final payment shall mean the payment which is made by the Commissioner based upon submission by the mortgagee of all required documents and information filed pursuant to §§ 203.368 and 203.401(b). In the case of claims filed pursuant to pre-foreclosure sales, final payment shall mean the payment which is made by the Commissioner based upon submission by the mortgagee of all required documents and information filed pursuant to §§ 203.370 and 203.401(d).

[52 FR 1328, Jan. 13, 1987, as amended at 56 FR 3215, Jan. 29, 1991; 59 FR 50144, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.402 Items included in payment—conveyed and non-conveyed properties.

The insurance benefits paid in connection with foreclosed properties, whether or not conveyed to the Commissioner; and those properties conveyed to the Commissioner as a result of a deed in lieu of foreclosure; and those properties sold under an approved pre-foreclosure sale shall include the following items:

(a) Taxes, ground rent and water rates, which are liens prior to the mortgage;

(b) Special assessments, which are noted on the application for insurance or which become liens after the insurance of the mortgage.

(c) Hazard insurance premiums on the mortgaged property not in excess of a reasonable rate as defined in § 203.379(a)(4).

(d) Periodic MIP or open-end insurance charges;

(e) Taxes imposed upon any deeds or other instruments by which said property was acquired by the mortgagee and transferred or conveyed to the Commissioner, or was acquired by the mortgagee and retained pursuant to § 203.368;

(f) Foreclosure costs or costs of acquiring the property otherwise (including costs of acquiring the property by the mortgagee and of conveying and evidencing title to the property to HUD, but not including any costs borne by the mortgagee to correct title defects) actually paid by the mortgagee and approved by HUD, in an amount not in excess of two-thirds of such costs or $75, whichever is the greater. For mortgages insured on or after February 1, 1998, the Secretary will reimburse a percentage of foreclosure costs or costs of acquiring the property, which percentage shall be determined in accordance with such conditions as the Secretary shall prescribe. Where the foreclosure involves a mortgage sold by the Secretary on or after August 1, 1969, or a mortgage executed in connection with the sale of property by the Secretary on or after such date, the mortgagee shall be reimbursed (in addition to the amount determined under the foregoing) for any extra costs incurred in the foreclosure as a result of a defect in the mortgage instrument, or a defect in the mortgage transaction or a defect in title which existed at or prior to the time the mortgage (or its assignment by the Secretary) was filed for record, if the mortgagee establishes to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that such extra costs are over and above those customarily incurred in the area.

(g)(1) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued before November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter before November 19, 1992, reasonable payments made by the mortgagee, with the approval of the Secretary, for the purpose of protecting, operating, or preserving the property, or removing debris from the property.

(2) For mortgages insured under firm commitments issued on or after November 19, 1992, or under direct endorsement processing where the credit worksheet was signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after November 19, 1992, reasonable payments made by the mortgagee, with the approval of the Secretary, for the purpose of protecting, operating, or preserving the property, or removing debris from the property prior to the time of conveyance required by § 203.359 of this part.

(3) Reasonable costs for performing the inspections required by § 203.377 of this part and to determine if the property is vacant or abandoned are considered to be costs of protecting, operating or preserving the property.

(h) Any uncollected mortgage interest allowed pursuant to an approved forbearance plan;

(i) An amount which the Commissioner finds to be sufficient to compensate the mortgagee for any loss which it may have sustained on account of interest on debentures and the payment of any MIP and open-end insurance charge by reason of its having postponed the institution of foreclosure proceedings or the acquisition of the property by other means under a mortgage to which the provisions of sections 302 and 306 of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, as amended, apply during any part or all of the period of the mortgagor's military service and three months thereafter;

(j) Charges for the administration, operation, maintenance or repair of community-owned property or the maintenance and repair of the mortgaged property paid by the mortgagee with respect to which it certifies to the Secretary that payment was made for the purpose of discharging an obligation arising out of a covenant filed for record and approved by the Secretary prior to the issuance of the mortgage; and charges for the repair of the mortgaged property required by and in an amount authorized by the Secretary under § 203.379 of this part;

(k)(1) For properties conveyed to the Secretary, an amount equivalent to the debenture interest which would have been earned, as of the date such payment is made, on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash, if such portion had been paid in debentures, except that:

(i) When the mortgagee fails to meet any one of the applicable requirements of §§ 203.355, 203.356(b), 203.359, 203.360, 203.365, 203.606(b)(1), or 203.366 within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary (or within such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended;

(ii) When the mortgagee fails to meet the requirements of § 203.356(a) of this part within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary (or within such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed to a date set administratively by the Secretary.

(2) Where a claim for insurance benefits is being paid without conveyance of title to the Commissioner in accordance with § 203.368, an amount equivalent to the sum of:

(i) The debenture interest which would have been earned, as of the date the mortgagee or a party other than the mortgagee acquires good marketable title to the mortgaged property, on an amount equal to the amount by which an insurance claim determined in accordance with §203.401(a) exceeds the amount of the actual claim being paid in debentures; plus

(ii) The debenture interest which would have been earned, from the date the mortgagee or a party other than the mortgagee acquires good marketable title to the mortgaged property to the date when payment of the claim is made, on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash if such portion had been paid in debentures, except that if the mortgagee fails to meet any of the applicable requirements of §§ 203.355, 203.356, 203.368(i) (3) and (5) of this chapter within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner (or within such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended.

(3) Where a claim for insurance benefits is being paid following a pre-foreclosure sale, without foreclosure or conveyance to the Commissioner in accordance with § 203.370, an amount equivalent to the sum of:

(i) The debenture interest which would have been earned, as of the date of the closing of the pre-foreclosure sale, on an amount equal to the amount by which an insurance claim determined in accordance with § 203.401(a) exceeds the amount of the actual claim being paid in debentures; plus

(ii) The debenture interest which would have been earned, from the date of the closing of the pre-foreclosure sale to the date when payment of the claim is made, on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash if such portion had been paid in debentures, except that if the mortgagee fails to meet any of the applicable requirements of § 203.365 within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner (or within such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended.

(l) Reasonable costs of appraisal under § 203.368(e) or pursuant to § 203.370;

(m) Costs of additional advertising under 203.368(h);

(n) Costs of foreclosure as computed in paragraph (f) of this section where the acquiring party is one other than the mortgagee, as provided in § 203.368;

(o) In any case in which the Commissioner, pursuant to § 203.369, requires or requests that the mortgagee seek a deficiency judgment, an amount necessary to reimburse the mortgagee for those additional costs incurred that exceed the costs of foreclosure. In those jurisidictions that require the initiation of a judicial foreclosure action in order to obtain a deficiency judgment, a mortgagee shall receive full reimbursement for the costs of the foreclosure action, where, but for the requested deficiency judgment, judicial foreclosure would not have been necessary.

(p) An amount approved by HUD and paid to the mortgagor as consideration for the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and, if authorized by HUD, an administrative fee approved by HUD paid to the mortgagee for its role in facilitating a successful deed in lieu of foreclosure, not to be subject to the payment of debenture interest thereon.

(q) Reasonable costs incurred in evicting occupants and in removing personal property from acquired properties;

(r) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, the mortgagee will not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred in connection with the property after a reconveyance from the Secretary to the mortgagee as provided in § 203.363(b) of this part.

(s) Reasonable costs of the title search ordered by the mortgagee, in accordance with procedures prescribed by HUD, to determine the status of a mortgagor meeting all other criteria for approval to participate in the pre-foreclosure sale procedure, or to determine if a mortgagor meets the criteria for approval of the mortgagee's acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

(t) The administrative fee as authorized by the Secretary and payable to the mortgagee for its role in facilitating a successful pre-foreclosure sale, said fee not to be subject to the payment of debenture interest thereon.

[36 FR 34508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976; 45 FR 56801, Aug. 6, 1980; 48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983; 51 FR 28551, Aug. 8, 1986; 52 FR 1329, Feb. 13, 1987; 53 FR 4388, Feb. 16, 1988; 57 FR 47974, Oct. 20, 1992; 59 FR 50145, Sept. 30, 1994; 61 FR 35018, July 3, 1996; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996; 62 FR 60130, Nov. 6, 1997]

§ 203.402a Reimbursement for uncollected interest.

The mortgagee shall be entitled to receive an allowance in the insurance settlement for unpaid mortgage interest if the mortgagor fails to meet the requirements of a forbearance agreement entered into pursuant to § 203.614 and this failure continues for a period of 60 days. The interest allowance shall be computed to:

(a) The earliest of the applicable following dates, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) The date of the initiation of foreclosure;

(2) The date of the acquisition of the property by the mortgagee by means other than foreclosure;

(3) The date the property was acquired by the Commissioner under a direct conveyance from the mortgagor;

(4) Ninety days following the date the mortgagor fails to meet the requirements of the forbearance agreement, or such other date as the Commissioner may approve in writing prior to the expiration of the 90-day period; or

(5) The date the mortgagee sends the mortgagor notice of eligibility to participate in the Pre-Foreclosure Sale procedure; or

(b) The date foreclosure is initiated or a deed in lieu is obtained, or the date such actions were required by § 203.355(c), whichever is earlier, if the commencement of foreclosure within the time limits described in § 203.355(a), (b), (g), or (h) is precluded by:

(1) The laws of the State in which the mortgaged property is located; or

(2) Federal bankruptcy law.

[60 FR 57678, Nov. 16, 1995, as amended at 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.403 Items deducted from payment—conveyed and non-conveyed properties.

There shall be deducted from the total of the added items in §§ 203.401 and 203.402 the following cash items:

(a) All amounts recieved by the mortgagee on account of the mortgage after the institution of foreclosure proceedings or the acquisition of the property by direct conveyance or otherwise after default.

(b) All amounts received by the mortgagee from any source relating to the property on account of rent or other income after deducting reasonable expenses incurred in handling the property.

(c) All cash retained by the mortgagee including amounts held or deposited for the account of the mortgagor or to which it is entitled under the mortgage transaction that have not been applied in reduction of the principal mortgage indebtedness.

(d) With regard to claims filed pursuant to successful pre-foreclosure sales, all amounts received by the mortgagee relating to the sale of the property.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 52 FR 1329, Jan. 13, 1987; 59 FR 50145, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.404 Amount of payment—assigned mortgages.

Upon an acceptable assignment of a mortgage, the Commissioner shall pay to the mortgagee the unpaid principal balance of the loan at the time of assignment and an amount determined by:

(a) Adding the following items:

(1) Any accrued and unpaid mortgage interest.

(2) Any advances made under the mortgage and approved by the Commissioner.

(3) Reimbursement for such costs and attorney's fees as HUD finds were properly incurred in connection with the defaulted mortgage and its modification and assignment to HUD.

(4) An amount equivalent to the debenture interest which would have been earned on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash, as of the date such payment is made, except that when the mortgagee fails to meet any one of the requirements of §§ 203.350(e), 203.351, and 203.353 of this chapter within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner (or within such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended.

(5) An administrative fee to the mortgagee for modifying the mortgage.

(6) A fee for servicing the mortgage assigned to HUD, if HUD requires such servicing.

(b) Deducting all cash retained by the mortgagee, including amounts held or deposited for the account of the mortgagor or to which it is entitled under the mortgage transaction that have not been applied in reduction of the principal mortgage indebtedness.

(c) The mortgagee may not file for any additional payments of its mortgage insurance claim after six months from final payment by the Commissioner. For the purpose of this section, the term final payment shall mean the payment which is made by the Commissioner based upon the submission by the mortgagee of all required documents and information pursuant to § 203.351 of this part.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 55 FR 283, Jan. 4, 1990; 56 FR 3215, Jan. 29, 1991; 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.405 Debenture interest rate.

Debentures shall bear interest from the date of issue, payable semiannually on the first day of January and the first day of July of each year at the rate in effect as of the day the commitment was issued, or as of the date the mortgage was endorsed for insurance, whichever rate is higher. For applications involving mortgages originated under the single family Direct Endorsement program, debentures shall bear interest from the date of issue, payable semiannually on the first day of January and the first day of July of each year at the rate in effect as of the date the mortgage was endorsed for insurance.

[48 FR 11941, Mar. 22, 1983]

§ 203.406 Maturity of debentures.

Debentures shall mature 20 years from the date of issue.

§ 203.407 Registration of debentures.

Debentures shall be registered as to principal and interest.

§ 203.408 Form and amounts of debentures.

Debentures issued under this part shall be in such form and amounts; and shall be subject to such term and conditions; and shall include such provisions for redemption, if any, as may be prescribed by the Secretary, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury; and may be in book entry or certificated registered form, or such other form as the Secretary by regulation may prescribe.

[59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.409 Redemption of debentures.

Debentures shall, at the option of the Commissioner and with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, be redeemable at par plus accrued interest on any semiannual interest payment date on three months’ notice of redemption given in such manner as the Commissioner shall prescribe. The debenture interest on the debentures called for redemption shall cease on the semiannual interest payment date designated in the call notice. The Commissioner may include with the notice of redemption an offer to purchase the debentures at par plus accrued interest at any time during the period between the notice of redemption and the redemption date. If the debentures are purchased by the Commissioner after such call and prior to the named redemption date, the debenture interest shall cease on the date of purchase.

§ 203.410 Issue date of debentures.

(a) Conveyed properties, claims without conveyance, pre-foreclosure sales— Where the property is conveyed to the Commissioner, or the mortgagee or other party acquires title to the property under the claim without conveyance procedure or the pre-foreclosure sale procedure, debenture shall be dated:

(1) If issued prior to September 2, 1964, or issued on or after such date and a certificate of claim is also issued, as of one of the dates as follows:

(i) The foreclosure proceedings were instituted;

(ii) The property was otherwise acquired by the mortgagee after default;

(iii) The property was acquired by the Commissioner, if directly conveyed to the Commissioner from the mortgagor; or

(iv) The property was acquired after default by a third party under the pre-foreclosure sale procedure.

(2) If issued on or after September 2, 1964, and a certificate of claim is not issued, as of the date of default as defined in this part.

(3) As of the day after the date to which mortgage interest is computed as specified in § 203.402a, if the insurance settlement includes an allowance for uncollected interest in connection with a special forbearance.

(b) Assigned mortgages. Where the mortgage is assigned to the Commissioner, debentures shall be dated as of the date of the assignment.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, in connection with conveyed properties and claims without conveyance, debentures issued as reimbursement for expenditures made by a mortgagee after the date of default shall be dated as of the date the expenditure is actually made by the mortgagee.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 50 FR 3892, Jan. 29, 1985; 52 FR 1329, Jan. 13, 1987; 59 FR 50145, Sept. 30, 1994; 60 FR 57678, Nov. 16, 1995]

§ 203.411 Cash adjustment.

Any difference of less than $50 between the amount of debentures to be issued to the mortgagee and the total amount of the mortgagee's claim, as approved by the Commissioner, may be adjusted by the issuance of a check in payment thereof.

[59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.412 Payment for foreclosure alternative actions.

Notwithstanding the conveyance, sale, or assignment requirements for payment of a claim elsewhere in this part, HUD may pay the mortgagee, in accordance with procedures prescribed by HUD, for the following foreclosure alternative actions, in such amounts as HUD determines:

(a) Assumptions under § 203.512;

(b) Special forbearance under §§ 203.471 and 203.614;

(c) Recasting or modification of defaulted mortgages under § 203.616, where the mortgagee is not reimbursed under § 203.405(a);

(d) Refinancing under § 203.43(c).

[61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.413 [Reserved]

§ 203.414 Amount of payment—partial claims.

(a) Claim amount. Where a claim for partial insurance benefits is filed in accordance with § 203.371, the amount of the insurance benefits shall consist of the arrearage not to exceed an amount equivalent to 12 monthly mortgage payments, and any costs prescribed by HUD related to the default.

(b) Servicing fee. The claim may also include a payment for activities, such as servicing the subordinate mortgage, which HUD may require.

[61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 60130, Nov. 6, 1997]

Certificate of Claim

§ 203.415 Delivery of certificate of claim.

(a) If the mortgage was accepted for insurance pursuant to a commitment issued prior to September 2, 1964, the mortgagee may, by filing a written request with the application for debentures, receive in addition to the debentures and the cash adjustment check, a certificate of claim issued in accordance with section 204(e) of the Act. This certificate shall become payable (if at all) as prescribed in section 204(f) of the Act.

(b) If the mortgage was accepted for insurance pursuant to a commitment issued on or after September 2, 1964, or under the Direct Endorsement, Lender Insurance, or Coinsurance programs, no certificate of claim will be issued.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 57 FR 58349, Dec. 9, 1992; 62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997]

§ 203.416 Amount and items of certificate of claim.

The certificate shall be for an amount which the Commissioner determines to be sufficient to pay all amounts due under the mortgage and not covered by the amount of debentures and cash adjustment check. The certificate shall include a reasonable amount for necessary expenses incurred by the mortgagee in connection with the foreclosure proceedings or the acquisition of the mortgaged property otherwise and the conveyance thereof to the Commissioner, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, unpaid interest, and cost of repairs to the property made by the mortgagee to remedy the waste.

§ 203.417 Rate of interest of certificate of claim.

Each certificate of claim shall provide that there shall accrue to the holder thereof with respect to the face amount of such certificate, an increment at the rate of 3 percent per annum.

Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and Distributive Shares

§ 203.420 Nature of Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.

The Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall consist of the General Surplus Account and the Participating Reserve Account.

§ 203.421 Allocation of Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund income or loss.

For any semiannual period in which Mutual Mortgage Insurance operations shall result in a net income, or loss, the Commissioner shall allocate, after taking into account the actuarial status of the entire Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, such net income or such loss to the General Surplus Account and/or to the Participating Reserve Account as the Commissioner may determine to be in accord with sound actuarial and accounting practice. In determining net income or loss, the Commissioner shall take into consideration all income received from fees, premiums and earnings on investments of the fund, operating expenses and provision for losses to the fund.

[56 FR 18948, Apr. 24, 1991]

§ 203.422 Right and liability under Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.

No mortgagor or mortgagee shall have any vested right in a credit balance in either the General Surplus Account or the Participating Reserve Account. No mortgagor or mortgagee shall be subject to any liability arising under the mutuality of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.

§ 203.423 Distribution of distributive shares.

(a) The Commissioner may provide for the distribution to the mortgagor of a share of the participating reserve account if the contract of insurance is terminated by:

(1) Conveyance to one other than the Commissioner and a claim for the insurance benefits is not presented by the mortgage (§ 203.315), provided, however, in the case of a mortgage insured pursuant to an application for a conditional commitment received on or after May 19, 1988, (or, as appropriate, an application for mortgage insurance endorsement under the Single Family Direct Endorsement program, as provided in § 203.255, where the property appraisal report is signed by the mortgagee's underwriter on or after May 19, 1988, no distribution shall be made if the mortgagee forecloses the mortgage or accepts a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure;

(2) Prepayment of the mortgage (§ 203.316); or

(3) Voluntary agreement of the mortgagor and mortgagees (§ 203.317).

(b) The Commissioner shall determine the amount of the distributive share by multiplying the amount of the premium or premiums paid by the applicable distributive share percentage for mortgages insured in the year the mortgage was endorsed for insurance. The Commissioner shall determine the applicable distributive share percentage in an equitable manner and in accordance with sound financial and actuarial practice, taking into account the cumulative actual financial and actuarial experiences through the end of the most recent calendar year.

[48 FR 28806, June 23, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 1329, Jan. 13, 1987; 53 FR 10530, Apr. 1, 1988; 61 FR 36453, July 10, 1996]

§ 203.424 Maximum amount of distributive shares.

In no event shall a distributive share of the Participating Reserve Account exceed the aggregate scheduled annual premiums of the mortgagor to the year of termination of the insurance.

§ 203.425 Finality of determination.

The determination of the Commissioner as to the amount to be paid to any mortgagor from the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be final and conclusive.

§ 203.426 Inapplicability to housing in older declining urban areas.

The provisions of §§ 203.420 through 203.425 shall not apply to mortgages financing housing in declining urban areas meeting the requirements of § 203.43a.

§ 203.427 Statute of limitations on payment of distributive shares.

The Commissioner shall not distribute any distributive share to an eligible mortgagor under § 203.423 beginning on the date which is six years after the date the Commissioner first transmitted written notification of eligibility to the last known address of the mortgagor, unless the mortgagor has applied in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Commissioner for payment of the share within the six-year period. The Commissioner shall transfer any amounts no longer eligible for distribution under this section from the Participating Reserve Account to the General Surplus Account.

[59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

Sale, Assignment and Pledge of Insured Mortgage

§ 203.430 Sale of interests in insured mortgages.

No mortgagee may sell or otherwise dispose of any insured mortgage, or group of insured mortgages, or any partial interest in such mortgage or mortgages by means of any agreement, arrangement or device except pursuant to this subpart.

§ 203.431 Sale of insured mortgage to approved mortgagee.

An insured mortgage may be sold to another approved mortgagee. The seller shall notify HUD of the sale within 15 calendar days, on a form prescribed by HUD and acknowledged by the buyer.

[45 FR 27929, Apr. 25, 1980]

§ 203.432 Effect of sale of insured mortgage.

When an insured mortgage is sold to another approved mortgagee, the buyer shall thereupon succeed to all the rights and become bound by all the obligations of the seller under the contract of insurance and the seller shall be released from its obligations under the contract, provided that the seller shall not be relieved of its obligation to pay mortgage insurance premiums until the notice required by § 203.431 is received by HUD.

[45 FR 27929, Apr. 25, 1980]

§ 203.433 Assignments, pledges and transfers by approved mortgagee.

(a) An assignment, pledge, or transfer of an insured mortgage or group of insured mortgages, not constituting a final sale, may be made by an approved mortgagee to another approved mortgagee provided the following requirements are met:

(1) The assignor, pledgor or transferor shall remain the mortgagee of record.

(2) The Commissioner shall have no obligation to recognize or deal with any party other than the mortgagee of record with respect to the rights, benefits and obligations of the mortgagee under the contract of insurance.

(b) An assignment or transfer of an insured mortgage or group of insured mortgages may be made by an approved mortgagee to other than an approved mortgagee provided the requirements under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section are met and the following additional requirements are met:

(1) The assignee or transferee shall be a corporation, trust or organization (including but not limited to any pension trust or profit-sharing plan) which certifies to the approved mortgagee that:

(i) It has assets of $100,000 or more; and

(ii) It has lawful authority to hold an insured mortgage or group of insured mortgages.

(2) The assignment or transfer shall be made pursuant to an agreement under which the transferor or assignor is obligated to take one of the following alternate courses of action within 1 year from the date of the assignment or within such additional period of time as may be approved by the Commissioner:

(i) The transferor or assignor shall repurchase and accept a reassignment of such mortgage or group of mortgages.

(ii) The transferor or assignor shall obtain a sale and transfer of such mortgage or group of mortgages to an approved mortgagee.

(c) Notice to or approval of the Commissioner is not required in connection with assignments, pledges or transfers pursuant to this section.

§ 203.434 Declaration of trust.

A sale of a beneficial interest in a group of insured mortgages, where the interest to be acquired is related to all of the mortgages as an entirety, rather than an interest in a specific mortgage shall be made only pursuant to a declaration of trust, which has been approved by the Commissioner prior to any such sale.

§ 203.435 Transfers of partial interests.

A partial interest in an insured mortgage may be transferred under a participation agreement without obtaining the approval of the Commissioner, if the following conditions are met:

(a) Principal mortgagee. The insured mortgage shall be held by an approved mortgagee which, for the purposes of this section, shall be referred to as the principal mortgagee.

(b) Interest of principal mortgagee. The principal mortgagee shall retain and hold for its own account a financial interest in the insured mortgage.

(c) Qualification for holding partial interest. A partial interest in an insured mortgage shall be issued to and held only by:

(1) A mortgagee approved by the Commissioner; or

(2) A corporation, trust or organization (including, but not limited to any pension fund, pension trust, or profit-sharing plan) which certifies to the principal mortgagee that:

(i) It has assets of $100,000 or more; and

(ii) It has lawful authority to acquire a partial interest in an insured mortgage.

(d) Participation agreement provisions. The participation agreement shall include provisions that:

(1) The principal mortgagee shall retain title to the mortgage and remain the mortgagee of record under the contract of mortgage insurance.

(2) The Commissioner shall have no obligation to recognize or deal with anyone other than the principal mortgagee with respect to the rights, benefits and obligations of the mortgagee under the contract of insurance.

(3) The mortgage documents shall remain in the custody of the principal mortgagee.

(4) The responsibility for servicing the insured mortgages shall remain with the principal mortgagee.

Graduated Payment Mortgages

§ 203.436 Claim procedure—graduated payment mortgages.

All of the provisions of this subpart are applicable to mortgages insured under the provisions of § 203.45 except as provided in this section.

(a) Beginning of Amortization means the date one month prior to the date of the first monthly payment to principal or interest.

(b) The phrases unpaid principal balance of the loan or principal of the mortgage which was unpaid as used in this subpart, shall be construed to refer to the outstanding mortgage amount as increased by any accrued mortgage interest which was unpaid pursuant to a financing plan approved by the Secretary.

[41 FR 42949, Sept. 29, 1976]

Cooperative Unit Mortgages

§ 203.437 Mortgages involving a dwelling unit in a cooperative housing development.

(a) The provisions of §§ 203.251(d), 203.366 and 203.440 through 203.495 shall not apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 203(n) of the National Housing Act.

(b) References in this subpart to the term deed and deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the word property when found in the phrases conveyance of property, acquisition of property, or other phrases indicating transfer of property, shall be construed to mean the assignment of the Corporate Certificate and Occupancy Certificate. However, when the use of such terms, as interpreted in light of section 203(n) of the National Housing Act, clearly indicates that reference to the dwelling unit is intended, such terms shall mean the dwelling unit identified in the Occupancy Certificate.

(c) In addition to the requirements of § 203.365, the mortgagee shall forward to the Secretary within 45 days after the transfer of the Corporate Certificate:

(1) A statement certified by the officer of the corporation charged with maintenance of the Corporate Certificate Transfer Book that such book currently shows that the Secretary is the owner of the Corporate Certificate; and,

(2) The Occupancy Certificate in the name of the Secretary.

(d) The mortgagee shall tender to the Secretary good and marketable title to the Corporate Certificate and the exclusive right of permanent possession of the dwelling unit.

(e) In lieu of the types of title evidence provided in § 203.385, the Secretary will accept a legal opinion signed by an attorney at law experienced in the examination of titles that the Secretary has good and marketable title to the Corporate Certificate and the exclusive right of possession of the dwelling unit.

(f) The Secretary may accept assignment of mortgages insured under this part if it is determined by the Secretary that it is in the Department's interest to do so provided that the blanket mortgage is in default and the holder of such mortgage has announced an intention to foreclose.

[42 FR 40432, Aug. 10, 1977; 42 FR 57435, Nov. 2, 1977]

Mortgages on Property Located on Indian Land

§ 203.438 Mortgages on Indian land insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act.

(a) Exemptions. The provisions of § 203.366 shall not apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act.

(b) Claim procedure. In addition to other actions which the mortgagee may take pursuant to this subpart in order to receive insurance benefits, a mortgagee shall be entitled to receive such benefits on a mortgage insured under § 203.43h when (1) the mortgagor is more than 90 days in default; (2) the mortgagee has submitted appropriate documentation to the Secretary in accordance with § 203.350(b); and (3) the Secretary has approved the assignment of the mortgage.

(c) Foreclosure by HUD. HUD may initiate foreclosure proceedings with respect to any mortgage acquired under this section in a tribal court, a court of competent jurisdiction or Federal district court. If the mortgagor remains on the property following foreclosure, HUD may seek an eviction order from the court hearing the foreclosure action.

[51 FR 21872, June 16, 1986, as amended at 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

Mortgages on Property Located on Hawaiian Home Lands

§ 203.439 Mortgages on Hawaiian home lands insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act.

(a) Exemptions. The provisions of §§ 203.351(a)(8), 203.353(a), and 203.368, do not apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act.

(b) Claim procedure. Where the mortgage is 180 days or more in default, the mortgagee may assign the mortgage to the Secretary and file its claim for insurance benefits in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. No claim on an insured mortgage will be paid other than through assignment of the mortgage.

(c) Notice of delinquency. The mortgagee shall notify the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands each month of those mortgages insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act on leaseholds of Hawaiian home lands which are 90 or more days delinquent, and of the status of all mortgages which were reported as 90 or more days delinquent the previous month. This notice is in addition to the requirement under § 203.332 to report to HUD concerning all insured mortgages 90 or more days delinquent.

[52 FR 8068, Mar. 16, 1987. Correctly designated at 52 FR 9989, Mar. 27, 1987 and 52 FR 28470, July 30, 1987, and amended at 55 FR 283, Jan. 4, 1990]

Mortgages on Property in Allegany Reservation of Seneca Indians

§ 203.439a Mortgages on property in Allegany Reservation of Seneca Nation of Indians authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act.

(a) Applicability. This section shall apply to mortgages authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43j of this part) only when the date of default occurs before the mortgagor and the lessor execute a lease renewal or a new lease either with a term of not less than five years beyond the maturity date of the mortgage, or with a term established by an arbitration award.

(b) Claims. In addition to other actions which the mortgagee may take pursuant to this subpart in order to receive insurance benefits, a mortgagee shall be entitled to receive such benefits when the Secretary has agreed to accept assignment of a mortgage in accordance with § 203.350(d) and the mortgagee has complied with §§ 203.351 and 203.353.

(c) Exceptions. Notwithstanding § 203.366, title to a leasehold estate conveyed to the Commissioner is not required to be marketable as to the term of the lease, provided that the mortgagee has taken any actions required by the Secretary to attempt to obtain a long-term renewal of the lease. Title evidence will be required in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner (see § 203.385) unless the Commissioner agrees to accept title to a leasehold estate without title evidence.

[52 FR 48202, Dec. 21, 1987, and 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988]

Rehabilitation Loans

§ 203.440 Definitions.

All of the definitions contained in § 203.50 of this subchapter shall apply to §§ 203.440 et seq. In addition the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(a) Insured loan means a loan which has been insured as evidenced by the issuance of an Insurance Certificate or by the endorsement of the note for insurance by the Commissioner.

(b) Contract of insurance means the agreement evidenced by the issuance of an Insurance Certificate or by the endorsement of the Commissioner upon the note given in connection with an insured loan, incorporating by reference the regulations in §§ 203.440 et seq. and the applicable provisions of the Act.

(c) Insurance premium means the loan insurance premium paid by the financial institution to the Commissioner in consideration of the contract of insurance.

(d) Beginning of amortization means the date one month prior to the date of the first monthly payment to principal and interest.

(e) Maturity means the date on which the loan indebtedness would be extinguished if paid in accordance with periodic payments provided for in the original note and security instrument.

(f) Debentures means registered, transferable securities in book entry or certificated form which are valid and binding obligations, unconditionally guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.441 Insurance of loan.

Under compliance with the commitment, or as provided in § 203.255(b) with respect to mortgages processed under the Direct Endorsement program, the Commissioner shall insure the loan evidencing the insurance by the issuance of an insurance certificate which will identify the regulations under which the loan is insured and the date of insurance.

[57 FR 58349, Dec. 9, 1992; 58 FR 13537, Mar. 12, 1993]

§ 203.442 Contract created by Insurance Certificate or by endorsement.

The loan is insured from the date of the issuance of an Insurance Certificate or from the date of the endorsement of the note. The Commissioner and the lender shall thereafter be bound by the Act and the regulations in §§ 203.440 et seq. with the same force and to the same extent as if a separate contract had been executed relating to the insured loan.

§ 203.443 Insurance premium.

All of the provisions of §§ 203.260 through 203.269 1 concerning mortgage insurance premiums, apply to loans insured under § 203.50.

1 Section 203.269 was removed at 48 FR 35089, Aug. 3, 1983.

[47 FR 30753, July 15, 1982]

§ 203.457 Voluntary termination of contract.

Upon request by the borrower and lender the Commissioner may terminate the insurance contract on the loan. The lender shall cancel the insurance endorsement on the insurance certificate or note upon receipt of notice from the Commissioner that the contract of insurance is terminated.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

§ 203.458 Termination by prepayment of loan.

The contract of insurance shall be terminated if the loan is paid in full prior to its maturity.

§ 203.459 Notice of termination by lender.

No contract of insurance shall be terminated until the lender has given written notice thereof to the Commissioner within 15 calendar days from the occurrence of one of the approved methods of termination set forth in this subpart.

[45 FR 31716, May 14, 1980]

§ 203.462 Pro rata payment of premium before termination.

No contract of insurance shall be terminated until the lender has paid to the Commissioner the pro rata portion of the current annual insurance premium.

§ 203.463 Notice and date of termination by Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall notify the lender that the contract of insurance has been terminated and the effective termination. The termination date shall be the last day of the month in which:

(a) The loan was prepaid; or

(b) A voluntary termination request is received by the Commissioner, or

§ 203.464 Effect of termination.

Upon termination of the contract of insurance, the obligation to pay any subsequent insurance premium shall cease and all rights of the borrower and lender shall be terminated.

§ 203.466 Definition of default.

If the borrower fails to make any payment, or to perform any other obligation under the loan and such failure continues for a period of 30 days, the loan shall be considered in default for the purposes of §§ 203.440 et seq.

§ 203.467 Date of default.

For the purposes of §§ 203.440 et seq. the date of default shall be considered as 30 days after—

(a) The first uncorrected failure to perform any obligation under the loan, or

(b) The first failure to make a monthly payment which subsequent payments by the borrower are insufficient to cover when applied to the overdue monthly payment in the order in which they became due.

§ 203.468 Notice of default.

The lender shall, within 60 days after default as defined in §§ 203.440 et seq., give written notice thereof to the Commissioner, unless such default has been cured or unless the Commissioner has been notified of a previous default which remains uncured.

§ 203.469 Reinstatement of defaulted loan.

If after default and prior to assignment by the lender of the loan to the Commissioner, the borrower shall pay to the lender all monthly payments in default, written notice shall be given to the Commissioner within 30 days and the insurance shall continue as if such default had not occurred.

§ 203.471 Special forbearance.

If the mortgagee finds that a default is due to circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control, as defined by the Secretary, the mortgagee may grant special forbearance relief to the mortgagor in accordance with the conditions prescribed by the Secretary.

[61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.472 Relief for borrower in military service.

If the borrower is a person in military service, as defined in the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940, the lender may, by written agreement with the borrower, postpone for the period of military service, and 3 months thereafter, any part of the monthly payment, which represents amortization of principal. The agreement shall contain a provision for the resumption of monthly payments thereafter in amounts which will completely amortize the obligation within its original maturity. The agreement shall in no way affect the amount of the annual insurance premium which shall continue to be calculated in accordance with the original amortization provisions of the loan.

§ 203.473 Claim procedure.

(a) A claim for insurance benefits on a loan secured by a first mortgage shall be made, and insurance benefits shall be paid, as provided in §§ 203.350 through 203.414.

(b) A claim for insurance benefits on a loan secured by other than a first mortgage shall be made, and insurance benefits shall be paid, as provided in §§ 203.474 through 203.478. However, the lender may not, except with the approval of the Commissioner, proceed against the security and also make claim under the contract of insurance, but shall elect which method it desires to pursue.

[49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984, as amended at 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.474 Maximum claim period.

A claim for insurance benefits on a loan secured by other than a first mortgage shall be filed within one year from the date of default, or within such additional period of time as may be approved by the Commissioner.

[49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984]

§ 203.476 Claim application and items to be filed.

The claim for reimbursement on a loan secured by other than a first mortgage shall be made upon an application form prescribed by the Commissioner. The application shall be accompanied by:

(a) The fiscal data pertaining to the loan transaction as required by the fiscal data form;

(b) Receipts covering all disbursements as required by the fiscal data form;

(c) The original note and the security held, assigned to the Commissioner without recourse of warranty, except that no act or omission of the lender shall have impaired the validity and priority of such security;

(d) Any hazard insurance policies held on property serving as security for the loan, together with a copy of the lender's notification to the carrier authorizing the amendment of the loss payable clause substituting the Commissioner as the holder of the security;

(e) The assignment to the Commissioner of all rights and interests arising under the loan, and all claims of the lender against the borrower or others arising out of the loan transaction;

(f) Any title evidence held by the lender;

(g) All property of the borrower held by the lender or to which it is entitled and, if payment is requested in debentures, all cash held by the lender or to which it is entitled, including deposits made for the account of the borrower and which have not been applied in reduction of the principal loan indebtedness;

(h) All records, ledger cards, documents, books, papers and accounts relating to the loan transaction;

(i) Any additional information or data which the Commissioner may require.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0051) [36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 49 FR 21319, May 21, 1984]

§ 203.477 Certificate by lender when loan assigned.

At the time of the assignment of the loan, the lender shall certify to the Commissioner that:

(a) The amount stated in the instrument of assignment is actually due and owing on the loan;

(b) There are no offsets of counterclaims thereto, and the financial institution has a good right to assign.

(c) The mortgage transaction did not involve a first mortgage and the mortgage is prior to all mechanics’ and materialmen's liens filed of record, regardless of when such liens attach, and prior to all liens and encumbrances other than a first mortgage, or defects which may arise except such liens or other matters as may have been approved by the Commissioner.

[36 FR 34508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 45 FR 33967, May 21, 1980; 49 FR 21320, May 21, 1984]

§ 203.478 Payment of insurance benefits.

(a) Claim computation, items included. Upon acceptable assignment of the note and security instruments, the Commissioner shall pay the lender an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance of the loan, plus:

(1) Any accrued interest due as of the date of execution of the assignment of the loan to the Commissioner.

(2) Any advances made previously under the provisions of the loan instrument and approved by the Commissioner.

(3) Reimbursement for such reasonable collection costs, court costs and attorney's fees as may be approved by the Commissioner.

(4) Reimbursement for premiums paid on any hazard insurance policies held on the property.

(5) If payment is made in cash, an amount equivalent to the debenture interest which would have been earned, as of the date insurance settlement occurs, except that where the lender fails to meet any one of the requirements of §§ 203.476 and 203.477 and such failure continues for more than 30 days (or such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the debenture interest shall be computed for 30 days or the extended period.

(b) Claim computation, items deducted. If the lender is to receive cash, there shall be deducted from the total of the added items in paragraph (a) of this section any cash held by the lender or to which it is entitled including deposits made for the account of the borrower and which have not been applied in reduction of the principal loan indebtedness.

(1) Payment in cash. Unless a written request for payment in debentures is filed with the application, payment shall be made in cash.

(2) Optional payment in debentures. Payment shall be made in debentures upon filing a written request with the application.

(d) Special provision—payment in debentures. All of the provisions of §§ 203.479 through 203.487 of this subpart shall be applicable in connection with the payment in debentures of insurance benefits under this subpart.

§ 203.479 Debenture interest rate.

Debentures shall bear interest from the date of issue, payable semiannually on the first day of January and the first day of July of each year at the rate in effect as of the date the commitment was issued, or as of the date the loan was endorsed for insurance, whichever rate is higher. The applicable rates of interest will be published twice each year as a notice in the Federal Register.

[57 FR 58349, Dec. 9, 1992]

§ 203.481 Maturity of debentures.

Debentures shall mature 10 years from the date of issue.

§ 203.482 Registration of debentures.

Debentures shall be registered as to principal and interest.

§ 203.483 Forms and amounts of debentures.

Debentures issued under this part shall be in such form and amounts; and shall be subject to such terms and conditions; and shall include such provisions for redemption, if any, as may be prescribed by the Secretary, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury; and may be in book entry or certificated registered form, or such other form as the Secretary by regulation may prescribe.

[59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.484 Redemption of debentures.

Debentures shall, at the option of the Commissioner and with the approval of the Secretary of the Treas-ury, be redeemable at par plus accrued interest on any semiannual interest payment date on 3 months’ notice of redemption given in such manner as the Commissioner shall prescribe. The debenture interest on the debentures called for redemption shall cease on the semiannual interest payment date designated in the call notice. The Commissioner may include with the notice of redemption an offer to purchase the debentures at par plus accrued interest at any time during the period between the notice of redemption and the redemption date. If the debentures are purchased by the Commissioner after such call and prior to the named redemption date, the debenture interest shall cease on the date of purchase.

§ 203.486 Issue date of debentures.

The debentures shall be issued as of the date of the execution of the assignment of the loan in accordance with the requirements of § 203.476(c).

§ 203.487 Cash adjustment.

Any difference of less than $50 between the amount of debentures to be issued to the lender and the total amount of the lender's claim, as approved by the Commissioner, may be adjusted by the issuance of a check in payment thereof.

[59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994]

§ 203.488 Sale of interests in insured loans.

No lender may sell or otherwise dispose of any insured loan or group of insured loans, or any partial interest in such loan or loans by means of any agreement, arrangement or device except pursuant to this subpart.

§ 203.489 Sale of insured loan to approved lender.

An insured loan may be sold to another approved lender.The seller shall notify HUD of the sale within 15 calendar days, on a form prescribed by HUD and acknowledged by the buyer.

[45 FR 27929, Apr. 25, 1980]

§ 203.491 Effect of sale of insured loan.

When an insured loan is sold to another approved lender, the buyer shall thereupon succeed to all the rights and become bound by all the obligations of the seller under the contract of insurance and the seller shall be released from its obligations under the contract, provided that the seller shall not be relieved of its obligation to pay insurance premiums until the notice required by § 203.489 is received by HUD.

[45 FR 27929, Apr. 25, 1980]

§ 203.492 Assignments, pledges and transfers by approved lender.

(a) An assignment, pledge or transfer of an insured loan or group of insured loans, not constituting a final sale, may be made by an approved lender to another approved lender provided the following requirements are met:

(1) The assignor, pledgor or transferor shall remain the lender of record.

(2) The Commissioner shall have no obligation to recognize or deal with any party other than the lender of record with respect to the rights, benefits and obligations of the lender under the contract of insurance.

(b) An assignment or transfer of an insured loan or group of insured loans may be made by an approved lender to other than an approved lender provided the requirements under paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section are met and the following additional requirements are met:

(1) The assignee or transferee shall be a corporation, trust or organization (including but not limited to any pension trust or profit-sharing plan) which certifies to the approved lender that:

(i) It has assets of $100,000 or more; and

(ii) It has lawful authority to hold an insured loan or group of insured loans.

(2) The assignment or transfer shall be made pursuant to an agreement under which the transferor or assignor is obligated to take one of the following alternate courses of action within one year from the date of the assignment or within such additional period of time as may be approved by the Commissioner:

(i) The transferor or assignor shall repurchase and accept a reassignment of such loan or group of loans.

(ii) The transferor or assignor shall obtain a sale and transfer of such loan or group of loans to an approved lender.

(c) Notice to or approval of the Commissioner is not required in connection with assignments, pledges or transfers pursuant to this section.

§ 203.493 Declaration of trust.

A sale of a beneficial interest in a group of insured loans, where the interest to be acquired is related to all of the loans as an entirety, rather than an interest in a specific loan, shall be made only pursuant to a declaration of trust, which has been approved by the Commissioner prior to any such sale.

§ 203.495 Transfers of partial interests.

A partial interest in an insured loan may be transferred under a participation agreement without obtaining the approval of the Commissioner, if the following conditions are met:

(a) Principal mortgagee. The insured loan shall be held by an approved lender which, for the purposes of this section, shall be referred to as the principal lender.

(b) Interest of principal lender. The principal lender shall retain and hold for its own account a financial interest in the insured loan.

(c) Qualification for holding partial interest. A partial interest in an insured loan shall be issued to and held only by:

(1) A lender approved by the Commissioner; or

(2) A corporation, trust or organization (including, but not limited to any pension fund, pension trust, or profit-sharing plan) which certifies to the principal lender that:

(i) It has assets of $100,000 or more; and

(ii) It has lawful authority to acquire a partial interest in an insured loan.

(d) Participation agreement provisions. The participation agreement shall include provisions that:

(1) The principal lender shall retain title to the loan and remain the lender of record under the contract of loan insurance.

(2) The Commissioner shall have no obligation to recognize or deal with anyone other than the principal lender with respect to the rights, benefits, and obligations of the lender under the contract of insurance.

(3) The loan documents shall remain in the custody of the principal lender.

(4) The responsibility for servicing the insured loans shall remain with the principal lender.

Extension of Time

§ 203.496 Actions to be taken by mortgagee or lender.

With respect to any action required by the mortgagee or lender within a period of time prescribed by this subpart the Commissioner may extend such period.

Amendments

§ 203.499 Effect of amendments.

[62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997]

Subpart C—Servicing Responsibilities Source:

41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976, unless otherwise noted.

General Requirements

§ 203.500 Mortgage servicing generally.

This subpart identifies servicing practices of lending institutions that HUD considers acceptable for mortgages insured by HUD. Failure to comply with this subpart shall not be a basis for denial of insurance benefits, but a pattern of refusal or failure to comply will be cause for withdrawal of HUD's approval of a mortgagee. It is the intent of the Department that no mortgagee commence foreclosure or acquisition of a property until the requirements of this subpart have been followed.

[61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.501 Loss mitigation.

Mortgagees must consider the comparative effects of their elective servicing actions, and must take those appropriate actions which can reasonably be expected to generate the smallest financial loss to the Department. Such actions include, but are not limited to, deeds in lieu of foreclosure under § 203.357, pre-foreclosure sales under § 203.370, partial claims under § 203.414, assumptions under § 203.512, special forbearance under §§ 203.471 and 203.614, and recasting of mortgages under § 203.616. HUD may prescribe conditions and requirements for the appropriate use of these loss mitigation actions, concerning such matters as owner-occupancy, extent of previous defaults, prior use of loss mitigation, and evaluation of the mortgagor's income, credit and property.

[59 FR 50145, Sept. 30, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.502 Responsibility for servicing.

(a) After January 10, 1994, servicing of insured mortgages must be performed by a mortgagee that is approved by HUD to service insured mortgages. The servicer must fully discharge the servicing responsibilities of the mortgagee as outlined in this part. The mortgagee shall remain fully responsible to the Secretary for proper servicing, and the actions of its servicer shall be considered to be the actions of the mortgagee. The servicer also shall be fully responsible to the Secretary for its actions as a servicer.

(b) Whenever servicing of any mortgage is transferred from one mortgagee or servicer to another, notice of the transfer of service shall be delivered:

(1) By the transferor mortgagee or servicer to the mortgagor. The notification shall be delivered not less than 15 days before the effective date of the transfer and shall contain the information required in § 3500.21(e)(2) of this title; and

(2) By the transferee mortgagee or servicer:

(i) To the mortgagor. The notification shall be delivered not less than 15 days before the effective date of the transfer and shall contain the information required in § 3500.21(e)(2) of this title; and

(ii) To the Secretary. This notification shall be delivered within 15 days of the transfer, in a format prescribed by the Secretary.

[36 FR 24508, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 57 FR 47974, Oct. 20, 1992; 57 FR 58349, Dec. 9, 1992; 59 FR 65448, Dec. 19, 1994; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.508 Providing information.

(a) Mortgagees shall provide loan information to mortgagors and arrange for individual loan consultation on request. The mortgagee must establish written procedures and controls to assure prompt responses to inquiries. One or more of the following means of making information readily available to mortgagors is required:

(1) An office staffed with competent personnel located within 200 miles of the property, capable of providing timely responses to requests for information. Complete records need not be maintained in such an office if the staff is able to secure needed information and pass it on to the mortgagor.

(2) Toll-free telephone service at an office capable of providing needed information.

(b) All mortgagors must be informed of the system available for obtaining answers to loan inquiries, the office from which needed information may be obtained and reminded of the system at least annually. Toll-free telephone service need not be provided to a mortgagor other than at the office designated to serve the mortgagor nor other than from the immediate vicinity of the security property.

(c) Within thirty days after the end of each calendar year, the mortgagee shall furnish to the mortgagor a statement of the interest paid, and of the taxes disbursed from the escrow account during the preceding year. At the mortgagor's request, the mortgagee shall furnish a statement of the escrow account sufficient to enable the mortgagor to reconcile the account.

(d) Mortgagees must respond to HUD requests for information concerning individual accounts.

(e) Each servicer of a mortgage shall deliver to the mortgagor a written notice of any assignment, sale, or transfer of the servicing of the mortgage. The notice must be sent in accordance with the provisions of § 3500.21(e)(1) of this title and shall contain the information required by § 3500.21(e)(2) of this title. Servicers must respond to mortgagor inquiries pertaining to the transfer of servicing in accordance with § 3500.21(f) of this title.

(The information collection requirements contained in paragraph (c) were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0235) [41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976, as amended at 48 FR 28986, June 24, 1983; 59 FR 65448, Dec. 19, 1994]

§ 203.510 Release of personal liability.

(a) Procedures. The mortgagee shall release a selling mortgagor from any personal liability for payment of the mortgage debt, if release is permitted by § 203.258 of this part, in accordance with the following procedures:

(1) The mortgagee receives a request for a creditworthiness determination for a prospective purchaser of all or part of the mortgaged property;

(2) The mortgagee or servicer performs a creditworthiness determination under § 203.512(b)(1) of this part if the mortgagee or servicer is approved for participation in the Direct Endorsement program, or the mortgagee requests a creditworthiness determination by the Secretary;

(3) The prospective purchaser is determined to be creditworthy under the standards applicable when a release of the selling mortgagor is intended;

(4) The prospective purchaser assumes personal liability by agreeing to pay the mortgage debt; and

(5) The mortgagee provides the selling mortgagor with a release of personal liability on a form approved by the Secretary.

(b) Release after 5 years. (1) If a selling mortgagor is not released under the procedures described in paragraph (a) of this section, either because no request for a creditworthiness determination is submitted under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or because there is no affirmative determination of creditworthiness under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, then the selling mortgagor is automatically released from any personal liability for payment of the mortgage debt because of section 203(r) of the National Housing Act if:

(i) The purchasing mortgagor has assumed personal liability by agreeing to pay the mortgage debt;

(ii) Five years have elapsed after the assumption; and

(iii) The purchasing mortgagor is not in default under the mortgage at the end of the five-year period.

(2) If the conditions of this paragraph (b) for a release are satisfied, the mortgagee shall provide a written release upon request to the selling mortgagor.

(3) This paragraph (b) only applies to a mortgage originated pursuant to an application by the mortgagor on or after December 1, 1986 on a form approved by the Secretary.

(c) Mortgagee to provide notice. A mortgagee shall inform mortgagors (including prospective mortgagors seeking information) about the procedures for release of personal liability by providing a notice approved by the Secretary when required by the Secretary.

[58 FR 42649, Aug. 11, 1993]

§ 203.512 Free assumability; exceptions.

(a) Policy of free assumability with no restrictions. A mortgagee shall not impose, agree to or enforce legal restrictions on conveyance, as defined in § 203.41(a)(3) of this part, or restrictions on assumption of the insured mortgage, unless specifically permitted by this part or contained in a junior lien granted to the mortgagee after settlement on the insured mortgage.

(b) Credit review. If approval is required by the mortgage, the mortgagee shall not approve the sale or other transfer of all or part of the mortgaged property, or the sale or transfer of a beneficial interest in a trust owning all or part of the property, whether or not any person acquires personal liability under the mortgage in connection with the sale or other transfer, unless:

(1) At least one of the persons acquiring ownership is determined to be creditworthy under applicable standards prescribed by the Secretary;

(2) The selling mortgagor retains an ownership interest in the property; or

(3) The transfer is by devise or descent.

(c) Investors and secondary residences. The mortgagee shall not approve the sale of other transfer or mortgaged property to a person who cannot be approved as a substitute mortgagor as provided in § 203.258 of this part because the property will not be a primary residence or a secondary residence permitted by that section.

(d) Due-on-sale clause. Each mortgage shall contain a due-on-sale clause permitting acceleration, in a form prescribed by the Secretary. If a sale or other transfer occurs without mortgagee approval and a prohibition in paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section applies, a mortgagee shall enforce this section by requesting approval from the Secretary to accelerate the mortgage, provided that acceleration is permitted by applicable law. The mortgagee shall accelerate if approval is granted. This paragraph applies only if the application by the mortgagor on a form approved by the Secretary is dated on or after December 1, 1986.

[58 FR 42649, Aug. 11, 1993; 59 FR 15112, Mar. 31, 1994]

Payments, Charges and Accounts

§ 203.550 Escrow accounts.

(a) It is the mortgagee's responsibility to make escrow disbursements before bills become delinquent. Mortgagees must establish controls to insure that bills payable from the escrow fund or the information needed to pay such bills is obtained on a timely basis. Penalties for late payments for items payable from the escrow account must not be charged to the mortgagor unless it can be shown that the penalty was the direct result of the mortgagor's error or omission. The mortgagee shall use the procedures set forth in § 3500.17 of this title, implementing Section 10 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. 2609), to compute the amount of the escrow, the methods of collection and accounting, and the payment of the bills for which the money has been escrowed.

(b) [Reserved]

(c) In the case of escrow accounts created for purposes of § 203.52 or § 234.64 of this chapter, mortgagees may estimate escrow requirements based on the best information available as to probable payments that will be required to be made from the account on a periodic basis throughout the period during which the account is maintained.

(d) The mortgagee shall not institute foreclosure when the only default of the mortgagor occupant is a present inability to pay a substantial escrow shortage, resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this section, in a lump sum.

(e) When the contract of mortgage insurance is terminated voluntarily or because of prepayment in full, sums in the escrow account to pay the mortgage insurance premiums shall be remitted to HUD with a form approved by the Secretary for reporting the voluntary termination of prepayment. Upon prepayment in full sums held in escrow for taxes and hazard insurance shall be released to the mortgagor promptly.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0474) [41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976, as amended at 57 FR 9611, Mar. 19, 1992; 57 FR 27927, June 23, 1992; 59 FR 53901, Oct. 26, 1994; 60 FR 8812, Feb. 15, 1995]

§ 203.552 Fees and charges after endorsement.

(a) The mortgagee may collect reasonable and customary fees and charges from the mortgagor after insurance endorsement only as provided below. The mortgagee may collect these fees or charges from the mortgagor only to the extent that the mortgagee is not reimbursed for such fees by HUD.

(1) Late charges as set forth in § 203.25;

(2) Charges for processing or reprocessing a check returned as uncollectible; (Where bank policy permits, the mortgagee must deposit a check for collection a second time before assessing a bad check charge);

(3) Fees for processing a change of ownership of the mortgaged property;

(4) Fees and charges for arranging a substitution of liability under the mortgage in connection with the sale or transfer of the property;

(5) Charges for processing a request for credit approval of an assumptor or substitute mortgagor;

(6) Charges for substitution of a hazard insurance policy at other than the expiration of term of the existing hazard insurance policy;

(7) Charges for modification of the mortgage involving a recorded agreement for extension of term or reamortization;

(8) Fees and charges for processing a partial release of the mortgaged property;

(9) Attorney's and trustee's fees and expenses actually incurred (including the cost of appraisals pursuant to § 203.368(e) and cost of advertising pursuant to § 203.368(h)) when a case has been referred for foreclosure in accordance with the provisions of this part after a firm decision to foreclose if foreclosure is not completed because of a reinstatement of the account. (No attorney's fee may be charged for the services of the mortgagee's or servicer's staff attorney or for the services of a collection attorney other than the attorney handling the foreclosure.)

(10) The service charge provided for by § 203.23(c) and escrow charges in accordance with § 203.23(a);

(11) A trustee's fee if the security instrument in deed-of-trust states provides for payment of such a fee for execution of a satisfactory, release, or trustee's deed when the deed of trust is paid in full; and

(12) Such other reasonable and customary charges as may be authorized by the Secretary. (This shall not include:

(i) Charges for servicing activities of the mortgagee or servicer;

(ii) Fees charged by independent tax servicer organizations which contract to furnish data and information necessary for the payment of property taxes,

(iii) Satisfaction, termination, or reconveyance fees when a mortgage is paid in full (other than as provided in paragraph (a)(11) of this section), or

(iv) The fee for recordation of a satisfaction of the mortgage in states where recordation is the responsibility of the mortgagee.)

(13) Where permitted by the security instrument, attorney's fees and expenses actually incurred in the defense of any suit or legal proceeding wherein the mortgagee shall be made a party thereto by reason of the mortgage; (No attorney's fee may be charged for the services of the mortgagee's or servicer's staff attorney.)

(14) Property preservation expenses incurred pursuant to § 203.377.

(b) reasonable and customary fees must be predicated upon the actual cost of the work performed including out-of-pocket expenses. Directors of HUD Area and Insuring Offices are authorized to establish maximum fees and charges which are reasonable and customary in their areas. Except as provided in this part, no fee or charge shall be based on a percentage of either the face amount of the mortgage or the unpaid principal balance due on the mortgage.

[41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976, as amended at 52 FR 1330, Jan. 13, 1987; 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996; 62 FR 60130, Nov. 6, 1997]

§ 203.554 Enforcement of late charges.

(a) A mortgagee shall not commence foreclosure when the only default on the part of the mortgagor is the failure to pay a late charge or charges (§ 203.25), except as provided in § 203.556.

(b) A late charge attributable to a particular installment payment due under the mortgage shall not be deducted from that installment. However, if the mortgagee thereafter notifies the mortgagor of his obligation to pay a late charge, such a charge may be deducted from any subsequent payment or payments submitted by the mortgagor or on his behalf if this is not inconsistent with the terms of the mortgage. Partial payments shall be treated as provided in § 203.556.

(c) A payment may be returned because of failure to include a late charge only if the mortgagee notifies the mortgagor before imposition of the charge of the amount of the monthly payment, the date when the late charge will be imposed and either the amount of the late charge or the total amount due when the late charge is included.

(d) During the 60-day period beginning on the effective date of transfer of the servicing of a mortgage, a late charge shall not be imposed on the mortgagor with respect to any payment on the loan. No payment shall be treated as late for any other purpose if the payment is received by the transferor servicer, rather than the transferee servicer that should receive the payment, before the due date (including any applicable grace period allowed under the mortgage documents) applicable to such payment.

[42 FR 15680, Mar. 23, 1977, as amended at 59 FR 65448, Dec. 19, 1994]

§ 203.556 Return of partial payments.

(a) For the purpose of this section, a partial payment is a payment of any amount less than the full amount due under the terms of the mortgage at the time the payment is tendered, including late charges.

(b) Except as provided in this section, the mortgagee shall accept any partial payment and either apply it to the mortgagor's account or identify it with the mortgagor's account and hold it in a trust account pending disposition. When partial payments held for disposition aggregate a full monthly installment they shall be applied to the mortgagor's account, thus advancing the date of the oldest unpaid installment but not the date on which the account first became delinquent.

(d) If the mortgage is in default, a partial payment may be returned to the mortgagor with a letter of explanation in any of the following circumstances:

(1) When payment aggregates less than 50 percent of the amount then due;

(2) The payment is less than the amount agreed to in a forbearance plan, whether or not reduced to writing;

(3) The property is occupied by a tenant who is paying rent and the rentals are not being applied to the mortgage payments;

(4) Foreclosure has been commenced. (Foreclosure is commenced when the first action required for foreclosure under applicable law is taken.)

(e) Under the following circumstances the mortgagee may return any partial payment received more than 14 days after the mortgagee has mailed to the mortgagor a statement of the full amount due, including late charges, and a notice of intention to return any payment less than such amount.

(1) Four or more monthly installments are due and unpaid, or

(2) A delinquency of any amount has continued for at least six months since the account first became delinquent.

[42 FR 15680, Mar. 23, 1977]

§ 203.558 Handling prepayments.

(a) Notwithstanding the terms of the mortgage, the mortgagee may accept a prepayment at any time and in any amount. Except as set out below, monthly interest on the debt must be calculated on the actual unpaid principal balance of the loan.

(b) With respect to mortgages insured before August 2, 1985, if a prepayment is offered on other than an installment due date, the mortgagee may refuse to accept the prepayment until the first day of the month following expiration of the 30-day notice period as provided in the mortgage, or may require payment of interest to that date, but only if the mortgagee so advises the mortgagor, in a form approved by the Commissioner, in response to the mortgagor's inquiry, request for payoff figures, or tender of prepayment.

(c) With respect to mortgages insured on or after August 2, 1985, the mortgagee shall not require 30 days’ advance notice of prepayment, even if the mortgage instrument purports to require such notice. If the prepayment is offered on other than an installment due date, the mortgagee may refuse to accept the prepayment until the next installment due date (the first day of the month), or may require payment of interest to that date, but only if the mortgagee so advises the mortgagor, in a form approved by the Commissioner, in response to the mortgagor's inquiry, request for payoff figures, or tender of prepayment.

(d) If the installment due date (the first day of the month) falls on a nonworking day, the mortgagor's notice of intention to prepay under paragraph (b) or the prepayment shall be timely if received on the next working day.

(e) If the mortgagee fails to meet the full disclosure requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the mortgagee may be subject to forfeiture of that portion of the interest collected for the period beyond the date that prepayment in full was received and to such other actions as are provided in part 25 of this title.

(f) Each mortgagee, with respect to a mortgage under this part, shall provide to each of its mortgagors not less frequently than annually a written notice, in a form approved by the Commissioner, containing a statement of the amount outstanding for prepayment of the principal amount of the mortgage and describing any requirements the mortgagor must fulfill to prevent the accrual of any interest on the principal amount after the date of any prepayment. This paragraph shall apply to any insured mortgage outstanding on or after August 22, 1991.

[50 FR 25914, June 24, 1985, as amended at 56 FR 18948, Apr. 24, 1991]

Mortgagee Action and Forbearance

§ 203.600 Mortgage collection action.

Subject to the requirements of this subpart, mortgagees shall take prompt action to collect amounts due from mortgagors to minimize the number of accounts in a delinquent or default status. Collection techniques must be adapted to individual differences in mortgagors and take account of the circumstances peculiar to each mortgagor.

§ 203.602 Delinquency notice to mortgagor.

The mortgagee shall give notice to each mortgagor in default on a form supplied by the Secretary or, if the mortgagee wishes to use its own form, on a form approved by the Secretary, no later than the end of the second month of any delinquency in payments under the mortgage. If an account is reinstated and again becomes delinquent, the delinquency notice shall be sent to the mortgagor again, except that the mortgagee is not required to send a second delinquency notice to the same mortgagor more often than once each six months. The mortgagee may issue additional or more frequent notices of delinquency at its option.

§ 203.604 Contact with the mortgagor.

(a) [Reserved]

(b) The mortgagee must have a face-to-face interview with the mortgagor, or make a reasonable effort to arrange such a meeting, before three full monthly installments due on the mortgage are unpaid. If default occurs in a repayment plan arranged other than during a personal interview, the mortgagee must have a face-to-face meeting with the mortgagor, or make a reasonable attempt to arrange such a meeting within 30 days after such default and at least 30 days before foreclosure is commenced, or at least 30 days before assignment is requested if the mortgage is insured on Hawaiian home land pursuant to section 247 or Indian land pursuant to section 248 or if assignment is requested under § 203.350(d) for mortgages authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act.

(1) The mortgagor does not reside in the mortgaged property,

(2) The mortgaged property is not within 200 miles of the mortgagee, its servicer, or a branch office of either,

(3) The mortgagor has clearly indicated that he will not cooperate in the interview,

(4) A repayment plan consistent with the mortgagor's circumstances is entered into to bring the mortgagor's account current thus making a meeting unnecessary, and payments thereunder are current, or

(5) A reasonable effort to arrange a meeting is unsuccessful.

(d) A reasonable effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the mortgagor shall consist at a minimum of one letter sent to the mortgagor certified by the Postal Service as having been dispatched. Such a reasonable effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting shall also include at least one trip to see the mortgagor at the mortgaged property, unless the mortgaged property is more than 200 miles from the mortgagee, its servicer, or a branch office of either, or it is known that the mortgagor is not residing in the mortgaged property.

(e)(1) For mortgages insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act, the provisions of paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section are applicable, except that a face-to-face meeting with the mortgagor is required, and a reasonable effort to arrange such a meeting shall include at least one trip to see the mortgagor at the mortgaged property, notwithstanding that such property is more than 200 miles from the mortgagee, its servicer, or a branch office of either. In addition, the mortgagee must document that it has made at least one telephone call to the mortgagor for the purpose of trying to arrange a face-to-face interview. The mortgagee may appoint an agent to perform its responsibilities under this paragraph.

(2) The mortgagee must also:

(i) Inform the mortgagor that HUD will make information regarding the status and payment history of the mortgagor's loan available to local credit bureaus and prospective creditors;

(ii) Inform the mortgagor of other available assistance, if any;

(iii) Inform the mortgagor of the names and addresses of HUD officials to whom further communications may be addressed.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0340) [41 FR 49736, Nov. 10, 1976, as amended at 51 FR 21873, June 16, 1986; 52 FR 48202, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.605 Loss mitigation evaluation.

No later than when three full monthly installments due on the mortgage are unpaid, the mortgagee shall evaluate all of the loss mitigation techniques provided at § 203.501 to determine which, if any, are appropriate, and shall reevaluate monthly thereafter. The mortgagee shall maintain documentation of such evaluations. Should a claim for mortgage insurance benefits later be filed, the mortgagee shall maintain this documentation in the claim file under the requirements of § 203.365(c).

[61 FR 35019, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.606 Pre-foreclosure review.

(a) Before initiating foreclosure, the mortgagee must ensure that all servicing requirements of this subpart have been met. The mortgagee may not commence foreclosure for a monetary default unless at least three full monthly installments due under the mortgage are unpaid after application of any partial payments that may have been accepted but not yet applied to the mortgage account. In addition, prior to initiating any action required by law to foreclose the mortgage, the mortgagee shall notify the mortgagor in a format prescribed by the Secretary that the mortgagor is in default and the mortgagee intends to foreclose unless the mortgagor cures the default.

(b) If the mortgagee determines that any of the following conditions has been met, the mortgagee may initiate foreclosure without the delay in foreclosure required by paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) The mortgaged property has been abandoned, or has been vacant for more than 60 days.

(2) The mortgagor, after being clearly advised of the options available for relief, has clearly stated in writing that he or she has no intention of fulfilling his or her obligation under the mortgage.

(3) The mortgaged property is not the mortgagor's principal residence and it is occupied by tenants who are paying rent, but the rental income is not being applied to the mortgage debt.

(4) The property is owned by a corporation or partnership.

[52 FR 6915, Mar. 5, 1987, as amended at 61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.608 Reinstatement.

The mortgagee shall permit reinstatement of a mortgage, even after the institution of foreclosure proceedings, if the mortgagor tenders in a lump sum all amounts required to bring the account current, including foreclosure costs and reasonable attorney's fees and expenses properly associated with the foreclosure action, unless: (a) The mortgagee has accepted reinstatement after the institution of foreclosure proceedings within two years immediately preceding the commencement of the current foreclosure action, (b) reinstatement will preclude foreclosure following a subsequent default, or (c) reinstatement will adversely affect the priority of the mortgage lien.

§ 203.610 Relief for mortgagor in military service.

The mortgagee shall specifically give consideration to affording the mortgagor the benefit of relief authorized by §§ 203.345 and 203.346, if the mortgagor is person in the military service as that term is defined in the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940, as amended.

§ 203.614 Special forbearance.

If the mortgagee finds that a default is due to circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control, as defined by HUD, the mortgagee may grant special forbearance relief to the mortgagor in accordance with the conditions prescribed by HUD.

[61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

§ 203.616 Mortgage modification.

The mortgagee may modify a mortgage for the purpose of changing the amortization provisions by recasting the total unpaid amount due for a term not exceeding 360 months. The mortgagee must notify HUD of such modification in a format prescribed by HUD within 30 days of the execution of the modification agreement.

[62 FR 60130, Nov. 6, 1997]

Mortgages in Default on Property Located on Indian Reservations

§ 203.664 Processing defaulted mortgages on property located on Indian land.

Before a mortgagee requests that the Secretary accept assignment under § 203.350(b) of a mortgage insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43h), the mortgagee must submit documents showing that the requirements of § 203.604 have been met.

[61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

Mortgages in Default on Property Located on Hawaiian Home Lands

§ 203.665 Processing defaulted mortgages on property located on Hawaiian home lands.

Before a mortgagee requests the Secretary to accept assignment under § 203.350(c) of a mortgage insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43i), the mortgagee must submit documents showing that the requirements of § 203.604 have been met.

[61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

Assignment and Forbearance—Property in Allegany Reservation of Seneca Indians

§ 203.666 Processing defaulted mortgages on property in Allegany Reservation of Seneca Nation of Indians.

(a) Applicability. This section applies to mortgages authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act (§ 203.43j) only if the default occurred before the mortgagor and the lessee execute a lease renewal or a new lease either with a term of not less than five years beyond the maturity date of the mortgage, or with a term established by an arbitration award.

(b) Claims through assignment. Before a mortgagee requests the Secretary to accept assignment under § 203.350(d) the mortgagee must submit documents showing that the requirements of § 203.604 have been met.

[53 FR 13405, Apr. 25, 1988, as amended at 61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

Occupied Conveyance

§ 203.670 Conveyance of occupied property.

(a) It is HUD's policy to reduce the inventory of acquired properties in a manner that expands homeownership opportunities, strengthens neighborhoods and communities, and ensures a maximum return to the mortgage insurance fund.

(b) The Secretary will accept conveyance of an occupied property containing one to four residential units if the Secretary finds that:

(1) An individual residing in the property suffers from a temporary, permanent, or long-term illness or injury that would be aggravated by the process of moving from the property, and that the individual meets the eligibility criteria in § 203.674(a);

(2) State or local law prohibits the mortgagee from evicting a tenant residing in the property who is making regular monthly payments to the mortgagor, or prohibits eviction for other similar reasons beyond the control of the mortgagee; or

(3) It is in the Secretary's interest to accept conveyance of the property occupied under § 203.671, the property is habitable as defined in § 203.673, and, except for conveyances under § 203.671(d), each occupant who intends to remain in the property after the conveyance meets the eligibility criteria in § 203.674(b).

(c) HUD consents to accept good marketable title to occupied property where 90 days have elapsed since the mortgagee notified HUD of pending acquisition, the Department has notified the mortgagee that it was considering a request for continued occupancy, and no subsequent notification from HUD has been received by the mortgagee.

[53 FR 874, Jan. 14, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 46967, Sept. 16, 1991; 58 FR 54246, Oct. 20, 1993; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.671 Criteria for determining the Secretary's interest.

It is in the Secretary's interest to accept occupied conveyance when one or more of the following are met:

(a) Occupancy of the property is essential to protect it from vandalism from time of acquisition to the time of preparation for sale.

(b) The average time in inventory for HUD's unsold inventory in the residential area in which the property is located exceeds six months.

(c) With respect to multi-unit properties, the marketability of the property would be improved by retaining occupancy of one or more units.

(d) The high cost of eviction or relocation expenses makes eviction impractical.

[45 FR 59563, Sept. 10, 1980, as amended at 56 FR 46967, Sept. 16, 1991; 58 FR 54246, Oct. 20, 1993]

§ 203.672 Residential areas.

(a) For the purposes of occupied conveyance considerations, a residential area is any area which constitutes a local economic market for the purchase and sale of residential real estate. In making determinations of residential areas, substantial weight shall be given to delineations of such areas commonly used by persons active in the real estate industry in the affected area.

(b) HUD shall establish such residential areas within six (6) months of the publication of these regulations when HUD's current established patterns of dealing with the disposition of its acquired home property inventory and related recordkeeping does not coincide with paragraph (a) of this section. Under such circumstances the Secretary shall apply such established patterns in defining residential areas until the standards in paragraph (a) of this section are implemented.

[45 FR 59563, Sept. 10, 1980]

§ 203.673 Habitability.

(a) For purposes of § 203.670, a property is habitable if it meets the requirements of this section in its present condition, or will meet these requirements with the expenditure of not more five percent of the fair market value of the property. The cost of abating any lead-based paint hazards in the property, as required by HUD regulations promulgated under the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), is excluded from these repair cost limitations.

(b)(1) Each residential unit must contain:

(i) Heating facilities adequate for healthful and comfortable living conditions, taking into consideration the local climate;

(ii) Adequate electrical supply for lighting and for equipment used in the residential unit;

(iii) Adequate cooking facilities;

(iv) A continuing supply of hot and cold water; and

(v) Adequate sanitary facilities and a safe method of sewage disposal.

(2) The property shall be structurally sound, reasonably durable, and free from hazards that may adversely affect the health and safety of the occupants or may impair the customary use and enjoyment by the occupants. Unacceptable hazards include, but are not limited to, subsidence, erosion, flood, exposure to the elements, exposed or unsafe electrical wiring, or an accumulation of minor hazards, such as broken stairs.

(c) If repairs, including lead-based paint abatement, are to be made while the property is occupied, the occupant must hold the Secretary harmless against any personal injury or property damage that may occur during the process of making repairs. If temporary relocation of the occupant is necessary during repairs, no reimbursement for relocation expenses will be provided to the occupant.

[53 FR 874, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988]

§ 203.674 Eligibility for continued occupancy.

(a) Occupancy because of temporary, permanent, or long-term illness or injury of an individual residing in the property will be limited to a reasonable time, to be determined by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis, and will be permitted only if all the conditions in this paragraph (a) are met:

(1) A timely request is made in accordance with § 203.676, including the submittal of documents required in § 203.675(b)(4).

(2) The occupant agrees to execute a month-to-month lease, at the time of acquisition of the property by the Secretary and on a form prescribed by HUD, and to pay a fair market rent as determined by the Secretary. The rental rate shall be established on the basis of rents charged for other properties in comparable condition after completion of repairs (if any).

(3) The occupant's total housing cost (rent plus utility costs to be paid by the occupant) will not exceed 38 percent of the occupant's net effective income (gross income less Federal income taxes). However, a higher percentage may be permitted if the occupant has been paying at least the required rental amount for the dwelling, or if there are other compensating factors (e.g., where the occupant is able to rely on cash savings or on contributions from family members to cover total housing costs).

(4) The occupant agrees to allow access to the property (during normal business hours and upon a minimum of two days advance notice) by HUD Field Office staff or by a HUD representative, so that the property may be inspected and any necessary repairs accomplished, or by a sales broker.

(5) The occupant discloses and verifies Social Security Numbers, as provided by part 200, subpart T, of this chapter.

(b) An occupant who does not meet the illness or injury criteria in paragraph (a) of this section is eligible for continued occupancy only if all the conditions in this paragraph (b) are met:

(1) A timely request is made in accordance with § 203.676.

(2) The occupant agrees to execute a month-to-month lease, at the time of acquisition of the property by the Secretary and on a form prescribed by HUD, to pay fair market rent as determined by the Secretary, and to pay the rent for the first month in advance at the time the lease is executed. The rental rate shall be established on the basis of rents charged for other properties in comparable condition after completion of repairs (if any).

(3) The occupant will have been in occupancy at least 90 days before the date the mortgagee acquires title to the property.

(4) The occupant's total housing cost (rent plus utility costs to be paid by the occupant) will not exceed 38 percent of the occupant's net effective income (gross income less Federal income taxes). However, a higher percentage may be permitted if the occupant has been paying at least the required rental amount for the dwelling, or if there are other compensating factors (e.g., where the occupant is able to rely on cash savings or on contributions from family members to cover total housing costs).

(5) The occupant agrees to allow access to the property (during normal business hours and upon a minimum of two days advance notice) by HUD Field Office staff or by a HUD representative, so that the property may be inspected and any necessary repairs accomplished, or by a sales broker.

(6) The occupant discloses and verifies Social Security Number, as provided by part 200, subpart T, of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0268) [53 FR 874, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 39693, Sept. 27, 1989; 56 FR 46967, Sept. 16, 1991]

§ 203.675 Notice to occupants of pending acquisition.

(a) At least 60 days, but not more than 90 days, before the date on which the mortgagee reasonably expects to acquire title to the property, the mortgagee shall notify the mortgagor and each head of household who is actually occupying a unit of the property of its potential acquisition by HUD. The mortgagee shall send a copy of this notification to the appropriate HUD Field Office.

(b) The notice shall provide a brief summary of the conditions under which continued occupancy is permissible and advise them that:

(1) Potential acquisition of the property by the Secretary is pending;

(2) The Secretary requires that properties be vacant at the time of conveyance to the Secretary, unless the mortgagor or other occupant can meet the conditions for continued occupany in § 203.670, the habitability criteria in § 203.673, and the eligibility criteria in § 203.674;

(3) An occupant may request permission to remain in occupancy in the event of acquisition of the property by the Secretary by notifying the HUD Field Office in writing, with any required documentation, within 20 days of the date of the mortgagee's notice to the occupant;

(4) If an occupant seeks to qualify for continued occupancy under the illness or injury provisions of § 203.674(a), the occupant shall provide to the HUD Field Office, at the time of the occupant's request for permission to remain in occupancy, documentation to support this claim. Documentation shall include an estimate of the time when the patient could be moved without severely aggravating the illness or injury, and a statement by a State-certified physician establishing the validity of the occupant's claim. HUD may require more than one medical opinion or may arrange an examination by a physician approved by HUD; and

(5) If an occupant fails to make a timely request, the property must be vacated before the scheduled time of acquisition.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0268) [53 FR 875, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988, as amended at 58 FR 54246, Oct. 20, 1993]

§ 203.676 Request for continued occupancy.

An occupant may request permission to continue to occupy the property following conveyance to the Secretary by notifying the HUD Field Office in writing, within 20 days after the date of the mortgagee's notice of pending acquisition. Verification of illness or injury as described in § 203.675(b)(4) shall be submitted within this time period if an occupant seeks to qualify for continued occupancy under the provisions of § 203.674(a). The HUD Field Office will notify the mortgagee in writing that an occupied conveyance has been requested.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2502-0268) [53 FR 875, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988, as amended at 58 FR 54246, Oct. 20, 1993]

§ 203.677 Decision to approve or deny a request.

(a) The HUD Field Office will provide written notification of its decision to an occupant who makes a timely request to continue to occupy the property. The decision of the HUD Field Office on this matter will be made by the Chief, Property Disposition. If the decision is to deny the request, the notice to the occupant will include a statement of the reason or reasons for the decision and of the occupant's right to appeal. The occupant may appeal HUD's decision within 20 days after the date of HUD's notice. The appeal must be addressed to the Field Office Manager and be in writing, and the occupant may provide documentation intended to refute the reasons given for HUD's decision. The occupant may also request an informal conference with a representative of the HUD Field Office Manager. A request for an informal conference must be made in writing within 10 days after the date of HUD's notice. The occupant may be represented at the conference by counsel or by other persons with pertinent expert knowledge or experience.

(b) After notification that HUD has denied a request for continued occupancy, the occupant, on his or her request, shall be permitted to review all relevant material in HUD's possession (including a copy of the inspection report if the request is denied because the property is not habitable as defined in § 203.673). Only material in HUD's possession that directly pertains to conditions for continued occupancy under §§ 203.670, 203.673, and 203.674 may be considered material relevant for an occupant's review under this paragraph. This review shall be limited to a review of material for purposes of the informal conference or the appeal of the Department's decision. The information will only be provided after request for an informal conference or appeal has been submitted to HUD.

(c) After consideration of an appeal, the HUD Field Office will notify the applicant in writing of HUD's final decision. This final decision will be made by the HUD Field Office Manager or a representative of the Field Office Manager (other than the Chief, Property Disposition). If the decision is to deny the occupant's request, the notice to the occupant will reflect consideration of the issues raised by the occupant.

(d) If, after consideration of an appeal, the Field Office Manager denies the request for new or additional reasons, the occupant will be afforded an opportunity to request that the Field Office Manager reconsider its decision under the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.

[53 FR 875, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988]

§ 203.678 Conveyance of vacant property.

(a) HUD will require that the property be conveyed vacant if the occupant fails to request permission to continue to occupy within the time period specified in § 203.676, or fails to request a conference or to appeal a decision to deny occupied conveyance within the time period specified in § 203.677(a).

(b) If the mortgagee has not been notified by HUD, within 45 days of the date of the mortgagee's notification of pending acquisition, that a request for continued occupancy is under consideration, the mortgagee shall convey the property vacant, unless otherwise directed by HUD.

[53 FR 875, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988]

§ 203.679 Continued occupancy after conveyance.

(a) Occupancy of HUD-acquired property is temporary in all cases and is subject to termination when necessary to facilitate preparing the property for sale and completing the sale.

(b) HUD will notify the occupant to vacate the property and, if necessary, will take appropriate eviction action in any of the following situations:

(1) Failure of the occupant to execute the lease required by § 203.674 (a)(2) and (b)(2), or failure to pay the rental amount required, including the initial payment at the time of execution of the lease, or to comply with the terms of the lease;

(2) Failure of the occupant to allow access to the property upon request in accordance with § 203.674 (a)(4) and (b)(5);

(3) Necessity to prepare the property for sale; or

(4) Assignment of the property by the Secretary to a different use or program.

[53 FR 876, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996]

§ 203.680 Approval of occupancy after conveyance.

When an occupied property is conveyed to HUD before HUD has had an opportunity to consider continued occupancy (e.g., where HUD has taken more than 90 days to make a final decision on continued occupancy in accordance with § 203.670(c)), a determination regarding continued occupancy will be made in accordance with the conditions for the initial approval of occupied conveyance. Any such determination shall be in accordance with HUD's obligations under the terms of any month-to-month lease that has been executed.

[53 FR 876, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988]

§ 203.681 Authority of HUD Field Office Managers.

Field Office Managers shall act for the Secretary in all matters relating to assignment and occupied conveyance determinations. The decision of the Field Office Manager under § 203.677 will be final and not be subject to further administrative review.

[53 FR 876, Jan. 14, 1988, and 53 FR 8626, Mar. 16, 1988]

Pt. 204 PART 204—COINSURANCE Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1715z-9; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

§ 204.1 Termination of program.

Effective December 29, 1994, of final rule the authority to coinsure mortgages under this part is terminated, except that the Department will honor legally binding and validly issued borrower approvals issued by lenders before the termination date. This part 204, as it existed immediately before the termination date, will continue to govern the rights and obligations of coinsured lenders, mortgagors, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development with respect to loans coinsured under this part.

[59 FR 39957, Aug. 5, 1994]

Pt. 206 PART 206—HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGE INSURANCE Subpart A—General Sec. 206.1 Purpose. 206.3 Definitions. 206.7 Effect of amendments. 206.8 Preemption. Subpart B—Eligibility; Endorsement 206.9 Eligible mortgagees. 206.13 [Reserved] 206.15 Insurance. Eligible Mortgages 206.17 General. 206.19 Payment options. 206.21 Interest rate. 206.23 Shared appreciation. 206.25 Calculation of payments. 206.26 Change in payment option. 206.27 Mortgage provisions. 206.29 Initial disbursement of mortgage proceeds. 206.31 Allowable charges and fees. 206.32 No outstanding unpaid obligations. Eligible Mortgagors 206.33 Age of mortgagor. 206.35 Title held by mortgagor. 206.37 Credit standing. 206.39 Principal residence. 206.40 Disclosure and verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers. 206.41 Counseling. 206.43 Information to mortgagor. Eligible Properties 206.45 Eligible properties. 206.47 Property standards; repair work. 206.51 Eligibility of mortgages involving a dwelling unit in a condominium. Subpart C—Contract Rights and Obligations Sale, Assignment and Pledge 206.101 Sale, assignment and pledge of insured mortgages. 206.102 General Insurance Fund. Mortgage Insurance Premiums 206.103 Payment of MIP. 206.105 Amount of MIP. 206.107 Mortgagee election of assignment or shared premium option. 206.109 Amount of mortgagee share of premium. 206.111 Due date of MIP. 206.113 Late charge and interest. 206.115 [Reserved] 206.116 Refunds. HUD Responsibility to Mortgagors 206.117 General. 206.119 [Reserved] 206.121 Secretary authorized to make payments. Claim Procedure 206.123 Claim procedures in general. 206.125 Acquisition and sale of the property. 206.127 Application for insurance benefits. 206.129 Payment of claim. Condominiums 206.131 Contract rights and obligations for mortgages on individual dwelling units in a condominium. Termination of Insurance Contract 206.133 Termination of insurance contract. Subpart D—Servicing Responsibilities 206.201 Mortgage servicing generally; sanctions. 206.203 Providing information. 206.205 Property charges. 206.207 Allowable charges and fees after endorsement. 206.209 Prepayment. 206.211 Annual determination of principal residence. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1715b, 1715z-1720; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:

54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General

§ 206.1 Purpose.

The purposes of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Insurance program are set out in section 255(a) of the National Housing Act, Public Law 73-479, 48 STAT. 1246 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-20) (“NHA”).

[61 FR 49032, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.3 Definitions.

As used in this part, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated.

Contract of insurance. (See 24 CFR 203.251(j)).

Day means calendar day, except where the term business day is used.

Estate planning service firm means an individual or entity that is not a mortgagee approved under part 202 of this chapter or a housing counseling agency approved under § 206.41 and that charges a fee that is:

(1) Contingent on the homeowner obtaining a mortgage loan under this part, except the origination fee authorized by § 206.31 or a fee specifically authorized by the Secretary; or

(2) For information that homeowners must receive under § 206.41, except a fee by:

(i) A housing counseling agency approved under § 206.41; or

(ii) An individual or company, such as an attorney or accountant, in the bona fide business of generally providing tax or other legal or financial advice; or

(3) For other services that the provider of the services represents are, in whole or in part, for the purpose of improving an elderly homeowner's access to mortgages covered by this part, except where the fee is for services specifically authorized by the Secretary.

Expected average mortgage interest rate means the mortgage interest rate used to calculate future payments to the mortgagor and is established when the mortgage interest rate is established. For fixed rate mortgages, it is the fixed mortgage interest rate. For adjustable rate mortgages, it is the sum of the mortgagee's margin plus the weekly average yield for U.S. Treasury Securities adjusted to a constant maturity of 10 years. The mortgagee's margin is defined as the initial mortgage interest rate minus the weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury Securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. The mortgagee's margin is the same margin used to determine periodic adjustments to the interest rate.

Insured mortgage means a mortgage which has been insured as evidenced by the issuance of a mortgage insurance certificate.

Maximum claim amount means the lesser of the appraised value of the property or maximum dollar amount for an area established by the Secretary for a one-family residence under section 203(b)(2) of the National Housing Act (as adjusted where applicable under section 214 of the National Housing Act). Both the appraised value and the maximum dollar amount for the area must be as of the date the Direct Endorsement or Lender Insurance underwriter receives the appraisal report. Closing costs must not be taken into account in determining appraised value.

MIP. (See 24 CFR 203.251(k)).

Mortgage means a first lien on real estate under the laws of the jurisdiction where the real estate is located. If the dwelling unit is in a condominium, the term mortgage means a first lien covering a fee interest or eligible leasehold interest in a one-family unit in a condominium project, together with an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities serving the project, and such restricted common areas and facilities as may be designated. The term refers to a security instrument creating a lien, whether called a mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, or another term used in a particular jurisdiction. The term mortgage also includes the credit instrument, or note, secured by the lien, and the loan agreement between the mortgagor, the mortgagee and the Secretary.

Mortgagee. (See section 255(b)(2) of NHA).

Mortgagor means each original borrower under a mortgage. The term does not include successors or assigns of a borrower.

Principal limit means the maximum disbursement that could be received in any month under a mortgage, assuming that no other disbursements are made, taking into account the age of the youngest mortgagor, the mortgage interest rate, and the maximum claim amount. Mortgagors over the age of 95 will be treated as though they are 95 for purposes of calculating the principal limit. The principal limit is used to calculate payments to a mortgagor. It is calculated for the first month that a mortgage could be outstanding using factors provided by the Secretary. It increases each month thereafter at a rate equal to one-twelfth of the mortgage interest rate in effect at that time, plus one-twelfth of one-half percent per annum, if the mortgage was executed on or after May 1, 1997. If the mortgage was executed before May 1, 1997, the principal limit increases each month at a rate equal to one-twelfth of the expected average mortgage interest rate plus one-twelfth of one-half percent per annum. The principal limit may decrease because of insurance or condemnation proceeds applied to the mortgage balance under § 209.209(b) of this chapter.

Principal residence means the dwelling where the mortgagor maintains his or her permanent place of abode, and typically spends the majority of the calendar year. A person may have only one principal residence at any one time.

Secretary. (See 24 CFR 5.100).

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 59 FR 50464, Oct. 3, 1994; 60 FR 42759, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 49032, Sept. 17, 1996; 62 FR 12953, Mar. 19, 1997; 62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997; 64 FR 2987, Jan. 19, 1999]

§ 206.7 Effect of amendments.

The regulations in this part may be amended by the Secretary at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, but amendments to subparts B and C of this part will not adversely affect the interests of a mortgagee on any mortgage to be insured for which either the Direct Endorsement mortgagee or Lender Insurance mortgagee has approved the mortgagor and all terms and conditions of the mortgage, or the Secretary has made a commitment to insure. Such amendments will not adversely affect the interests of a mortgagor in the case of a default by a mortgagee where the Secretary makes payments to the mortgagor.

[62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997]

§ 206.8 Preemption.

(a) Lien priority. The full amount secured by the mortgage shall have the same priority over any other liens on the property as if the full amount had been disbursed on the date the initial disbursement was made, regardless of the actual date of any disbursement. The amount secured by the mortgage shall include all direct payments by the mortgagee to the mortgagor and all other loan advances permitted by the mortgage for any purpose including loan advances for interest, taxes and special assessments, premiums for hazard or mortgage insurance, servicing charges and costs of collection, regardless of when the payments or loan advances were made. The priority provided by this section shall apply notwithstanding any State constitution, law or regulation.

(b) Second mortgage. If the Secretary holds a second mortgage, it shall have a priority subordinate only to the first mortgage (and any senior liens permitted by paragraph (a) of this section).

[61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

Subpart B—Eligibility; Endorsement

§ 206.9 Eligible mortgagees.

(a) Statutory requirements. (See section 255(b)(3) of NHA).

(b) HUD approved mortgagees. Any mortgagee authorized under paragraph (a) of this section and approved under part 202 of this chapter, except an investing mortgagee approved under § 202.9 of this chapter, is eligible to apply for insurance. A mortgagee approved under §§ 202.6, 202.7, 202.9 or 202.10 of this chapter may purchase, hold and sell mortgages insured under this part without additional approval.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 57 FR 58350, Dec. 9, 1992; 60 FR 42759, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996; 62 FR 20088, Apr. 24, 1997]

§ 206.13 [Reserved]

§ 206.15 Insurance.

Mortgages originated under this part must be endorsed through the Direct Endorsement program under § 203.5 of this chapter, or insured through the Lender Insurance program under § 203.6 of this chapter, except as provided in §§ 203.1 or 203.4 of this chapter. The mortgagee must submit the information as described in § 203.255 (b) or (f) of this chapter, as applicable; the certificate of housing counselling as described in § 206.41; a copy of the title insurance commitment satisfactory to the Secretary (or other acceptable title evidence if the Secretary has determined not to require title insurance under § 206.45(a)); the mortgagee's election of either the assignment or shared premium option under § 206.17; and any other documentation required by the Secretary. Section 203.255 (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this chapter, pertaining to the processes for Direct Endorsement and Lender Insurance, apply to mortgages under this part. If the mortgagee has complied with the requirements of §§ 203.3, 203.4, 203.5, 203.6, and 203.255 of this chapter (as applicable), and the requirements of this part, and the mortgage is determined to be eligible, the Secretary will either endorse the mortgage for insurance by issuing a Mortgage Insurance Certificate or will electronically acknowledge that the mortgage has been insured. The mortgagee under the Lender Insurance program shall execute for the Secretary the loan agreement included in the term “mortgage” as defined in § 206.3.

[62 FR 30227, June 2, 1997]

Eligible Mortgages

§ 206.17 General.

(a) Payment options. A mortgage shall initially provide for the tenure payment option (§ 206.19(a)), the term payment option (§ 206.19(b)), or the line of credit payment option (§ 206.19(c)), or a combination as provided in § 206.25(d), subject to later change in accordance with § 206.26.

(b) Interest rate. A mortgage shall provide for either fixed or adjustable interest rates in accordance with § 206.21.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996]

§ 206.19 Payment options.

(a) Term payment option. Under the term payment option, equal monthly payments are made by the mortgagee to the mortgagor for a fixed term of months chosen by the mortgagor, unless the mortgage is prepaid in full or becomes due and payable earlier under § 206.27(c).

(b) Tenure payment option. Under the tenure payment option, equal monthly payments are made by the mortgagee to the mortgagor as long as the property is the principal residence of the mortgagor, unless the mortgage is prepaid in full or becomes due and payable under § 206.27(c).

(c) Line of credit payment option. Under the line of credit payment option, payments are made by the mortgagee to the mortgagor at times and in amounts determined by the mortgagor as long as the amounts do not exceed the payment amounts permitted by § 206.25(d).

(d) Principal limit set asides. (1) Under the term or tenure options, the mortgagee shall, if requested by the mortgagor, set aside a portion of the principal limit to be drawn down as a line of credit.

(2) When repairs required by § 206.47 will be completed after closing, the mortgagee shall set aside a portion of the principal limit equal to 150% of the Secretary's estimated cost of repairs, plus the repair administration fee.

(3) When required by § 206.205(f), the mortgagee shall set aside a portion of the principal limit for payment of property charges consisting of taxes, ground rents, flood and hazard insurance premiums and assessments.

(4) When servicing charges will be made as permitted by § 206.207(b), the mortgagee shall set aside a portion of the principal limit sufficient to cover charges through a period equal to the payment term which would be used to calculate tenure payments under § 206.25(c).

(e) Interest accrual and repayment. The interest charged on the mortgage balance shall be added to the mortgage balance monthly as provided in the mortgage. Under all payment options, repayment of the mortgage balance including monthly MIP and interest is deferred until the mortgage becomes due and payable in full under § 206.27(c).

(f) Payments limited by lien amount. No payments shall be made under any of the payment options, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section or in § 206.25, in an amount which shall cause the mortgage balance after the payment to exceed any maximum mortgage amount stated in the security instruments or to otherwise exceed the amount secured by a first lien.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.21 Interest rate.

(a) Fixed interest rate. A fixed interest rate is agreed upon by the mortgagor and mortgagee.

(b) Adjustable interest rate. An initial interest rate is agreed upon by the mortgagor and mortgagee. The interest rate shall be adjusted in one of two ways depending on the option selected by the mortgagor. Whenever an interest rate is adjusted, the new interest rate applies to the entire mortgage balance. The difference between the initial interest rate and the index figure applicable when the firm commitment is issued shall equal the margin used to determine interest rate adjustments.

(1) A mortgagee offering an adjustable interest rate shall offer a mortgage that limits the frequency and magnitude of rate increases and decreases as provided in § 203.49(a), (c) and (e) of this chapter, except that reference to mortgagor's first debt service payment in § 203.49(c) shall mean closing, and references in § 203.49(e)(1) to one percentage point shall mean two percentage points.

(2) If a mortgage meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section is offered, the mortgagee may also offer a mortgage which provides for monthly adjustments to the interest rate, corresponding to an index as provided in § 203.49(a) and (e)(2), and which sets a maximum interest rate that can be charged without limiting monthly or annual increases or decreases. The first adjustment must occur on the first day of the second full month after closing.

(c) Pre-loan Disclosure. (1) At the time the mortgagee provides the mortgagor with a loan application, a mortgagee also shall provide a mortgagor with a written explanation of any adjustable interest rate features of a mortgage. The explanation must include the following items:

(i) The circumstances under which the rate may increase;

(ii) Any limitations on the increase; and

(iii) The effect of an increase.

(2) Compliance with pre-loan disclosure provisions of 12 CFR part 226 (Truth in Lending) shall constitute full compliance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

(d) Post-loan disclosure. At least 25 days before any adjustment to the interest rate may occur, the mortgagee must advise the mortgagor of the following:

(1) The current index amount;

(2) The date of publication of the index; and

(3) The new interest rate.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.23 Shared appreciation.

(a) Additional interest based on net appreciated value. Any mortgage for which the mortgagee has chosen the shared premium option (§ 206.107) may provide for shared appreciation. At the time the mortgage becomes due and payable or is paid in full, whichever occurs first, the mortgagor shall pay an additional amount of interest equal to a percentage of any net appreciated value of the property during the life of the mortgage. The percentage of net appreciated value to be paid to the mortgagee, referred to as the appreciation margin, shall be no more than twenty-five percent, subject to an effective interest rate cap of no more than twenty percent.

(b) Computation of mortgagee share. The mortgagee's share of net appreciated value is computed as follows:

(1) If the mortgage balance at the time the mortgagee's share of net appreciated value becomes payable is less than the appraised value of the property at the time of loan origination, the mortgagee's share is calculated by subtracting the appraised value at the time of loan origination from the adjusted sales proceeds (i.e., sales proceeds less transfer costs and capital improvement costs incurred by the mortgagor, but excluding any liens) and multiplying by the appreciation margin.

(2) If the mortgage balance is greater than the appraised value at the time of loan origination but less than the adjusted proceeds, the mortgagee's share is calculated by subtracting the mortgage balance from the adjusted sales proceeds and multiplying by the appreciation margin.

(3) If the mortgage balance is greater than the adjusted sales proceeds, the net appreciated value is zero.

(4) If there has been no sale or transfer involving satisfaction of the mortgage at the time the mortgagee's share of net appreciated value becomes payable, sales proceeds for purposes of this section shall be the appraised value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Secretary.

(c) Effective interest rate. To determine the effective interest rate, the amount of interest which accrued in the twelve months prior to the sale of the property or the prepayment is added to the mortgagee's share of the net appreciated value. The sum of the mortgagee's share of the net appreciated value and the interest, when divided by the sum of the mortgage balance at the beginning of the twelve month period prior to sale or prepayment plus the payments to or on behalf of the mortgagor (but not including interest) in the twelve months prior to the sale or prepayment, shall not exceed an effective interest rate of twenty percent.

(d) Disclosure. At the time the mortgagee provides the mortgagor with a loan application for a mortgage with shared appreciation, the mortgagee shall disclose to the mortgagor the principal limit, payments and interest rate which are applicable to a comparable mortgagee offered by the mortgagee without shared appreciation.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989; 54 FR 36765, Sept. 5, 1989]

§ 206.25 Calculation of payments.

(a) Initial payment. At closing an initial payment shall be made by the mortgagee in an amount equal to the sum of initial MIP under § 206.105(a) if not paid in cash by the mortgagor, fees and charges allowed under § 206.31(a) if not paid in cash by the mortgagor, and any additional payment requested by the mortgagor. The total initial payment, plus any amount set aside for repairs after closing under § 206.47, for property charges under § 206.205(f), or for servicing charges under § 206.207(b), shall not exceed the principal limit.

(b) Monthly payments—term option. (1) Using factors provided by the Secretary, the mortgagee shall calculate the monthly payment so that the sum of paragraphs (b)(1)(i) or (b)(1)(ii) of this section added to paragraphs (b)(1)(iii), (b)(1)(iv), (b)(1)(v) and (b)(1)(vi) of this section shall be equal to the principal limit at the end of the payment term:

(i) An initial payment under paragraph (a) of this section plus any initial servicing charge set aside under § 206.19(d); or

(ii) The mortgage balance at the time of a change in payments option in accordance with § 206.26, plus any remaining servicing charge set aside under § 206.19(d); and

(iii) The portion of the principal limit set aside as a line of credit including any set asides for repairs and first year property charges under § 206.19(d); and

(iv) All monthly payments due through the payment term, including funds withheld for payment of property charges under § 206.205; and

(v) All MIP, or monthly charges due to the Secretary in lieu of mortgage insurance premiums due through the payment term; and

(vi) All interest through the remainder of the payment term. The expected average mortgage interest rate shall be used for this purpose.

(2) If the mortgage has an adjustable interest rate, the mortgagee shall make all monthly payments through the payment term even if the mortgage balance exceeds the principal limit because the actual average mortgage interest rate exceeds the expected average mortgage interest rate.

(c) Monthly payments—tenure option. Monthly payments under the tenure payment option shall be calculated as if the number of months in the payment term equals 100 minus the age of the youngest mortgagor multiplied by 12, but payments shall continue until the mortgage becomes due and payable under § 206.27(c).

(d) Line of credit separately or with monthly payments. If the mortgagor has a line of credit, separately or combined with the term or tenure payment option, the principal limit is divided into an amount set aside for servicing charges under § 206.19(d), an amount equal to the line of credit (including any portion of the principal limit set aside for repairs or property charges under § 206.19(d)), and the remaining amount of the principal limit (if any). The line of credit amount increases at the same rate as the total principal limit increases under § 206.3. A payment under the line of credit may not exceed the difference between the current amount of the principal limit for the line of credit and the portion of the mortgage balance, including accrued interest and MIP, attributable to draws on the line of credit.

(e) Payment of MIP and interest. At the end of each month, interest accrued during the month shall be added to the mortgage balance. Monthly MIP shall be added to the mortgage balance when paid to the Secretary.

(f) Mortgagee late charge. The mortgagee shall pay a late charge to the mortgagor for any late payment. If the mortgagee does not mail or electronically transfer a scheduled monthly payment to the mortgagor on the first business day of the month or make a line of credit payment within 5 business days of the date the mortgagee received the request, the late charge shall be 10 percent of the entire amount that should have been paid to the mortgagor for that month or as a result of that request. For each additional day that the mortgagor does not receive payment, the mortgagee shall pay interest at the mortgage interest rate on the late payment. In no event shall the total late charge exceed five hundred dollars. Any late charge shall be paid from the mortgagee's funds and shall not be added to the mortgage balance.

(g) No minimum payments. A mortgagee shall not require, as a condition of providing a loan secured by a mortgage insured under this part, that the monthly payments under the term or tenure payment option or draws under the line of credit payment option exceed a minimum amount established by the mortgagee.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.26 Change in payment option.

(a) General. The payment option may be changed as provided in this section.

(b) Change due to initial repairs. (1) If initial repairs after closing under § 206.47 are completed without using all of the funds set aside for repairs, the mortgagee shall transfer the remaining amount to a line of credit and inform the mortgagor of the sum available to be drawn.

(2) If repairs after closing under § 206.47 cannot be completed with the funds set aside for repairs, the mortgagee may advance additional funds to complete repairs from an existing line of credit. If a line of credit is not sufficient to make the advance or if no line of credit exists, future monthly payments shall be recalculated for use as a line of credit in accordance with § 206.25.

(3) If repairs are not completed when required by the mortgage, the mortgagee shall stop monthly payments and the mortgage shall convert to the line of credit payment option. Until the repairs are completed, the mortgagee shall make no line of credit payments except as needed to pay for repairs required by the mortgage.

(c) Other changes. As long as the mortgage balance is less than the principal limit, a mortgagor may request a change from any payment option to another or a payment of any amount (not to exceed the difference between the principal limit and the sum of the mortgage balance and any set asides for repairs or servicing charges). A mortgage will continue to bear interest at a fixed or adjustable interest rate as agreed between the mortgagee and the mortgagor at loan origination. The mortgagee shall recalculate any future monthly payments in accordance with § 206.25.

(d) Fee for change in payment. The mortgagee may charge a fee, not to exceed an amount determined by the Secretary, whenever payments are recalculated.

(e) Limitations. The Secretary may prescribe a limitation on the frequency of payment changes, a minimum notice period that a mortgagor must provide with a request under paragraph (c) of this section, or other limitations on changes by the mortgagor.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.27 Mortgage provisions.

(a) Form. The mortgage shall be in a form meeting the requirements of the Secretary.

(b) Provisions. The mortgage shall explain how payments will be made to the mortgagor, how interest will be charged and when the mortgage will be due and payable. It shall also contain provisions designed to ensure compliance with this part and provisions on the following additional matters:

(1) Payments by the mortgagee under the term or tenure payment options shall be mailed to the mortgagor or electronically transferred to an account of the mortgagor on the first business day of each month beginning with the first month after closing. Payments under the line of credit payment option shall be mailed to the mortgagor or electronically transferred to an account of the mortgagor within five business days after the mortgagee has received a written request for payment by the mortgagor.

(2) The mortgagor shall maintain hazard insurance on the property in an amount acceptable to the Secretary and the mortgagee.

(3) The mortgagor shall not participate in a real estate tax deferral program or permit any liens to be recorded against the property, unless such liens are subordinate to the insured mortgage and any second mortgage held by the Secretary.

(4) A mortgage may be prepaid in full or in part in accordance with § 206.209.

(5) The mortgagor must keep the property in good repair.

(6) The mortgagor must pay taxes, hazard insurance premiums, ground rents and assessments in a timely manner, except to the extent such property charges are paid by the mortgagee in accordance with § 206.205.

(7) The mortgagor shall be charged for the payment of monthly MIP.

(8) The mortgagor shall have no personal liability for payment of the mortgage balance. The mortgagee shall enforce the debt only through sale of the property. The mortgagee shall not be permitted to obtain a deficiency judgment against the mortgagor if the mortgage is foreclosed.

(9) If the mortgage is assigned to the Secretary under § 206.121(b), the mortgagor shall not be liable for any difference between the insurance benefits paid to the mortgagee and the mortgage balance including accrued interest, owed by the mortgagor at the time of the assignment.

(10) If State law limits the first lien status of the mortgage as originally executed and recorded to a maximum amount of debt or a maximum number of years, the mortgagor shall agree to execute any additional documents required by the mortgagee and approved by the Secretary to extend the first lien status to an additional amount of debt and an additional number of years and to cause any other liens to be removed or subordinated.

(c) Date the mortgage comes due and payable. (1) The mortgage shall state that the mortgage balance will be due and payable in full if a mortgagor dies and the property is not the principal residence of at least one surviving mortgagor, or a mortgagor conveys all or his or her title in the property and no other mortgagor retains title to the property. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a mortgagor retains title in the property if the mortgagor continues to hold title to any part of the property in fee simple, as a leasehold interest as set forth in § 206.45(a), or as a life estate.

(2) The mortgage shall state that the mortgage balance shall be due and payable in full, upon approval of the Secretary, if any of the following occur:

(i) The property ceases to be the principal residence of a mortgagor for reasons other than death and the property is not the principal residence of at least one other mortgagor;

(ii) For a period of longer than 12 consecutive months, a mortgagor fails to occupy the property because of physical or mental illness and the property is not the principal residence of at least one other mortgagor; or

(iii) An obligation of the mortgagor under the mortgage is not performed.

(d) Second mortgage to Secretary. Unless otherwise provided by the Secretary, a second mortgage to secure any payments by the Secretary as provided in § 206.121(c) must be given to the Secretary before a Mortgage Insurance Certificate is issued for the mortgage.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.29 Initial disbursement of mortgage proceeds.

Mortgage proceeds may not be disbursed at the initial disbursement or after closing (upon expiration of the 3-day rescission period under 12 CFR part 226, if applicable) except:

(a) Disbursements to the mortgagor, a relative or legal representative of the mortgagor, or a trustee for benefit of the mortgagor;

(b) Disbursements for the initial MIP under § 206.105(a);

(d) Amounts required to discharge any existing liens on the property;

(e) An annuity premium, if the premium was disclosed as part of the total cost of the mortgage under the disclosures required by 12 CFR part 226; and

(f) Funds required to pay contractors who performed repairs as a condition of closing, in accordance with standard FHA requirements for repairs required by appraisers.

[64 FR 2987, Jan. 19, 1999]

§ 206.31 Allowable charges and fees.

(a) Fees at closing. The mortgagee may collect, either in cash at the time of closing or through an initial payment under the mortgage, the following charges and fees incurred in connection with the origination of the mortgage loan:

(1) A charge to compensate the mortgagee for expenses incurred in originating and closing the mortgage loan: Provided, that the Secretary may establish limitations on the amount of any such charge which can be included in the mortgage loan.

(2) Reasonable and customary amounts, but not more than the amount actually paid by the mortgagee, for any of the following items:

(i) Recording fees and recording taxes, or other charges incident to the recordation of the insured mortgage;

(ii) Credit report;

(iii) Survey, if required by the mortgagee or the mortgagor;

(iv) Title examination;

(v) Mortgagee's title insurance;

(vi) Fees paid to an appraiser for the initial appraisal of the property; and

(vii) Such other charges as may be authorized by the Secretary.

(b) Repair administration fee. If the property requires repairs after closing in order to meet HUD requirements, the mortgagee may collect a fee as compensation for administrative duties relating to repair work pursuant to § 206.47(c), not to exceed the greater of one and one-half percent of the amount advanced for the repairs or fifty dollars. The mortgagee shall collect the repair fee by adding it to the mortgage balance.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989]

§ 206.32 No outstanding unpaid obligations.

In order for a mortgage to be eligible under this part, a mortgagor must establish to the satisfaction of the mortgagee that:

(a) After the initial payment of loan proceeds under § 206.25(a), there will be no outstanding or unpaid obligations incurred by the mortgagor in connection with the mortgage transaction, except for repairs to the property required under § 206.47 and mortgage servicing charges permitted under § 206.207(b); and

(b) The initial payment will not be used for any payment to or on behalf of an estate planning service firm.

[64 FR 2988, Jan. 19, 1999]

Eligible Mortgagors

§ 206.33 Age of mortgagor.

The youngest mortgagor shall be 62 years of age or older at the time the mortgagee submits the application for insurance.

[61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.35 Title held by mortgagor.

The mortgagor shall hold title to the entire property which is the security for the mortgage. If there are multiple mortgagors, all the mortgagors must collectively hold title to the entire property which is the security for the mortgage. If one or more mortgagors hold a life estate in the property, for purposes of this section only the term “mortgagor” shall include each holder of a future interest in the property (remainder or reversion) who has executed the mortgage.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.37 Credit standing.

Each mortgagor must have a general credit standing satisfactory to the Secretary.

§ 206.39 Principal residence.

The property must be the principal residence of each mortgagor at closing. For purposes of this section, the property will be considered to be the principal residence of any mortgagor who is temporarily or permanently in a health care institution as long as the property is the principal residence of at least one other mortgagor who is not in a health care institution.

§ 206.40 Disclosure and verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers.

The mortgagor must meet the requirements for the disclosure and verification of Social Security and Employer Identification Numbers, as provided by part 200, subpart U, of this chapter.

[60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.41 Counseling.

(a) List provided. At the time of the initial contact with the prospective mortgagor, the mortgagee shall give the mortgagor a list of the names and addresses of housing counseling agencies which have been approved by the Secretary as responsible and able to provide the information described in paragraph (b) of this section. The mortgagor must receive counseling.

(b) Information to be provided. A counselor must discuss with the mortgagor:

(1) The information required by section 255(f) of the National Housing Act;

(2) Whether the mortgagor has signed a contract or agreement with an estate planning service firm that requires, or purports to require, the mortgagor to pay a fee on or after closing that may exceed amounts permitted by the Secretary or this part; and

(3) If such a contract has been signed under § 206.41(b)(2), the extent to which services under the contract may not be needed or may be available at nominal or no cost from other sources, including the mortgagee.

(c) Certificate. The counselor will provide the mortgagor with a certificate stating that the mortgagor has received counseling. The mortgagor shall provide the mortgagee with a copy of the certificate.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996; 64 FR 2988, Jan. 19, 1999]

§ 206.43 Information to mortgagor.

(a) Disclosure of costs of obtaining mortgage. The mortgagee must ensure that the mortgagor has received full disclosure of all costs of obtaining the mortgage. The mortgagee must ask the mortgagor about any costs or other obligations that the mortgagor has incurred to obtain the mortgage, as defined by the Secretary, in addition to providing the Good Faith Estimate required by § 3500.7 of this title. The mortgagee must clearly state to the mortgagor which charges are required to obtain the mortgage and which are not required to obtain the mortgage.

(b) Lump sum disbursement. (1) If the mortgagor requests that at least 25% of the principal limit amount (after deducting amounts excluded in the following sentence) be disbursed at closing to the mortgagor (or as otherwise permitted by § 206.29), the mortgagee must make sufficient inquiry at closing to confirm that the mortgagor will not use any part of the amount disbursed for payments to or on behalf of an estate planning service firm, with an explanation of § 206.32 as necessary or appropriate.

(2) This paragraph does not apply to any part of the principal limit used for the following:

(i) Initial MIP under § 206.105(a) or fees and charges allowed under § 206.31(a) paid by the mortgagee from mortgage proceeds instead of by the mortgagor in cash; and

(ii) Amounts set aside under § 206.47 for repairs, under § 206.205(f) for property charges, or § 206.207(b).

[64 FR 2988, Jan. 19, 1999]

Eligible Properties

§ 206.45 Eligible properties.

(a) Title. A mortgage must be on real estate held in fee simple, or on a leasehold under a lease for not less than 99 years which is renewable, or under a lease having a remaining period of not less than 50 years beyond the date of the 100th birthday of the youngest mortgagor. The mortgagee shall obtain a mortgagee's title insurance policy satisfactory to the Secretary. If the Secretary determines that title insurance for reverse mortgages is not available for reasonable rates in a State, then the Secretary may specify other acceptable forms of title evidence in lieu of title insurance.

(b) Type of property. The property shall include a dwelling designed principally as a residence for one family or such additional families as the Secretary shall determine. A condominium unit designed for one-family occupancy shall also be an eligible property.

(c) Flood insurance and property location. The provisions of § 203.16a of this chapter pertaining to flood insurance and § 203.40 of this chapter pertaining to the location of the property are incorporated by reference.

(d) Lead-based paint poisoning prevention. If the appraiser of a dwelling constructed prior to 1978 finds defective paint surfaces, § 200.810(d) of this chapter shall apply unless the mortgagor certifies that no child who is less than six years of age resides or is expected to reside in the dwelling.

(e) Restrictions on conveyance. The property must be freely marketable. Conveyance of the property may only be restricted as permitted under 24 CFR 203.41 or 24 CFR 234.66 and this part, except that a right of first refusal to purchase a unit in a condominium project is permitted if the right is held by the condominium association for the project.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 60 FR 66476, Dec. 21, 1995; 61 FR 36266, July 9, 1996; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996; 63 FR 17656, Apr. 9, 1998]

§ 206.47 Property standards; repair work.

(a) Need for repairs. Properties must meet the applicable property standards of the Secretary in order to be eligible. Properties which do not meet the property standards must be repaired in order to ensure that the repaired property will serve as adequate security for the insured mortgage.

(b) Assurance that repairs are made. The mortgage may be closed before the repair work is completed if the Secretary estimates that the cost of the remaining repair work will not exceed 15 percent of the maximum claim amount and the mortgage contains provisions approved by the Secretary concerning payment for the repairs.

(c) Role of mortgagee. The mortgagee shall cause one or more inspections of the property to be made by an inspector approved by the Secretary in order to ensure that the repair work is satisfactory, and prior to the release of funds for the repairs. The mortgagee shall hold back a portion of the contract price attributable to the work done before each interim release of funds, and the total of the hold backs will be released after the final inspection and approval of the release by the mortgagee. The mortgagee shall ensure that all mechanics’ and materialmen's liens are released of record.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.51 Eligibility of mortgages involving a dwelling unit in a condominium.

If the mortgage involves a dwelling unit in a condominium, the project in which the unit is located shall have been committed to a plan of condominium ownership by deed, or other recorded instrument, that is acceptable to the Secretary, except as provided in § 234.26(i) of this chapter.

[61 FR 26984, May 29, 1996]

Subpart C—Contract Rights and Obligations Sale, Assignment and Pledge

§ 206.101 Sale, assignment and pledge of insured mortgages.

The provisions of §§ 203.430 through 203.435 of this chapter shall be applicable to mortgages eligible for insurance under this part.

§ 206.102 General Insurance Fund.

Mortgages insured under this part shall be obligations of the General Insurance Fund.

[60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995]

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

§ 206.103 Payment of MIP.

The payment of any MIP under this subpart shall be made to the Secretary by the mortgagee in cash, until the contract of insurance is terminated.

§ 206.105 Amount of MIP.

(a) Initial MIP. The mortgagee shall pay to the Secretary an initial MIP of two percent of the maximum claim amount.

(b) Monthly MIP. Monthly MIP will accrue daily on the mortgage balance at a rate equivalent to one-half of one percent per annum and shall be added to the mortgage balance when paid to the Secretary.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133)

§ 206.107 Mortgagee election of assignment or shared premium option.

(a) Election of option. Before the mortgage is submitted for insurance endorsement, the mortgagee shall elect either the assignment option or the shared premium option.

(1) Under the assignment option, the mortgagee shall have the option of assigning the mortgage to the Secretary if the mortgage balance is equal to or greater than 98 percent of the maximum claim amount, or the mortgagor has requested a payment which exceeds the difference between the maximum claim amount and the mortgage balance and:

(i) The mortgagee is current in making the required payments under the mortgage to the mortgagor;

(ii) The mortgagee is current in its payment of the MIP (and late charges and interest on the MIP, if any) to the Secretary;

(iii) The mortgage is not due and payable under § 206.27(c)(1); and

(iv) The mortgagee has not informed the Secretary of an event described in § 206.27(c)(2), or the Secretary has been so informed but has denied approval for the mortgage to be due and payable. At the mortgagee's option, the mortgagee may forgo assignment of the mortgage and file a claim under any of the circumstances described in § 206.123(a)(2)-(5).

(v) The mortgage is a first lien of record and title to the property securing the mortgage is good and marketable. The provisions of § 203.353 of this chapter pertaining to mortgagee certifications, § 203.387 of this chapter pertaining to title evidence, and § 203.389 of this chapter pertaining to waived title objections also apply.

(2) Under the shared premium option, the mortgagee may not assign a mortgage to the Secretary unless the mortgagee fails to make payments and the Secretary demands assignment (§ 206.123(a)(2)), but the mortgagee shall only be required to remit a reduced monthly MIP to the Secretary. The mortgagee shall collect from the mortgagor the full amount of the monthly MIP provided in § 206.105(b) but shall retain a portion of the monthly MIP paid by the mortgagor as compensation for the default risk assumed by the mortgagee. The portion of the MIP to be retained by a mortgagee shall be determined by the Secretary as calculated in § 206.109. For a particular mortgage, the applicable portion shall be determined as of the date of the commitment. The mortgagee retains the right to file a claim under any of the circumstances described in § 206.123(a)(2)-(5).

(b) No election for shared appreciation. Shared appreciation mortgages shall be insured by the Secretary only under the shared premium option.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.109 Amount of mortgagee share of premium.

Using the factors provided by the Secretary, the amount of the mortgagee share of the premium shall be determined for each mortgage based upon the age of the youngest mortgagor and the expected average mortgage interest rate.

§ 206.111 Due date of MIP.

(a) Initial MIP. The mortgagee shall pay the initial MIP to the Secretary within fifteen days of closing and as a condition to the endorsement of the mortgage for insurance.

(b) Monthly MIP. Each monthly MIP shall be due to the Secretary on the first business day of each month except the month in which the mortgage is closed.

§ 206.113 Late charge and interest.

(a) Late charge. Initial MIP remitted to the Secretary after the payment date in § 206.111(a) and monthly MIP remitted to the Secretary 10 days after the payment date in § 206.111(b) shall include a late charge of four percent of the amount paid.

(b) Interest. In addition to any late charge provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the mortgagee shall pay interest on any initial MIP remitted to the Secretary more than 30 days after closing, and interest on any monthly MIP remitted to the Secretary more than 30 days after the payment date prescribed in § 206.111(b). Such interest rate shall be paid at a rate set in conformity with the Treasury Financial Manual.

(c) Paid by mortgagee. Any late charge owed by the mortgagee shall be paid from the mortgagee's funds and shall not be added to the mortgage balance of the mortgagor.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.115 [Reserved]

§ 206.116 Refunds.

No amount of the initial MIP shall be refundable.

[60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995]

HUD Responsibility to Mortgagors

§ 206.117 General.

The Secretary is required by statute to take any action necessary to provide a mortgagor with funds to which the mortgagor is entitled under the mortgage and which the mortgagor does not receive because of the default of the mortgagee. The Secretary may hold a second mortgage to secure repayment by the mortgagor under § 206.27(d) or may accept assignment of the first mortgage.

[61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.119 [Reserved]

§ 206.121 Secretary authorized to make payments.

(a) Investigation. The Secretary will investigate all complaints by a mortgagor concerning late payments. If the Secretary determines that the mortgagee is unable or unwilling to make all payments required under the mortgage, including late charges, the Secretary shall pay such payments and late charges to the mortgagor.

(b) Reimbursement or assignment. The Secretary may demand that within 30 days from the demand, the mortgagee reimburse the Secretary, with interest from the date of payment by the Secretary, or assign the insured mortgage to the Secretary. Interest shall be paid at a rate set in conformity with the Treasury Financial Manual. If the mortgagee complies with the reimbursement demand, then the contract of insurance shall not be affected. If the mortgagee complies by assigning the mortgage for record within 30 days of the demand, then the Secretary shall pay an insurance claim as provided in § 206.129(e)(3) and assume all responsibilities of the mortgagee under the first mortgage. If the mortgagee fails to comply with the demand within 30 days, the contract of insurance will terminate as provided in § 206.133(c).

(c) Second mortgage. If the contract of insurance is terminated as provided in § 206.133(c), all payments to the mortgagor by the Secretary will be secured by the second mortgage, if any. Payments will be due and payable in the same manner as under the insured first mortgage. The liability of the mortgagor under the first mortgage shall be limited to payments actually made by the mortgagee to or on behalf of the mortgagor (including MIP), and shall exclude accrued interest, whether or not it has been included in the mortgage balance, and shared appreciation, if any. Interest will stop accruing on the first mortgage when the Secretary begins to make payments under the second mortgage. The first mortgage will not be due and payable until the second mortgage is due and payable.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49034, Sept. 17, 1996; 61 FR 67931, Dec. 26, 1996]

Claim Procedure

§ 206.123 Claim procedures in general.

(a) Claims. Mortgagees may submit claims for the payment of the mortgage insurance benefits if:

(1) The conditions of § 206.107(a)(1) pertaining to the optional assignment of the mortgage by the mortgagee have been met and the mortgagee assigns the mortgage to the Secretary;

(2) The mortgagee is unable or unwilling to make the payments under the mortgage and assigns the mortgage to the Secretary pursuant to the Secretary's demand, as provided in § 206.121(b);

(3) The mortgagor sells the property for less than the mortgage balance and the mortgagee releases the mortgage of record to facilitate the sale, as provided in § 206.125(c);

(4) The mortgagee acquires title to the property by foreclosure or a deed in lieu of foreclosure and sells the property as provided in § 206.125(g) for an amount which does not satisfy the mortgage balance or fails to sell the property as provided in § 206.127(a)(2); or

(5) The mortgagee forecloses and a bidder other than the mortgagee purchases the property for an amount that is not sufficient to satisfy the mortgage balance, as provided in § 206.125(e).

(b) Expanded definition of mortgagor. The term mortgagor as used in this subpart shall have the same meaning as stated in § 206.3, except that in reference to a sale by the mortgagor, the term shall also mean the mortgagor's estate or personal representative.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.125 Acquisition and sale of the property.

(a) Initial action by the mortgagee. (1) The mortgagee shall notify the Secretary whenever the mortgage is due and payable under the conditions stated in § 206.27(c)(1), or one of the conditions stated in § 206.27(c)(2) has occurred.

(2) After notifying the Secretary, and receiving approval of the Secretary when needed, the mortgagee shall notify the mortgagor that the mortgage is due and payable, unless the mortgage is due and payable by reason of the mortgagor's death. The mortgagee shall require the mortgagor to (i) pay the mortgage balance, including any accrued interest and MIP, in full; (ii) sell the property for at least 95% of the appraised value as determined under § 206.125(b), with the net proceeds of the sale to be applied towards the mortgage balance; or (iii) provide the mortgagee with a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The mortgagor shall have 30 days in which to comply with the preceding sentence, or correct the matter which resulted in the mortgage coming due and payable, before a foreclosure proceeding is begun.

(3) Even after a foreclosure proceeding is begun, the mortgagee shall permit the mortgagor to correct the condition which resulted in the mortgage coming due and payable and to reinstate the mortgage, and the mortgage insurance shall continue in effect. The mortgagee may require the mortgagor to pay any costs that the mortgagee incurred to reinstate the mortgagor, including forclosure costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Such costs shall be paid by adding them to the mortgage balance. The mortgagee may refuse reinstatement by the mortgagor if:

(i) The mortgagee has accepted reinstatement of the mortgage within the past two years immediately preceeding the current notification to the mortgagor that the mortgage is due and payable;

(ii) Reinstatement will preclude foreclosure if the mortgage becomes due and payable at a later date; or

(iii) Reinstatement will adversely affect the priority of the mortgage lien.

(b) Appraisal. The mortgagee shall obtain an appraisal of the property no later than 30 days after the mortgagor is notified that the mortgage is due and payable, or no later than 30 days after the mortgagee becomes aware of the mortgagor's death, or upon the mortgagor's request in connection with a pending sale. The property shall be appraised no later than 15 days before a foreclosure sale. The appraisal shall be at the mortgagor's expense unless the mortgage is due and payable. If the mortgage is due and payable, the appraisal shall be at the mortgagee's expense but the mortgagee shall have a right to be reimbursed out of the proceeds of any sale by the mortgagor.

(c) Sale by mortgagor. Whether or not the mortgage is due and payable, the mortgagor may sell the property for at least the lesser of the mortgage balance or the appraised value (determined under § 206.125(b)). If the mortgage is due and payable at the time the contract for sale is executed, the mortgagor may sell the property for at least the lesser of the mortgage balance or five percent under the appraised value. The mortgagee shall satisfy the mortgage of record (and the Secretary will satisfy the second mortgage required under § 206.27(e) of record) in order to facilitate the sale, provided that there are no junior liens (except the mortgage to secure payments by the Secretary under § 206.27(e)) and all the net proceeds from the sale are paid to the mortgagee.

(d) Initiation of foreclosure. (1) The mortgagee shall commence foreclosure of the mortgage within six months of giving notice to the mortgagor that the mortgage is due and payable, or six months from the date of the mortgagor's death if applicable, or within such additional time as may be approved by the Secretary.

(2) If the laws of the State in which the mortgaged property is located or if Federal bankruptcy law does not permit the commencement of the foreclosure within six months from the date of the notice to the mortgagor that the mortgage is due and payable, the mortgagee shall commence foreclosure within six months after the expiration of the time during which such foreclosure is prohibited by such laws.

(3) The mortgagee must give written notice to the Secretary within 30 days after the initiation of foreclosure proceedings, and must exercise reasonable diligence in prosecuting the foreclosure proceedings to completion and in acquiring title to and possession of the property. A time frame that is determined by the Secretary to constitute “reasonable diligence” for each State is made available to mortgagees.

(4) The mortgagee shall bid at the foreclosure sale an amount equal to the appraised value of the property.

(e) Other bidders at foreclosure sale. If a party other than the mortgagee is the successful bidder at the foreclosure sale, the net proceeds of sale shall be applied to the mortgage balance.

(f) Deed in lieu of foreclosure. (1) In order to avoid delays and additional expense as a result of instituting and completing a foreclosure action, the mortgagee shall accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure from the mortgagor if the mortgagee is able to obtain good and marketable title from the mortgagor.

(2) In exchange for the executed and delivered deed, the mortgagee shall cancel the credit instrument and deliver it to the mortgagor and satisfy the mortgage of record.

(g) Sale of the acquired property. (1) Upon acquisition of the property by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, the mortgagee shall take possession of, preserve and repair the property and shall make diligent efforts to sell the property within six months from the date the mortgagee acquired the property. Repairs shall not exceed those required by local law and, in cases where the sale is made with a mortgage insured by the Secretary or guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, those necessary to meet the objectives of the property standards required for mortgages insured by the Secretary. No other repairs shall be made without the specific advance approval of the Secretary. The mortgagee shall sell the property for an amount not less than the appraised value (as provided under paragraph (b) of this section) unless written permission is obtained from the Secretary authorizing a sale at a lower price.

(2) Repairs shall not exceed those required by local law or the requirements of the Secretary of HUD or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs if the sale of the property is financed with a mortgage insured by the Secretary of HUD or guaranteed, insured or taken by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(3) The mortgagee shall not enter into a contract for the preservation, repair or sale of the property with any officer, employee, owner of ten percent or more interest in the mortgagee or with any other person or organization having an identity of interest with the mortgagee or with any relative of such officer, employee, owner or person.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49034, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.127 Application for insurance benefits.

(a) Mortgagee acquires title. (1) The mortgagee shall apply for the payment of the insurance benefits within 15 days after the sale of the property by the mortgagee. Application shall be made by notifying the Secretary of the sale of the property, the sale price, and income and expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition, repair and sale of the property.

(2) If the property will not be sold within six months from the date the mortagee acquired title, the mortgagee shall, at least 15 days prior to the expiration of the six month period, request the Secretary to cause another appraisal of the property to be made. Within 15 days of receipt of the appraisal, the mortgagee shall apply for the insurance benefits as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, substituting the appraised value for the sale price. The mortgagee shall bear the cost of the appraisal.

(b) Party other than the mortgagee acquires title. The mortgagee shall apply for the payment of the insurance benefits within 15 days after a party other than the mortgagee acquires title to the property. Application shall be made by notifying the Secretary of the sale of the property and the sale price.

(c) Mortgagee assigns the mortgage. The mortgagee shall file its claim for the payment of the insurance benefits within 15 days after the date the mortgage is assigned for record to the Secretary. The application for the payment of the insurance benefits shall include the items listed in § 203.351(a) of this chapter and the certification required under § 203.353 of this chapter.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133)

§ 206.129 Payment of claim.

(a) General. If the claim for the payment of the insurance benefits is acceptable to the Secretary, payment shall be made in cash in the amount determined under this section.

(b) Limit on claim amount. In no case may the claim paid under this subpart exceed the maximum claim amount. The interest allowance provided in paragraphs (d)(2)(iii), (e)(2) and (f)(2) of this section shall not be included in determining the limit on the claim amount.

(c) Shared appreciation mortgages. The terms mortgage balance and accrued interest as used in this section do not include interest attributable to the mortgagee's share of the appreciated value of the property.

(d) Amount of payment—mortgagee acquires title or is unsuccessful bidder. This paragraph describes the amount of payment if the mortgagee acquires title by purchase, foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure, or when a party other than the mortgagee is the successful bidder at the foreclosure sale.

(1) The amount of the claim shall be computed by (i) totalling the mortgage balance, (including any accrued interest and MIP which have been added to the mortgage balance) and any accrued interest which has not been added to the mortgage balance as of the due date (defined in the following sentence), and allowances for items set forth in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, and (ii) subtracting from that total the amount for which the property was sold (or the appraised value determined under § 206.127(a)) and the items set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. Due date means the date when the mortgagee notifies the Secretary under § 206.27(c)(1) that the mortgage became due and payable, or, if applicable, the date the Secretary granted approval under § 206.27(c)(2) for the mortgage to become due and payable.

(2) The claim shall include the following items:

(i) Items listed in § 203.402 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (j), and (s), and § 204.322(l) of this chapter.

(ii) Foreclosure costs or costs of acquiring the property actually paid by the mortgagee and approved by HUD, in an amount not in excess of two-thirds of such costs or $75, whichever is the greater. For mortgages insured after March 1, 1997, HUD may reimburse a percentage of foreclosure costs or costs of acquiring the property, which percentage shall be determined in accordance with such conditions as HUD shall prescribe.

(iii) An amount equal to the interest allowance which would have been earned, from the due date to the date when payment of the claim is made, if the claim had been paid in debentures, except that when the mortgagee fails to meet any one of the applicable requirements of §§ 206.125 and 206.127 of this subpart within the specified time, and in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary (or within such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended. The provisions of §§ 203.405 through 203.411 of this chapter pertaining to debentures are incorporated by reference.

(iv) Costs of any appraisal obtained under §§ 206.125 or 206.127, provided that the appraisal was obtained after the mortgage became due and payable and that the mortgagee is not otherwise reimbursed for such costs.

(v) Reasonable payments made by the mortgagee for:

(A) Preservation and maintenance of the property;

(B) Repairs necessary to meet the objectives of the property standards required for mortgages insured by the Secretary, those required by local law, and such additional repairs as may be specifically approved in advance by the Commissioner; and

(C) Expenses in connection with the sale of the property including a sales commission at the rate customarily paid in the community and, if the sale to the buyer involves a mortgage insured by the Secretary or guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, a discount at a rate not to exceed the maximum allowable by the Commissioner, as of the date of execution of the discounted loan, on sales of properties acquired by the Commissioner pursuant to §§ 203.295 through 203.426 of this chapter.

(vi) A certification that the property is undamaged in accordance with § 203.380 of this chapter.

(3) There shall be deducted from the amount computed in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section:

(i) The items listed in § 203.403 of this chapter; and

(ii) Any adjustment for damage or neglect to the property pursuant to §§ 203.377, 203.378, and 203.379 of this chapter.

(e) Amount of payment—assigned mortgages. This paragraph describes the amount of payment if the mortgagee assigns a mortgage to the Secretary under § 206.107(a)(1) or § 206.121(b).

(1) When a mortgagee assigns a mortgage which is eligible for assignment under § 206.107(a)(1), the amount of payment shall be computed by subtracting from the mortgage balance on the date of assignment the items set forth in § 203.404(b) of this chapter and any adjustments for damage or neglect to the property pursuant to §§ 203.377, 203.378 and 203.379 of this chapter.

(2) The claim shall also include:

(i) Reimbursement for such costs and attorney's fees as the Secretary finds were properly incurred in connection with the assignment of the mortgage to the Secretary, and

(ii) An amount equivalent to the interest allowance which will have been earned from the date the mortgage was assigned to the Secretary to the date the claim is paid, if the claim had been paid in debentures, except that if the mortgagee fails to meet any of the requirements of § 206.127(c), or § 206.131 if applicable, within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary (or within such further time as the secretary may approve in writing), the interest allowance in the payment of the claim shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended. The provisions of §§ 203.405 through 203.411 of this chapter pertaining to debentures are incorporated by reference.

(3) When a mortgagee assigns a mortgage under § 206.121(b) after demand by the Secretary, the mortgagee will not receive the entire claim payment as contained in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section. The amount of the claim shall be computed by (i) totalling the payments made by the mortgagee to the mortgagor or for the benefit of the mortgagor (including MIP), and subtracting from the total (ii) the items set forth in § 203.404(b) of this chapter and any adjustments for damage or neglect to the property pursuant to §§ 203.378 and 203.379 of this chapter. The claim shall also be reduced by an amount determined by the Secretary to reimburse the Secretary for administrative expenses incurred in assuming the mortgagee's responsibility under the mortgage, which may include expenses for staff time. If more than one mortgage is assigned to the Secretary, the administrative expenses incurred for all the mortgages assigned shall be allocated among the mortgages as determined by the Secretary. The claim shall not include accrued interest whether or not it has been included in the mortgage balance.

(f) Amount of payment-mortgagor sells the property. This paragraph describes the amount of payment if the mortgagor sells the property to one other than the mortgagee for less than the mortgage balance, and the mortgagee releases the mortgage to facilitate the sale.

(1) The amount of the claim shall be computed by (i) totalling the mortgage balance (including any accrued interest and MIP which have been added to the mortgage balance) and any accrued interest which has not been added to the mortgage balance on the date the deed is recorded, and allowances for items set forth in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (iv) of this section as applicable, and subtracting from the total (ii) the net proceeds of the sale paid to the mortgagee and the items set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(2) The claim shall also include an amount equivalent to the interest allowance which would have been earned from the date the deed is recorded to the date when payment of the claim is made, if the claim had been paid in debentures, except that when the mortgagee fails to meet any of the applicable requirements of §§ 206.125 and 206.127 of this subpart within the specified time (or within such further time as the Secretary may approve in writing), and in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary, the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular action should have been taken or to which it was extended. The provisions of §§ 203.405 through 203.411 of this chapter pertaining to debentures are incorporated by reference.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4. 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42761, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 35020, July 3, 1996]

Condominiums

§ 206.131 Contract rights and obligations for mortgages on individual dwelling units in a condominium.

(a) Additional requirements. The requirements of this subpart shall be applicable to mortgages on individual dwelling units in a condominium, except as modified by this section.

(b) References. The term property as used in this subpart shall be construed to include the individual dwelling unit and the undivided interest in the common areas and facilities as may be designated.

(c) Assignment of the mortgage. If the mortgagee assigns the mortgage on the individual dwelling unit to the Secretary, the mortgagee shall certify:

(1) To any changes in the plan of apartment ownership including the administration of the property;

(2) That as of the date the assignment is filed for record, the family unit is assessed and subject to assessment for taxes pertaining only to that unit; and

(3) To the condition of the property as of the date the assignment is filed for record. Section 234.275 of this chapter concerning the certification of condition is incorporated by reference.

(d) Condition of the multifamily structure. The provisions of § 234.270 (a) and (b) of this chapter concerning the condition of the multifamily structure in which the property is located shall be applicable to mortgages insured under this part which are assigned to the Secretary.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989]

Termination of Insurance Contract

§ 206.133 Termination of insurance contract.

(a) Payment of the mortgage. The contract of insurance shall be terminated if the mortgage is paid in full.

(b) Acquisition of title. If the mortgagee or a party other than the mortgagee acquires title at a foreclosure sale, or the mortgagee acquires title by a deed in lieu of foreclosure, and the mortgagee notifies the Secretary that a claim for the payment of the insurance benefits will not be presented, the contract of insurance shall be terminated.

(c) Mortgagee fails to make payments. If the mortgagee fails to make the payments to the mortgagor as required under the mortgage, and does not reimburse the Secretary or assign the mortgage to the Secretary within 30 days from the demand by the Secretary for reimbursement or assignment, the contract of insurance shall automatically terminate. The Secretary may later reinstate the contract of insurance, which shall continue in force as if no termination had occurred, upon reimbursement with interest as provided in § 206.121. Upon reinstatement, the mortgagee shall be liable for all MIP which would have been due if no termination had occurred, including late charge and interest as provided in § 206.113.

(d) Notice of termination. The mortgagee shall give written notice to the Secretary within 15 days of the occurrence of an event under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. No contract of insurance shall be terminated under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section unless such notice is given.

(e) Voluntary termination. The mortgagor and the mortgagee may jointly request the Secretary to approve the voluntary termination of the mortgage insurance contract. Prior to approval, the Secretary shall make certain that the mortgagor is aware of the consequences which could arise out of the voluntary termination of the contract of insurance. The provisions of § 203.295 of this chapter concerning voluntary termination shall apply when a contract of insurance under this part is voluntarily terminated.

(f) Effect of termination. When the insurance contract is terminated, the mortgagee shall pay the monthly MIP which has accrued for the current month and which has not yet been paid to the Secretary, but the obligation to pay any subsequent MIP shall cease and all rights of the mortgagor and mortgagee shall be terminated except as otherwise provided in this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 61 FR 49034, Sept. 17, 1996]

Subpart D—Servicing Responsibilities

§ 206.201 Mortgage servicing generally; sanctions.

(a) General. This subpart identifies servicing practices that the Secretary considers acceptable mortgage servicing practices of lending institutions servicing mortgages insured by the Secretary. Failure to comply with this subpart shall not be a basis for denial of the insurance benefits, but a pattern of refusal or failure to comply will be cause for withdrawal of HUD mortgagee approval.

(b) Importance of timely payments. The paramount servicing responsibility is the need to make timely payments in full as required by the mortgage. Any failure of a mortgagee to make all payments required by the mortgage in a timely manner will be grounds for administrative sanctions authorized by regulations, including part 24 (Debarment, Suspension and Limited Denial of Participation), and part 25 (Mortgagee Review Board).

(c) Responsibility for servicing. The provisions of § 203.502 of this chapter pertaining to the responsibility for servicing shall apply to mortgages insured under this part, except that references in that section to payments by a mortgagor shall mean payments to the mortgagor.

§ 206.203 Providing information.

(a) Annual statement. The mortgagee shall provide to the mortgagor an annual statement regarding the activity of the mortgage for each calendar year. The statement shall summarize the total principal amount for the year which has been paid to the mortgagor under the mortgage, the MIP paid to the Secretary and charged to the mortgagor, the total amount of deferred interest added to the mortgage balance, the total mortgage balance and the current principal limit. If the mortgagor has elected to have the mortgagee pay property charges pursuant to § 206.205, the mortgagee shall include an accounting of all payments for property charges for the year. The statement shall be provided to the mortgagor no later than January 31 for each preceding year until the mortgage is paid in full by the mortgagor.

(b) Line of credit and payment change statements. The mortgagee shall provide the mortgagor with a statement of the account every time it makes a line of credit payment. The mortgagee shall provide the mortgagor with a new payment plan every time it recalculates monthly payments.

(c) Servicing. The provisions of § 203.508 (a) and (b) of this chapter pertaining to loan information to mortgagors shall also be applicable to mortgages insured under this part. The mortgagee, as part of the information required under § 203.508(b) of this chapter, shall provide the mortgagor with the name of the mortgagee's employee who has been specifically designated to respond to inquiries concerning mortgages insured under this part. Such information shall be provided annually and whenever the servicer or the designated employee changes.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42762, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.205 Property charges.

(a) General. The mortgagor shall pay all property charges consisting of taxes, ground rents, flood and hazard insurance premiums, and special assessments in a timely manner and shall provide evidence of payment to the mortgagee as required in the mortgage.

(b) Election. A mortgagor may elect to require the mortgagee to pay property charges by withholding funds from monthly payments due to the mortgagor or by charging such funds to a line of credit. The mortgagor may make or rescind such an election at any time. If the sum of the mortgage balance and any unused set asides for repairs and servicing charges has reached the principal limit or the mortgage funds are otherwise insufficient to pay the property charges, the mortgagor shall pay such items as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, even though the mortgagor elected payment to be made by the mortgagee.

(c) Mortgagor's failure to make payments. If the mortgagor fails to pay the property charges in a timely manner, and has not elected to have the mortgagee make the payments, the mortgagee may make the payment for the mortgagor and charge the mortgagor's account. If a pattern of missed payments occurs, the mortgagee may establish procedures to pay the property charges from the mortgagor's funds as if the mortgagor elected to have the mortgagee pay the property charges under this section.

(d) Assignment of mortgage to the Secretary. If the insured first mortgage is assigned to the Secretary under § 206.107(a)(1) or § 206.121(a), or if payments are made through the second mortgage under § 206.121(c), the Secretary is not required to assume the mortgagee's responsibility under paragraph (b) of this section, despite the election by the mortgagor.

(e) Mortgagee's responsibilities. (1) Funds withheld from payments due to the mortgagor for property charges under paragraph (b) of this section shall not be paid into an escrow account. When property charges are actually paid, the mortgagee may add the amount paid to the mortgage balance.

(2) It is the mortgagee's responsibility to make disbursements for property charges before bills become delinquent. Mortgagees must establish controls to ensure that the information needed to pay such bills is obtained on a timely basis. Penalties for late payments for property charges must not be charged to the mortgagor unless it can be shown that the penalty was the direct result of the mortgagor's error or omission. Early payment of a bill to take advantage of a discount should be made whenever it is to the mortgagor's benefit.

(3) Not later than the end of the second loan year the mortgagee shall establish a system for the periodic analysis of the amounts withheld from monthly payments. The analysis shall be performed at least once a year thereafter. The amount shall be adjusted, after analysis, to provide sufficient available funds to make anticipated disbursements during the ensuing year. The mortgagor shall be given at least ten days notice of adjustment in the amount of withholding and an adequate explanation of the reasons for any change. When the amount withheld is analyzed in accordance with this paragraph, any surplus shall be paid to the mortgagor and added to the mortgage balance. Any shortage shall be corrected through increasing the monthly withholding as provided in paragraph (e)(4) of this section. If amounts withheld are insufficient to pay a property charge before it is delinquent, and the mortgagor could request a payment equal to the shortage under § 206.26(c), then the mortgagee shall pay the full property charge and treat payment of the shortage as a payment requested by the mortgagor under § 206.26(c).

(4) The mortgagee's estimate of withholding amount shall be based on the best information available as to probable payments which will be required to be made for property charges in the coming year. If actual disbursements during the preceding year are used as the basis, the resulting estimate may deviate from those disbursements by as much as ten percent. The mortgagee may not require withholding in excess of the current estimated total annual requirement, unless expressly requested by the mortgagor. Each monthly withholding for property charges shall equal one-twelfth of the annual amounts as reasonably estimated by the mortgagee.

(f) Set aside for first year property charges. If the mortgagor elects to require the mortgagee to pay property charges and to receive payments under the term or tenure payment option, then the mortgagee shall set aside at closing a portion of the principal limit that will be sufficient to pay such items for the period beginning in the last date on which each such charge would have been paid under the normal lending practices of the mortgagee and local custom (if each such date constitutes prudent lending practice), and ending in the due date of the first monthly payment to the mortgagor.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989; 54 FR 32060, Aug. 4, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42762, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.207 Allowable charges and fees after endorsement.

(a) Reasonable and customary charges. The mortgagee may collect reasonable and customary charges and fees from the mortgagor after insurance endorsement by adding them to the mortgage balance, but only for: items listed in § 203.552(a)(6), (9), (11), (13) and (14) of this chapter; items authorized by the Secretary under § 203.552(a)(12) of this chapter, or as provided at § 206.26(d); or charges and fees related to additional documents described in § 206.27(b)(10) and related title search costs.

(b) Servicing charges. The mortgagee may collect a fixed monthly charge for servicing activities of the mortgagee or servicer if (1) the charge is authorized by the Secretary, (2) the charge is disclosed as required by § 206.43 to the mortgagor in a manner acceptable to the Secretary at the time the mortgagee provides the mortgagor with a loan application, (3) amounts to pay the charge are set aside as a portion of the principal limit, and (4) the charge is payable only from the set aside.

[54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42762, Aug. 16, 1995]

§ 206.209 Prepayment.

(a) No charge or penalty. The mortgagor may prepay a mortgage in full or in part without charge or penalty at any time, regardless of any limitations on prepayment stated in a mortgage.

(b) Insurance and condemnation proceeds. If insurance or condemnation proceeds are paid to the mortgagee, the principal limit and the mortgage balance shall be reduced by the amount of the proceeds not applied to restoration or repair of the damaged property.

[61 FR 49034, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 206.211 Annual determination of principal residence.

At least once during each calendar year, the mortgagee shall determine whether or not the property is the principal residence of at least one mortgagor. The mortgagee shall require each mortgagor to make an annual certification of his or her principal residence, and the mortgagee may rely on the certification unless it has information indicating that the certification may be false.

Pt. 207 PART 207—MULTIFAMILY HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements Sec. 207.1 Eligibility requirements. Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations 207.251 Definitions. Premiums 207.252 First, second and third premiums. 207.252a Premiums—operating loss loans. 207.252b Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to section 223(f) of the Act. 207.252c Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to Section 238(c) of the Act. 207.252d Mortgagee's late charge. 207.252e Method of payment of mortgage insurance premiums. 207.253 Termination by prepayment and voluntary termination. 207.253a Termination of insurance contract Rights and Duties of Mortgagee Under the Contract of Insurance 207.255 Defaults. 207.256 Notice. 207.256a Reinstatement of defaulted mortgage. 207.256b Modification of mortgage terms. 207.257 Commissioner's right to require acceleration. 207.258 Insurance claim requirements. 207.258a Title requirements. 207.258b Partial payment of claim. 207.259 Insurance benefits. 207.259a Waiver of title objection; mortgages formerly Commissioner-held. 207.260 Maintenance and inspection of property. Rights in Housing Fund 207.263 Responsibility for servicing. Amendments 207.499 Effect of amendments. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1701z-11(e), 1713, and 1715b; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:

36 FR 24537, Dec. 22, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements

§ 207.1 Eligibility requirements.

The eligibility requirements set forth in 24 CFR part 200, subpart A, apply to multifamily project mortgages insured under section 207 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1713), as amended.

[61 FR 14405, Apr. 1, 1996]

Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations

§ 207.251 Definitions.

As used in this subpart:

(a) The term Commissioner means the Federal Housing Commissioner.

(b) The term act means the National Housing Act, as amended.

(c) The term mortgage means such a first lien upon real estate and other property as is commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate under the laws of the State, district or territory in which the real estate is located, together with the credit instrument or instruments, if any, secured thereby. In any instance where an operating loss loan is involved, the term shall include both the original mortgage and the instrument securing the operating loss loan.

(d) The term insured mortgage means a mortgage which has been insured by the endorsement of the credit instrument by the Commissioner, or his duly authorized representative.

(e) The term contract of insurance means the agreement evidenced by such endorsement and includes the terms, conditions and provisions of this part and of the National Housing Act.

(f) The term mortgagor means the original borrower under a mortgage and its successors and such of its assigns as are approved by the Commissioner.

(g) The term mortgagee means the original lender under a mortgage its successors and such of its assigns as are approved by the Commissioner, and includes the holders of the credit instruments issued under a trust indenture, mortgage or deed of trust pursuant to which such holders act by and through a trustee therein named.

Premiums

§ 207.252 First, second and third premiums.

The mortgagee, upon the initial endorsement of the mortgage for insurance, shall pay to the Commissioner a first mortgage insurance premium equal to one-half of one percent of the original face amount of the mortgage.

(a) If the date of the first principal payment is more than one year following the date of such initial insurance endorsement, the mortgagee, upon the anniversary of such insurance date, shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the original face amount of the mortgage. On the date of the first principal payment, the mortgagee shall pay a third premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the following year which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the said three premiums shall equal the sum of:

(1) One percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of initial insurance endorsement and (2) one-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the first anniversary of the date of initial insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(b) If the date of the first principal payment is one year, or less than one year following the date of such initial insurance endorsement, the mortgagee, upon such first principal payment date, shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the following year which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the said two premiums shall equal the sum of:

(1) One percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of initial insurance endorsement to the date of first principal payment and (2) one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of the first principal payment.

(c) Where the credit instrument is initially and finally endorsed for insurance pursuant to a Commitment to Insure Upon Completion, the mortgagee on the date of the first principal payment shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following such first principal payment date which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the said two premiums shall equal the sum of one-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(d) Until the mortgage is paid in full, or until receipt by the Commissioner of an application for insurance benefits, or until the contract of insurance is otherwise terminated with the consent of the Commissioner, the mortgagee, on each anniversary of the date of the first principal payment, shall pay an annual mortgage insurance premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date on which such premium becomes payable.

(e) The premiums payable on and after the date of the first principal payment shall be calculated in accordance with the amortization provisions without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments.

(f) Premiums shall be payable in cash or in debentures at par plus accrued interest. All premiums are payable in advance and no refund can be made of any portion thereof except as hereinafter provided in this subpart.

§ 207.252a Premiums—operating loss loans.

(a) The mortgagee, upon the insurance endorsement of the increase loan credit instrument covering the operating loss loan, shall pay to the Commissioner a first mortgage insurance premium of one-half of 1 percent of the original amount of the loan.

(b) The provisions of paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of § 207.252 shall apply to operating loss loans.

§ 207.252b Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to section 223(f) of the Act.

(a) The mortgagee, upon the initial-final endorsement of the mortgage for insurance pursuant to a Commitment to Insure Upon Completion issued in accordance with § 207.32a, shall pay to the Commissioner a first mortgage insurance premium equal to one percent of the original face amount of the mortgage.

(b) The mortgagee, on the date of the first principal payment, shall pay a second premium equal to one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following such first principal payment date which shall be adjusted as of that date so that the aggregate of the first and second premiums shall equal the sum of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(c) The provisions of paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of § 207.252 shall apply to mortgages insured pursuant to section 223(f) of the Act.

[40 FR 10177, Mar. 5, 1975]

§ 207.252c Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to section 238(c) of the Act.

All of the provisions of §§ 207.252 and 207.252a governing mortgage insurance premiums shall apply to mortgages insured under this subpart pursuant to section 238(c) of the Act except that all mortgage insurance premiums due on such mortgages in accordance with §§ 207.252 and 207.252a shall be calculated on the basis of one percent.

[42 FR 59674, Nov. 18, 1977]

§ 207.252d Mortgagee's late charge.

Mortgage insurance premiums which are paid to the Commissioner more than 15 days after the billing date or due date, whichever is later, shall include a late charge of 4 percent of the amount of the payment due, except that no late charge shall be required with respect to any case for which HUD fails to render a proper billing to the mortgagee.

[43 FR 60154, Dec. 26, 1978. Correctly designated at 44 FR 23067, Apr. 18, 1979]

§ 207.252e Method of payment of mortgage insurance premiums.

In the cases that the Commissioner deems appropriate, the Commissioner may require, by means of instructions communicated to all affected mortgagees, that mortgage insurance premiums be remitted electronically.

[63 FR 1303, Jan. 8, 1998]

§ 207.253 Termination by prepayment and voluntary termination.

All rights under the insurance contract and all obligations to pay future insurance premiums shall terminate on the following conditions:

(a) Termination by prepayment. Notice of the prepayment in full of the mortgage or loan shall be given to the Commissioner, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, within 30 days from the date of prepayment. The insurance contract shall terminate, effective as of the date of prepayment. No adjusted premium charge shall be due the Commissioner on account of such termination by prepayment.

(b) Termination by voluntary agreement. Receipt by the Commissioner of a written request, by the mortgagor and mortgagee or lender for termination of the insurance on the mortgage or loan, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, accompanied by the original credit instrument for cancellation of the insurance endorsement and the remittance of all sums to which the Commissioner is entitled. The termination shall become effective as of the date these requirements are met. No voluntary termination charge shall be due the Commissioner on account of such termination by voluntary agreement.

(c) Upon termination of the mortgage or loan insurance contract by a payment in full or by a voluntary termination, the Commissioner shall refund to the mortgagee or lender for the account of the mortgagor or borrower an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the current annual mortgage insurance premium theretofore paid, which is applicable to the portion of the year subsequent to (1) the date of the prepayment or (2) the effective date of the voluntary termination of the contract of insurance.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision in the mortgage instrument, this section shall apply to all mortgage or loan insurance contracts terminated by either prepayment or voluntary termination where: (1) The mortgage is prepaid in full or (2) the Commissioner receives a request for voluntary termination, on or after May 1, 1972.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

§ 207.253a Termination of insurance contract.

(a) Reason for termination. The happening of any of the following events shall constitute an additional reason for terminating the contract of insurance in cases where the mortga- gee has elected to convey the property to the Commissioner:

(1) The acquisition by the mortgagee of the mortgaged property without conveying it to the Commissioner.

(2) The acquisition of the property at the foreclosure sale by a party other than the mortgagee.

(3) The redemption of the property after foreclosure.

(4) Notice given by the mortgagee after the foreclosure and during the redemption period that it will not tender the property to the Commissioner.

(b) Notice of termination. No contract of insurance shall be terminated until the mortgagee has given written notice thereof to the Commissioner within 30 days from the happening of any one of the events set forth in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Effective termination date. The Commissioner shall notify the mortgagee that the contract of insurance has been terminated and the effective termination date. The termination shall be effective as of the date any one of the events set forth in paragraph (a) of this section occur.

(d) Effect of termination. Upon termination of the contract of insurance the obligation to pay any subsequent MIP shall cease and all rights of the mortgagor and mortgagee shall be terminated.

[36 FR 24537, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

Rights and Duties of Mortgagee Under the Contract of Insurance

§ 207.255 Defaults.

(a) The following shall be considered a default under the terms of a mortgage insured under this subpart:

(1) Failure of the mortgagor to make any payment due under the mortgage; or

(2) Failure to perform any other covenant under the provisions of the mortgage, if the mortgagee, because of such failure, has accelerated the debt.

(b) In the case of an operating loss loan, the failure of the mortgagor to make any payment due under such loan or under the original mortgage shall be considered a default under both the loan and original mortgage.

(c) If such defaults as defined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section continue for a period of 30 days the mortgagee shall be entitled to receive the benefits of the insurance hereinafter provided.

(d) For the purposes of this section the date of default shall be considered as:

(1) The date of the first uncorrected failure to perform a covenant or obligation; or

(2) The date of the first failure to make a monthly payment which subsequent payments by the mortgagor are insufficient to cover when applied to the overdue monthly payments in the order in which they became due.

§ 207.256 Notice.

(a) If the default as defined in § 207.255 is not cured within the 30 days grace period, the mortgagee must, within 30 days thereafter, notify the Commissioner of such default, in the manner prescribed in 24 CFR part 200, subpart B.

(b) Notwithstanding § 207.255(a)(2), the mortgagee must give notice to the Commissioner, in the manner prescribed in 24 CFR part 200, subpart B, of the failure of the mortgagor to comply with such covenant, regardless of the fact the mortgagee may not have elected to accelerate the debt.

[64 FR 4769, Jan. 29, 1999]

§ 207.256a Reinstatement of defaulted mortgage.

If, after default and prior to the completion of foreclosure proceedings, the mortgagor cures the default, the insurance shall continue as if a default had not occurred, provided the mortgagee gives notice of reinstatement to the Commissioner, in the manner prescribed in 24 CFR part 200, subpart B.

[64 FR 4770, Jan. 29, 1999]

§ 207.256b Modification of mortgage terms.

(a) The mortgagor and the mortgagee may, with the approval of the Commissioner, enter into an agreement which extends the time for curing a default under the mortgage or modifies the payment terms of the mortgage.

(b) The Commissioner's approval of the type of agreement specified in paragraph (a) of this section shall not be given unless the mortgagor agrees in writing that, during such period as payments to the mortgagee are less than the amounts required under the terms of the original mortgage, it will hold in trust for disposition as directed by the Commissioner all rents or other funds derived from the property which are not required to meet actual and necessary expenses arising in connection with the operation of such property, including amortization charges under the mortgage.

(c) The Commissioner may exempt a mortgagor from the requirement of paragraph (b) of this section in any case where the Commissioner determines that such exemption does not jeopardize the interests of the United States.

§ 207.257 Commissioner's right to require acceleration.

Upon receipt of notice of violation of a convenant, as provided for in § 207.256(b), or otherwise being appraised thereof, the Commissioner reserves the right to require the mortgagee to accelerate payment of the outstanding principal balance due in order to protect the interests of the Federal Housing Commissioner.

§ 207.258 Insurance claim requirements.

(a) Alternative election by mortgagee. When the mortgagee becomes eligible to receive mortgage insurance benefits pursuant to § 207.255(c), it must, within 45 days thereafter, give the Commissioner notice, in the manner prescribed in 24 CFR part 200, subpart B, of its intention to file an insurance claim and of its election either to assign the mortgage to the Commissioner, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, or to acquire and convey title to the Commissioner, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) Assignment of mortgage to Commissioner. If the mortgagee elects to assign the mortgage to the Commissioner, it shall, at any time within 30 days after the date of the notice of the election, file its application for insurance benefits and assign to the Commissioner, in such manner as the Commissioner may require, the credit instrument(s) and the realty and chattel security instruments. The Commissioner may extend this 30-day period by written notice that a partial payment of insurance claim under § 207.258b is being considered. The extension shall be for such term, not to exceed 60 days, as the Commissioner prescribes; however, the Commissioner's consideration of a partial payment of claim, or the Commissioner's request that a mortgagee accept partial payment of a claim in accordance with § 207.258b, shall in no way prejudice the morgagee's right to file its application for full insurance benefits within either the 30-day period or any extension prescribed by the Commissioner. The following requirements shall also be met by the morgagee:

(1) Notice of assignment. On the date the assignment of the mortgage is filed for record, the mortgagee must notify the Commissioner, in the manner prescribed in 24 CFR part 200, subpart B, of such assignment, and must also notify the FHA Comptroller by telegram of such recordation.

(2) Warranty of mortgagee. The assignment shall be made without recourse or warranty, except that the mortgagee shall warrant that:

(i) No act or omission of the mortgagee has impaired the validity and priority of the mortgage.

(ii) The mortgage is prior to all mechanics’ and materialmen's liens filed on record subsequent to the recording of the mortgage, regardless of whether such liens attached prior to the recording date.

(iii) The mortgage is prior to all liens and encumbrances which may have attached or defects which may have arisen subsequent to the recording of the mortgage, except such liens or other matters as may be approved by the Commissioner.

(iv) The amount stated in the instrument of assignment is actually due under the mortgage and there are no offsets or counterclaims against such amount.

(v) The mortgagee has a good right to assign the mortgage.

(3) Chattel lien warranty. In assigning its security interest in chattels, including materials, located on the premises covered by the mortgage, or its security interest in building components stored either on-site or off-site at the time of the assignment, the mortgagee shall warrant that:

(i) No act or omission of the mortgagee has impaired the validity or priority of the lien created by the chattel security instruments; and

(ii) The mortgagee has a good right to assign the security instruments; and

(iii) The chattel security instruments are a first lien on the items covered by the instruments except for such other liens or encumbrances as may be approved by the Commissioner.

(4) Items delivered by mortgagee. The mortgagee shall deliver to the Commissioner, within 45 days after the assignment is filed for record, the items enumerated below:

(i) An assignment of all claims of the mortgagee against the mortgagor or others arising out of the mortgage transaction.

(ii) All policies of title or other insurance or surety bonds or other guaranties, and any and all claims thereunder, including evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner that the effective date of the original title coverage has been extended to include the assignment of the mortgage to the Commissioner.

(iii) All records, ledger cards, documents, books, papers, and accounts relating to the mortgage transaction.

(iv) All property of the mortgagor held by the mortgagee or to which it is entitled (other than the cash items which are to be retained by the mortgagee) pursuant to paragraph (b)(5) of this section.

(v) Any additional information or data which the Commissioner may require.

(5) Disposition of cash items. The following cash items shall either be retained by the mortgagee or delivered to the Commissioner in accordance with instructions to be issued by the Commissioner at the time the insurance claim is filed:

(i) Any balance of the mortgage loan not advanced to the mortgagor.

(ii) Any cash held by the mortgagee or its agents or to which it is entitled, including deposits made for the account of the mortgagor, and which have not been applied in reduction of the principal of the mortgage indebtedness.

(iii) All funds held by the mortgagee for the account of the mortgagor received pursuant to any other agreement.

(iv) The amount of any undrawn balance under a letter of credit used in lieu of a cash deposit.

(c) Conveyance of title to Commissioner. If the mortgagee elects to acquire and convey title to the Commissioner, the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Alternative actions by mortgagee. At any time within a period of 30 days after the date of the notice of such election, the mortgagee shall take one of the alternative actions in paragraph (c) (2) or (3) of this section.

(2) Foreclosure of mortgage. The mortgagee may elect to commence foreclosure proceedings. If the laws of the State where the property is located do not permit institution of foreclosure within such 30-day period, foreclosure shall be commenced not less than 30 days after such action can be taken. Under such proceedings, the mortgagee shall take one of the following actions:

(i) Obtain possession of the mortgaged property and the income therefrom through the voluntary surrender thereof by the mortgagor.

(ii) Institute and prosecute with reasonable diligence, proceedings for the appointment of a receiver to manage the mortgaged property and collect income therefrom.

(iii) Proceed to exercise such other rights and remedies as may be available to it for the protection and preservation of the mortgaged property and to obtain the income therefrom under the mortgage and the law of the particular jurisdiction.

(iv) With the prior approval of the Commissioner, exercise the power of sale under a deed of trust.

(3) Acquisition of title and possession. The mortgagee, with the approval of the Commissioner, may elect to acquire possession of, and title to, the mortgaged property by means other than foreclosure. With the prior approval of the Commissioner, title may be transferred directly to the Commissioner.

(4) Notice of foreclosure. The mortgagee shall given written notice to the Commissioner within 30 days after the institution of foreclosure proceedings and shall exercise reasonable diligence in prosecuting such proceedings to completion. Any developments which might delay the consummation of such proceedings shall be promptly reported to the Commissioner.

(5) Transfer by mortgagee. After acquiring title to and possession of the property, the mortgagee shall (within 30 days of such acquisition) transfer title and possession of the property to the Commissioner. The transfer shall be made in such manner as the Commissioner may require. On the date the deed is filed for record, the mortgagee shall notify the Commissioner on a form prescribed by him of the filing of such conveyance, and shall also notify the FHA Assistant Commissioner-Comptroller by telegram of such recordation.

(6) Filing of deed and application. The mortgagee shall file its application for insurance benefits at the time of filing for record of the deed conveying the property to the Commissioner.

(7) Deed covenants and documents. The deed conveying the property to the Commissioner shall contain covenants satisfactory to the Commissioner. The original deed shall be forwarded to the Commissioner as soon as received from the recording authority. The following documents shall be forwarded with the deed:

(i) A bill of sale covering any personal property to which the mortgagee is entitled by reason of the mortgage transaction or by the acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.

(ii) An assignment of all claims of the mortgagee against the mortgagor or others arising out of the mortgage transaction and out of the foreclosure proceedings or other means by which the property was acquired.

(iii) An assignment of any claims on account of title insurance and fire or other hazard insurance, except claims which have been released with the prior approval of the Commissioner.

(8) Title evidence. Evidence of title, satisfactory to the Commissioner and meeting the requirements of § 207.258a shall be furnished to the Commissioner (without expense to him) within 45 days of the filing for record of the deed conveying the property to him.

(9) Disposition of cash items. The provisions of paragraph (b)(4) of this section, relating to the retention or delivery of cash items, shall be applicable to cases involving the conveyance of property to the Commissioner.

(Information collection requirements in paragraph (b) were approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2535-0061) [36 FR 24537, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 44 FR 8195, Feb. 8, 1979; 50 FR 38786, Sept. 25, 1985; 51 FR 27838, Aug. 4, 1986; 64 FR 4770, Jan. 29, 1999]

§ 207.258a Title requirements.

(a) Form of title evidence. The title evidence submitted with a conveyance of the property to the Commissioner shall be in the form of an owner's policy of title insurance, except that, if an abstract and attorney's opinion were accepted by the Commissioner at the time of insurance, the title evidence may be in such form. The title evidence shall be effective on or after the date of the recording of the conveyance to the Commissioner.

(b) Content of title evidence. To be satisfactory to the Commissioner, the title evidence covering the property conveyed to him shall show the same title vested in the Commissioner as was vested in the mortgagor as of the date of the mortgage was filed for record, with the exception of such liens or other matters affecting the title as may be approved by the Commissioner.

§ 207.258b Partial payment of claim.

(a) Whenever the Commissioner receives notice under § 207.258 of a mortgagee's intention to file an insurance claim and to assign the mortgage to the Commissioner, the Commissioner may request the mortgagee, in lieu of assignment, to accept partial payment of the claim under the mortgage insurance contract and to recast the mortgage, under such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may determine.

(b) The Commissioner may request the mortgagee to participate in a partial payment of claim in lieu of assignment only after a determination that partial payment would be less costy to the Federal government than other reasonable alternatives for maintaining the low- and moderate-income character of the project. This determination shall be based upon the findings listed below and such other findings as the Commissioner deems appropriate:

(1) The mortgagee is entitled, under § 207.255, to assign the mortgage in exchange for the payment of insurance benefits;

(2) The relief resulting from partial payment, when considered with other resources available to the project, would be sufficient to restore the financial viability of the project;

(3) The project is, or can at reasonable cost be made, structurally sound;

(4) The management of the project is satisfactory to the Commissioner; and

(5) The default under the insured mortgage was beyond the control of the mortgagor.

(1) The project is, or potentially could serve as, a low- and moderate-income housing resource;

(2) The property covered by the mortgage is free and clear of all liens other than the insured first mortgage and such other liens as the Commissioner may have approved;

(3) The mortgagee has voluntarily agreed to accept partial payment of the insurance claim under the mortgage insurance contract and to recast the remaining mortgage amount under terms and conditions prescribed by the Commissioner; and

(4) The mortgagor has agreed to repay to the Commissioner an amount equal to the partial payment, with the obligation secured by a second mortgage on the project containing terms and conditions prescribed by the Commissioner. The terms of the second mortgage will be determined on a case-by-case basis to assure that the estimated project income will be sufficient to cover estimated operating expenses and debt service on the recast insured mortgage. The Commissioner may provide for postponed amortization of the second mortgage.

(d) Payment of insurance benefits under this section shall be in cash. The Commissioner shall waive the deduction of one percent of the mortgage funds advanced to the mortgagor, provided for in § 207.259(b)(2)(iv), with respect to a partial payment of a claim under this section. The items referred to in § 207.258(b)(4) shall either be retained by the mortgagee or delivered to the Commissioner in accordance with instructions to be issued by the Commissioner with respect to a partial payment of claim under this section.

(e) Lenders receiving a partial payment of claim following the Commissioner's endorsement of the Mortgage for full insurance under parts 251, 252, or 255 of this chapter, will pay HUD a fee in an amount set forth through Federal Register notice. HUD, in its discretion, may collect this fee or deduct the fee from any payment it makes in the claim process.

[50 FR 38786, Sept. 25, 1985, as amended at 61 FR 49037, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 207.259 Insurance benefits.

(a) Method of payment. Upon either an assignment of the mortgage to the Commissioner or a conveyance of the property to him in accordance with requirements in § 207.258, payment of an insurance claim shall be made in cash, in debentures, or in a combination of both, as determined by the Commissioner either at, or prior to, the time of payment, except where the mortgage is insured pursuant to:

(1) Section 223(e) of the National Housing Act, or

(2) Section 223(f) of the Act and at the time of the insurance endorsement, (i) the mortgage met the special eligibility requirements contained in § 207.32a(k) or (ii) the mortgage covered a property to be rehabilitated under part 511 or part 850 of this title, such claim shall be paid in cash, unless the mortgagee files a written request, with the application, for payment in debentures. A claim paid in cash on a mortgage insured under section 223(e) shall be paid from the Special Risk Insurance Fund. If the mortgagee files an application for payment in debentures on a claim on a mortgage insured under section 223(e) or 223(f), the claim shall be paid by issuing debentures and by paying any balance in cash.

(b) Amount of payment; assignment of mortgage. If the mortgage is assigned to the Commissioner, the insurance benefits shall be paid in an amount determined as follows:

(1) By adding to the unpaid principal amount of the mortgage, computed as of the date of default, the following items:

(i) The amount of all payments made by the mortgagee for taxes, special assessments and water rates which are liens prior to the mortgage; for insurance on the property; and for any mortgage insurance premiums paid after default.

(ii) An allowance for reasonable payments made by the mortgagee, with the approval of the Commissioner, for the completion and preservation of the property.

(iii) An amount equivalent to the debenture interest which would have been earned on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash, as of the date such cash payment is made, except that when the mortgagee fails to meet any one of the applicable requirements of §§ 207.256 and 207.258 within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner (or within such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended.

(2) By deducting from the total of the items computed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the following items:

(i) Any amount received by the mortgagee on account of the mortgage after the date of default.

(ii) Any net income received by the mortgagee from the property covered by the mortgage after the date of default.

(iii) The sum of the cash items retained by the mortgagee pursuant to § 207.258(b)(5), except the balance of the mortgage loan not advanced to the mortgagor.

(iv) An amount equivalent to 1 percent of the mortgage funds advanced to the mortgagor and not repaid as of the date of default, except that all or part of the 1 percent may be waived by the Commissioner if, at his request and in lieu of foreclosure, the mortgage is assigned to the Secretary.

(v) In the case of a lender receiving insurance benefits for the full Mortgage amount upon the Commissioner's endorsement of the Mortgage for full insurance pursuant to 24 CFR parts 251, 252, or 255, the amount of the fee set forth through Federal Register notice. HUD may, in its discretion, collect this fee rather than deducting the fee from the total of the items computed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(c) Amount of payment; conveyance of property. If the property is conveyed to the Commissioner, the insurance benefits shall be paid in an amount determined in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, except that the item set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section shall not be deducted.

(d) Issuance of certificate of claim. In addition to the insurance benefits paid under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, a certificate of claim shall be issued to the mortgagee.

(1) In the case of an assignment of the mortgage, the certificate shall be for an amount which the Commissioner determines to be sufficient, when added to the amount of the insurance benefits to equal the amount the mortgagee would have received if, on the date of assignment to the Commissioner, the mortgagor had paid in full all obligations under the mortgage. Where a conveyance is involved, there shall also be included in the certificate an allowance in a reasonable amount for any necessary expenses incurred by the mortgagee in connection with the foreclosure proceedings or the acquisition of the mortgaged property otherwise and in connection with the conveyance of the property to the Commissioner.

(2) The certificate of claim shall provide for an uncompounded annual interest increment of 3 percent to begin as of the date of either assignment or conveyance.

(e) Issuance of debentures. Where debentures are issued, they shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Be issued as of the date of default.

(2) Be registered as to principal and interest.

(3) At the option of the Commissioner and with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, be redeemable at par plus accrued interest on any semiannual interest payment date on 3 months’ notice of redemption given in such manner as the Commissioner shall prescribe. The debenture interest on the debentures called for redemption shall cease on the semiannual interest payment date designated in the call notice. The Commissioner may include with the notice of redemption an offer to purchase the debentures at par plus accrued interest at any time during the period between the notice of redemption and the redemption date. If the debentures are purchased by the Commissioner after such call and prior to the named redemption date, the debenture interest shall cease on the date of purchase.

(4) Mature 20 years from the date thereof.

(5) Be issued in such forms and amounts; and be subject to such terms and conditions; and include such provisions for redemption, if any, as may be prescribed by the Secretary, with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury; and may be in book entry or certificated registered form, or such other form as the Secretary by regulation may prescribe.

(6) Bear interest from the date of issue, payable semiannually on the first day of January and the first day of July of each year at the rate in effect as of the date the commitment was issued, or as of the date of initial insurance endorsement of the mortgage, whichever rate is higher. The applicable rates of interest will be published twice each year as a notice in the Federal Register.

(7) Debentures representing the portion of the claim applicable to an operating loss loan shall bear interest at the rate in effect as of the date the commitment to insure such loan was issued, or as of the date of endorsement for insurance of such loan, whichever rate is the higher, although debentures representing the portion of the claim applicable to the original mortgage may bear interest at a different rate.

[36 FR 24537, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 41 FR 45829, Oct. 18, 1976; 47 FR 26125, June 17, 1982; 49 FR 24654, June 14, 1984; 51 FR 13142, Apr. 17, 1986; 51 FR 27838, Aug. 4, 1986; 57 FR 55112, Nov. 24, 1992; 59 FR 49816, Sept. 30, 1994; 61 FR 49038, Sept. 17, 1996]

§ 207.259a Waiver of title objection; mortgages formerly Commissioner-held.

If the Commissioner sells a mortgage and such mortgage is later reassigned to him in exchange for debentures or the property covered by such mortgage is later conveyed to him in exchange for debentures, the Commissioner will not object to title by reason of any lien or other adverse interest that was senior to the mortgage on the date of the original sale of such mortgage by the Commissioner.

§ 207.260 Maintenance and inspection of property.

As long as the mortgage is insured or held by the Commissioner, the mortgagor must maintain the insured project in accordance with the physical condition requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G; and the mortgagee must inspect the project in accordance with the physical inspection requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G.

[63 FR 46578, Sept. 1, 1998]

Rights in Housing Fund

§ 207.263 Responsibility for servicing.

After January 10, 1994, servicing of insured mortgages must be performed by a mortgagee which is approved by HUD to service insured mortgages.

[57 FR 58350, Dec. 9, 1992]

Amendments

§ 207.499 Effect of amendments.

The regulations in this subpart may be amended by the Commissioner at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, but such amendment shall not adversely affect the interests of a mortgagee or lender under the contract of insurance on any mortgage or loan already insured and shall not adversely affect the interests of a mortgagee or lender on any mortgage or loan to be insured on which the Commissioner has made a commitment to insure.

Pt. 208 PART 208—ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF REQUIRED DATA FOR CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION AND SUBSIDY BILLING PROCEDURES FOR MULTIFAMILY SUBSIDIZED PROJECTS Sec. 208.101 Purpose. 208.104 Applicability. 208.108 Requirements. 208.112 Cost. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1701s, 1715l, 1715z-1; 42 U.S.C. 1437f and 3535(d).

Source:

58 FR 61022, Nov. 19, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

§ 208.101 Purpose.

The purpose of this part is to require owners of subsidized multifamily projects to electronically submit certain data to HUD for the programs listed in § 208.104. This electronically submitted data is required by HUD Forms, Owner's Certification of Compliance with Tenant's Eligibility and Rent Procedure, Worksheets to Compute Tenant Payment/Rent (Form HUD-50059 and 50059 Worksheets), and the Monthly Subsidy Billing Forms, Housing Owner's Certification and Application for Housing Assistance Payments (HUD-52670), Schedule of Tenant Assistance Payments Due (HUD-52670A, Part 1), Schedule of section 8 Special Claims (HUD-52670A, Part 2), and Special Claims Worksheets, HUD-52671 A through D), as applicable.

§ 208.104 Applicability.

(a) This part applies to HUD administered subsidized multifamily projects, either insured or non-insured, under:

(1) The section 236 Interest Reduction and Rental Assistance Payments program;

(2) The section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Programs, including, but not limited to, section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Programs for New Construction (24 CFR part 880), section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program for Substantial Rehabilitation (24 CFR part 881), section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program, New Construction Set-Aside for section 515 Rural Rental Housing Projects (24 CFR part 884); Loans for Housing for the Elderly or Handicapped (24 CFR part 885) and section 8 Loan Management and Property Disposition Set-aside program (24 CFR part 886);

(3) The section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate Housing for Low and Moderate Income Mortgage Insurance program (24 CFR part 221); and

(4) The section 101 Rent Supplement program (24 CFR part 215).

(b) This part applies to those multifamily projects having subsidy contracts, either insured or non-insured, where State housing finance and development agencies and other Public Housing Agencies are the subsidy contract administrator under:

(1) The section 236 Interest Reduction and Rental Assistance Payments program (24 CFR part 236);

(2) The section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Programs, including, but not limited to, section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program for New Construction (24 CFR part 880), section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program for Substantial Rehabilitation (24 CFR part 881), and section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program, New Construction Set-Aside for section 515 Rural Rental Housing Projects (24 CFR part 884);

(3) The section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate Housing for Low and Moderate Income Mortgage Insurance Program (24 CFR part 221); and

(4) The section 101 Rent Supplement program (24 CFR part 215).

(c) This part applies to all other subsidized section 202 projects, which include: section 202 projects with rent supplement or loan management set aside, section 202 projects with section 162 assistance, and section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly. This part also applies to section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities.

(d) This part does not apply to the section 8 Existing Housing Program or the Moderate Rehabilitation program.

§ 208.108 Requirements.

(a) Projects specified in § 208.104(a) that are automated. Project owners of applicable projects under § 208.104(a) who currently use an automated software package to process certifications and recertifications and to provide subsidy billings to HUD must update their software packages and begin electronic transmission of that data in a HUD specified format by March 21, 1994. These project owners are required to transmit data collected for the 12 months preceding March 21, 1994, as well as data collected on or after this date. Data collected for the 12 months preceding March 21, 1994, is to include only the tenant's most recent “complete certification” (move-in, initial certification, interim recertification, or annual recertification). When the most recent certification for a tenant is a partial certification (gross rent change, unit transfer, or correction), both the complete and partial certifications must be transmitted.

(b) Projects specified in § 208.104(a) that are not automated. Nonautomated project owners and agents (those owners and agents that currently prepare the certification, recertification, and subsidy billing forms manually) of applicable projects under § 208.104(a) must:

(1) Complete the search and either obtain the necessary hardware or software, or sign service contracts;

(2) Complete their data loading; and

(3) Begin electronic transmission by May 20, 1994. These project owners are required to transmit data collected for the 12 months preceding May 20, 1994, as well as data collected on or after this date. Data collected for the 12 months preceding May 20, 1994, is to include only the tenant's most recent “complete certification” (move-in, initial certification, interim recertification, or annual recertification). When the most recent certification for a tenant is a partial certification (gross rent change, unit transfer, or correction), both the complete and partial certifications must be transmitted.

(c) Projects specified in § 208.104(b). (1) Project owners. Project owners of applicable projects under § 208.104(b) must electronically transmit data for certification, recertification and subsidy billing procedures in a HUD specified format to the contract administrator. These project owners are required to transmit data collected for the 12 months preceding September 23, 1994, as well as data collected on or after that date. Data collected for the 12 months preceding September 23, 1994 is to include only the tenant's most recent “complete certification” (move-in, initial certification, interim recertification, or annual recertification). When the most recent certification for a tenant is a partial certification (gross rent change, unit transfer, or correction), both the complete and partial certifications must be transmitted.

(2) Contract administrators. State housing finance and development agencies and Public Housing Agencies that serve as the subsidy contract administrator must accept the electronic transmission of the HUD forms listed below in § 208.108(e) from the projects they administer, and electronically transmit that data to HUD in a HUD specified format after appropriate review and correction of the data.

(d) Projects specified in § 208.104(c). Project owners of applicable projects under § 208.104(c) must electronically transmit data for certification, recertification and subsidy billing procedures to HUD in a HUD specified format. In the case of partially assisted section 202 projects, owners are required to electronically transmit data only for subsidized units. These project owners are required to transmit data collected for the 12 months preceding the effective date of the rule, as well as data collected on or after the effective date of the rule. Data collected for the 12 months preceding September 23, 1994 is to include only the tenant's most recent “complete certification” (move-in, initial certification, interim recertification, or annual recertification). When the most recent certification for a tenant is a partial certification (gross rent change, unit transfer, or correction), both the complete and partial certifications must be transmitted.

(e) Data to be transmitted. Electronic transmission consists of data transmitted from the HUD-50059, 50059 worksheets, 52670 and 52670A, Parts 1 and 2 and 52671 A through D correctly formatted in accord with the HUD data requirements and in lieu of the hard copy forms.

[58 FR 61022, Nov. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 43474, Aug. 24, 1994]

§ 208.112 Cost.

(a) The costs of the electronic transmission of the correctly formatted data, including either the purchase and maintenance of computer hardware or software, or both, the cost of contracting for those services, or the cost of centralizing the electronic transmission function, shall be considered project operating costs to be paid from project income, and considered project operating costs for the purpose of processing and approving requests for HUD approval of rent increases.

(b) At the owner's option, the cost of the computer software may include service contracts to provide maintenance or training, or both. Regardless of whether an owner obtains service contracts to provide maintenance or training or both, the software must be updated to incorporate changes or revisions in legislation, regulations, handbooks, notices or HUD electronic transmission data format requirements.

(c) The source of funds for the purchase of hardware or software, or contracting for services for electronic transmission, may include current project operating income; an expense item in processing rent increases; a loan from the Reserve for Replacement Account, or a release from the Residual Receipts Account.

(d) A loan from the Reserve for Replacements Account must be repaid within a five year period from the release date.

(e) Owners of smaller projects or partially assisted projects with few subsidized units and CAs that administer no more than one project that determine that the purchase of hardware and/or software is not cost effective may contract out the electronic data transmission function to organizations that provide such services, including, but not limited to the following organizations: local management agents, local management associations and management agents with centralized facilities. Owners of multiple projects may centralize the electronic transmission function. However, owners that contract out or centralize the electronic transmission function are required to retain the ability to monitor the day-to-day operations of the project at the project site and be able to demonstrate that ability to the relevant HUD field office.

[58 FR 61022, Nov. 19, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 43475, Aug. 24, 1994]

Pt. 213 PART 213—COOPERATIVE HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements—Projects Sec. 213.1 Eligibility requirements. Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations—Projects 213.251 Cross-reference. 213.252 Definitions. 213.253 Premiums upon initial endorsement. 213.254 Premiums where first principal payment more than one year after initial endorsement. 213.255 Premiums where first principal payment one year or less after initial endorsement. 213.256 Premiums; insurance upon completion. 213.257 Premiums; purchasing cooperatives; Existing Construction, supplementary loans to purchase existing community facility. 213.258 Subsequent annual premiums. 213.259 Computation of subsequent annual premiums. 213.259a Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to Section 238(c) of the Act. 213.260 Allowable methods of premium payment. 213.265 Modifications and consolidations. 213.266 Initial insurance endorsement. 213.266a Insurance fund obligations. 213.267 Effect of insurance endorsement. 213.268 Final insurance endorsement. 213.269 Endorsement of supplementary loans. 213.270 Supplementary loans; election of action; claims; debentures. Cooperative Management Housing Insurance and Distributive Shares 213.275 Nature of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund. 213.276 Allocation of Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund income or losses. 213.277 Right and liability under the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund. 213.278 Distribution of distributive share. 213.279 Maximum amount of distributive share. 213.280 Finality of determination. Subpart C—Individual Properties Released From Project Mortgage; Expiring Program 213.501 Savings clause. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1715b, 1715e; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:

36 FR 24553, Dec. 22, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements—Projects

§ 213.1 Eligibility requirements.

The eligibility requirements set forth in 24 CFR part 200, subpart A, apply to multifamily project mortgages insured under section 213 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715e), as amended.

[61 FR 14405, Apr. 1, 1996]

Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations—Projects

§ 213.251 Cross-reference.

(a) All of the provisions of subpart B, part 207 of this chapter covering mortgages insured under section 207 of the National Housing Act, apply with full force and effect to mortgages insured under section 213 of the National Housing Act, except the following provisions:

Sec. 207.251Definitions. 207.252First, second, and third premiums. 207.254Form of endorsement.

(b) For the purposes of this subpart, all references in part 207 of this chapter to section 207 of the National Housing Act shall be deemed to refer to section 213 of the Act, and all references in part 207 of this chapter to the General Insurance Fund shall be deemed to refer to the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund in cases involving mortgages which are the obligation of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund.

(c) The provisions of §§ 207.255, 207.256, 207.257, 207.261, 207.262 and 207.263 of this chapter shall apply to supplementary loans insured under section 213(j) of the Act. In connection with the foregoing provisions the terms mortgagor, mortgagee, mortgage shall be construed to mean borrower, lender, and supplementary loan, including required security instrument.

(d) Where the provisions of this subpart are applicable to supplementary loans, the terms mortgagor, mortgagee, mortgage, shall be construed to mean borrower, lender, and supplementary loan, including required security instrument.

(e) Where the provisons of this subpart are applicable to operating loss loans, the terms mortgagor, mortgagee and mortgage shall be construed to mean borrower, lender and operating loss loan, including required security instrument, respectively.

[36 FR 24553, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

§ 213.252 Definitions.

The definitions contained in § 213.1 shall apply to this subpart and in addition the following terms shall have the meaning indicated.

(a) Contract of Insurance means the agreement evidenced by endorsement of the credit instrument by the Commissioner or his duly authorized representative and includes the terms, conditions and provisions of this subpart and of the National Housing Act.

(b) Insured mortgage means a mortgage which has been insured by the endorsement of the credit instrument by the Commissioner.

(c) Mortgage means such a first lien upon real estate and other property as is commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate under the laws of the State, district or territory in which the real estate is located, together with the credit instrument or instruments, if any, secured thereby. In any instance where an operating loss loan is involved, the term shall include both the original mortgage and the instrument securing the operating loss loan.

(d) Mortgagee means the original lender under a mortgage, its successors and such of its assigns as are approved by the Commissioner, and includes the holders of the credit instruments issued under a trust indenture, mortgage or deed of trust pursuant to which such holders act by and through a trustee therein named.

(e) Mortgagor means the original borrower under a mortgage and its successors and such of its assigns as are approved by the Commissioner.

(f) Project Mortgage means a blanket mortgage insured under section 213 of the Act, covering a group of not less than five single-family dwellings.

§ 213.253 Premiums upon initial endorsement.

(a) Management and Sales Types and Investor Sponsored Projects. The mortgagee, upon the initial endorsement of the mortgage for insurance, shall pay to the Commissioner a first mortgage insurance premium equal to one-half of one percent of the original face amount of the mortgage.

(b) Purchasing cooperatives. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to the mortgage or a purchasing nonprofit cooperative housing corporation or trust where such mortgage is endorsed for insurance pursuant to the sale of an Investor Sponsored Project to such purchasing nonprofit cooperative housing corporation or trust.

(c) Existing Construction. The provisions of paragraph (a) of the section shall apply to a mortgage covering Existing Construction which involves insurance of advances for Commissioner approved or required repairs, improvements, alterations and additions.

(d) Operating loss loans and supplementary loans. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to any operating loss loan and to any supplementary loan, except a supplementary loan to finance the acquisition of an existing community facility.

§ 213.254 Premiums where first principal payment more than one year after initial endorsement.

(a) Management and Sales Types and Investor Sponsored Projects. (1) If the date of the first principal payment is more than one year following the date of such initial insurance endorsement, the mortgagee, upon the anniversary of such insurance date, shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the original face amount of the mortgage. On the date of the first principal payment, the mortgagee shall pay a third premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the following year which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the first, second and third premiums shall equal the sum of:

(i) One percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of initial insurance endorsement, and

(ii) One-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the first anniversary of the date of initial insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(2) If the date of the first principal payment of a mortgage is more than one year following the date of the initial insurance endorsement and the mortgage is paid in full prior to the date of such first principal payment, the first and second premiums collected shall be adjusted so that the aggregate of the two premiums shall equal the sum of:

(i) One percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of the initial insurance endorsement and

(ii) One-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the first anniversary of the date of initial endorsement to the date the mortgage was paid in full.

(b) Purchasing cooperatives. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to the mortgage of a purchasing nonprofit cooperative housing corporation or trust where such mortgage is endorsed for insurance pursuant to the sale of an Investor Sponsored Project to such purchasing nonprofit cooperative housing corporation or trust.

(c) Existing Construction. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to a mortgage covering Existing Construction which involves insurance of advances for Commissioner approved or required repairs, improvements, alterations and additions.

(d) Supplementary loan; insurance of advances. The provisions of paragraph (a) shall apply to any supplementary loan involving insurance of advances.

§ 213.255 Premiums where first principal payment one year or less after initial endorsement.

(a) Management and Sales Types and Investor Sponsored Projects. (1) If the date of the first principal payment is one year, or less than one year following the date of such initial insurance endorsement, the mortgagee, upon such first principal payment date, shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the following year which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the first and second premiums shall equal the sum of

(i) One percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of initial insurance endorsement to the date of first principal payment, and

(ii) One-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of the first principal payment.

(2) If the date of the first principal payment of a mortgage is one year or less than one year following the date of the initial insurance endorsement and the mortgage is paid in full prior to the date of such first principal payment, the first and only premium collected shall be adjusted so that the total premium shall equal one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of initial insurance endorsement to the date the mortgage was paid in full.

(d) Supplementary loan; insurance of advances. The provisions of paragraph shall apply to a supplementary loan involving insurance of advances.

§ 213.256 Premiums; insurance upon completion.

(a) Management and Sales Types and Investor Sponsored Projects. (1) Where the mortgage is initially and finally endorsed for insurance pursuant to a Commitment to Insure Upon Completion, the mortgagee on the date of the first principal payment shall pay a second premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following such first principal payment date which shall be adjusted so as to accord with such date and so that the aggregate of the first and second premiums shall equal the sum of one-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(2) Where the mortgage is initially and finally endorsed for insurance pursuant to a Commitment to Insure Upon Completion and is paid in full prior to the date of the first principal payment, the first and only premium collected shall be adjusted so that the total premium shall equal one-half of one percent per annum of the average outstanding principal obigation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insurance endorsement to the date the mortgage was paid in full.

(c) Existing Construction. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to Existing Construction not involving insurance of advances but involved Commissioner approved or required repairs, improvements, alterations and additions.

(d) Supplementary loans; Commitment to Insure Upon Completion. The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall apply to a supplementary loan endorsed for insurance pursuant to a Commitment to Insure Upon Completion.

§ 213.257 Premiums; purchasing cooperatives; Existing Construction; supplementary loans to purchase existing community facility.

(a) Where a mortgage is endorsed for insurance pursuant to the sale of an Investor Sponsor Project or covers Existing Construction not involving Commissioner approved or required repairs, improvements, alterations and additions, the mortgagee, on the date of the insurance endorsement, shall pay a first premium equal to one-half of one percent of the principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insruance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment. On the anniversary of the first principal payment, this first premium shall be adjusted to equal one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the period from the date of the insurance endorsement to one year following the date of the first principal payment.

(b) The premium provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to a supplementary loan to purchase an existing community facility.

§ 213.258 Subsequent annual premiums.

(a) Until the mortgage is paid in full or until receipt by the Commissioner of an application for insurance benefits, or until the contract of insurance is otherwise terminated with the consent of the Commissioner, the mortgagee, on each anniversary of the date of the first principal payment, shall pay an annual mortgage insurance premium equal to one-half of one percent of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date on which such premium becomes payable.

(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to operating loss loans and to supplementary loans.

§ 213.259 Computation of subsequent annual premiums.

The premiums payable on and after the date of the first principal payment shall be calculated in accordance with the amortization provisions without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments.

§ 213.259a Premiums—mortgages insured pursuant to section 238(c) of the Act.

All of the provisions of §§ 213.253 through 213.259 governing mortgage insurance premiums shall apply to mortgages insured under this subpart pursuant to section 238(c) of the Act, except that all mortgage insurance premiums due on such mortgages in accordance with §§ 213.253 through 213.259 shall be calculated on the basis of one percent.

[42 FR 59675, Nov. 18, 1977]

§ 213.260 Allowable methods of premium payment.

Premiums shall be payable in cash or in debentures at par plus accrued interest. All premiums are payable in advance and no refund can be made of any portion thereof except as hereinafter provided in this part.

§ 213.265 Modifications and consolidations.

Where a mortgage covering an investor sponsored project is modified and consolidated with the mortgage of a purchasing nonprofit cooperative housing corporation or trust, it shall be deemed to be paid in full as of the date of such modification and consolidation.

[37 FR 8662, Apr. 29, 1972]

§ 213.266 Initial insurance endorsement.

The Commissioner shall indicate his insurance of the mortgage or supplementary loan by endorsing the original credit instrument and identifying the section of the Act and the regulations under which the mortgage or supplementary loan is insured and the date of insurance.

§ 213.266a Insurance fund obligations.

A mortgage endorsed for insurance under section 213 of the Act shall be the obligation either of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund or of the General Insurance Fund. The determination of the applicable fund shall be governed by the following:

(a) A mortgage insured under section 213(a)(1) of the Act or under section 213(a)(3) if the project has been acquired by a cooperative corporation or under section 213 (i) or (j) shall be the obligation of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund, where it has been insured pursuant to a commitment issued on or after August 10, 1965, or insured pursuant to a commitment issued prior to such date, and transferred to the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund.

(b) A mortgage insured under section 213(a)(2) of the Act or under section 213(a)(3) where the project has not been acquired by a cooperative corporation shall be the obligation of the General Insurance Fund. A mortgage insured prior to August 10, 1965, or insured pursuant to a commitment issued prior to such date, where the project has not been transferred to the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund, shall also be the obligation of the General Insurance Fund.

§ 213.267 Effect of insurance endorsement.

From the date of initial endorsement, the Commissioner and the mortgagee or lender shall be bound by the provisions of this subpart to the same extent as if they had executed a contract including the provisions of this subpart and the applicable sections of the Act.

§ 213.268 Final insurance endorsement.

When all advances of mortgage or loan proceeds have been made and all the terms and conditions of the commitment have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, he shall indicate on the original credit instrument the total of all advances he has approved for insurance and again endorse such instrument.

§ 213.269 Endorsement of supplementary loans.

The provisions of §§ 213.266, 213.267, and 213.268 shall apply to supplementary loans.

§ 213.270 Supplementary loans; election of action; claims; debentures.

(a) Election of action. Where a real estate mortgage, deed of trust, conditional sales contract, chattel mortgage, lien, judgement, or any other security device has been used to secure the payment of a loan made under the provisions of this section, the lender may not, except with the approval of the Commissioner, both proceed against such security and also make claim under its contract of insurance, but shall elect which method it desires to pursue.

(b) Maximum claim period. Notice of intention to file claim on a form prescribed by the Commissioner shall be filed within 45 days after the lender becomes eligible for the benefits of the loan insurance, or within such later time as may be agreed upon by the Commissioner in writing.

(c) Items to be filed on submitting claim. Within 30 days after the filing of the notice of intention to file claim, or within such further period as may be agreed upon by the Commissioner in writing, the lender shall file with the Commissioner:

(1) The fiscal data pertaining to the loan transaction;

(2) Receipts covering all disbursements as required by the fiscal data form;

(3) The original note and any security instrument or instruments which shall be assigned to the Commissioner without recourse or warranty, except that the lender must warrant that no act or omission of the lender has impaired the validity and priority of such security instrument or instruments, that the security instrument or instruments, are prior to all mechanics’ and materialmen's liens filed of record subsequent to the recording of such security instrument or instruments regardless of whether such liens attached prior to such recording date, and prior to all liens and encumbrances which may have attached or defects which may have arisen subsequent to the recording of such security instrument or instruments, except such liens or other matters as may be approved by the Commissioner, that the amount stated in the instrument of assignment is actually due and owing under the security instrument or instruments, that there are no offsets or counterclaims thereto, and that the lender has a good right to assign such note and security instrument or instruments;

(4) All hazard insurance policies held on property serving as security for the loan or other evidence of insurance coverage acceptable to the Commissioner, together with a copy of the lender's notification to the carrier authorizing the amendment of the loss payable clause substituting the Commissioner as the holder of the security instrument;

(5) The assignment to the Commissioner of all rights and interests arising under the note and security instrument or instruments so in default, and all claims of the lender against the borrower or others arising out of the loan transaction;

(6) All policies of title or other insurance or surety bonds, or other guarantees and any and all claims thereunder; including evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner that the original title coverage has been extended to include the assignment of the note and the security instrument or instruments to the Commissioner;

(7) Any balance of the loan not advanced to the borrower;

(8) Any cash or property held by the lender or its agents or to which it is entitled; including deposits made for the account of the borrower and which have not been applied in reduction of the principal obligation under the note and security instrument or instruments;

(9) All records, ledger cards, documents, books, papers and accounts relating to the loan transaction;

(10) Any additional information or data which the Commissioner may require.

(d) Claim computation. Upon an acceptable assignment of the note and security instrument, the Commissioner shall pay the claim of the lender in cash, in debentures or in a combination of both, as determined by the Commissioner at the time of payment. The payment shall be in an amount equal to the unpaid principal balance of the supplementary loan plus:

(1) Any accrued interest due on the supplementary loan as of the date of execution of its assignment to the Commissioner;

(2) Any advance made previously under the provisions of the loan instrument and approved by the Commissioner;

(3) Reimbursement for such reasonable collection costs, court costs, and attorney's fees as may be approved by the Commissioner;

(4) An amount equivalent to the debenture interest which would have been earned on the portion of the insurance benefits paid in cash, as of the date such cash payment is made, except that when the lender fails to meet any one of the applicable requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section within the specified time and in a manner satisfactory to the Commissioner (or within such further time as the Commissioner may approve in writing), the interest allowance in such cash payment shall be computed only to the date on which the particular required action should have been taken or to which it was extended.

(e) Debenture interest. The debentures shall bear interest as provided in § 207.259(e)(6) of this chapter.

(f) Maturity of debentures. Debentures shall mature 20 years from the date of issue.

(g) Registration of debentures. Debentures shall be registered as to principal and interest.

(h) Denomination of debentures. Debentures shall be issued in multiples of $50 and any difference not in excess of $50 between the amount of debentures to which the lender is otherwise entitled hereunder and the aggregate face value of the debentures issued shall be paid in cash by the Commissioner to the lender.

(i) Redemption of debentures. Debentures shall, at the option of the Commissioner and with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury, be redeemable at par plus accrued interest on any semiannual interest payment date on 3 months’ notice of redemption given in such manner as the Commissioner shall prescribe. The debenture interest on the debentures called for redemption shall cease on the semiannual interest payment date designated in the call notice. The Commissioner may include with the notice of redemption an offer to purchase the debentures at par plus accrued interest at any time during the period between the notice of redemption and the redemption date. If the debentures are purchased by the Commissioner after such call and prior to the named redemption date, the debenture interest shall cease on the date of purchase.

(j) Issue date of debentures. The debentures shall be issued as of the date of the execution of the assignment of the supplementary loan in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

Cooperative Management Housing Insurance and Distributive Shares

§ 213.275 Nature of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund.

The Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund shall consist of the General Surplus Account and the Participating Reserve Account.

§ 213.276 Allocation of Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund income or losses.

For any semiannual period in which Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund operations shall result in a net income, or loss, the Commissioner shall allocate such net income or such loss to the General Surplus Account, to the Participating Reserve Account, or to both, as he may determine to be in accordance with sound actuarial and accounting practice. In determining net income or loss, the Commissioner shall take into consideration all income received from fees, premiums, and earnings on investments of the Fund, operating expenses, and provision for losses of the Fund.

§ 213.277 Right and liability under the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund.

§ 213.278 Distribution of distributive share.

When the contract of insurance is terminated by reason of payment in full of the mortgage or by voluntary termination approved by the Commissioner, and at such time or times prior to such termination as the Commissioner may approve, the Commissioner may distribute to a mortgagor under a mortgage that is the obligation of the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund a share of the Participating Reserve Account in such manner and amount as he shall determine to be equitable and in accordance with sound actuarial and accounting practice.

§ 213.279 Maximum amount of distributive share.

In no event shall a distributive share of the Participating Reserve Account exceed the aggregate paid scheduled annual premiums of the mortgagor paid to the year of termination of the insurance or to the year of payment of the share, if paid prior to termination.

§ 213.280 Finality of determination.

The determination of the Commissioner as to the amount to be paid to any mortgagor from the Cooperative Management Housing Insurance Fund shall be final and conclusive.

Subpart C—Individual Properties Released From Project Mortgage; Expiring Program

§ 213.501 Savings clause.

No new loans are being insured under the Cooperative Housing Mortgage Insurance Program for individual properties released from a project mortgage. Any existing insured loans on individual properties released from a project mortgage under this program will continue to be governed by the regulations on eligibility requirements, contract rights and obligations, and servicing responsibilities in effect as they existed immediately before December 26, 1996.

[61 FR 60160, Nov. 26, 1996]

Pt. 219 PART 219—FLEXIBLE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR TROUBLED PROJECTS Sec. 219.1 Program operations. 219.2 Savings provision. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1715z-1a; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:

61 FR 14405, Apr. 1, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

§ 219.1 Program operations.

Effective May 1, 1996, the Flexible Subsidy Program for Troubled Projects will be governed and operate under the statutory provisions codified at 12 U.S.C. 1715z-1a, under the administrative policies and procedures contained in any applicable HUD Handbooks, and other administrative bulletins and notices as the Department may issue from time to time.

§ 219.2 Savings provision.

Part 219, as it existed immediately before May 1, 1996, (contained in the April 1, 1995 edition of 24 CFR, parts 200 to 219) will continue to govern the rights and obligations of housing owners, tenants, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development with respect to units and projects assisted under the Flexible Subsidy Program for Troubled Projects prior to May 1, 1996. A list of any amendments to this part published after the CFR revision date is available from the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410.3

24 CFR Ch. II (4-1-99 Edition) Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing, HUD

Pt. 220 PART 220—MORTGAGE INSURANCE AND INSURED IMPROVEMENT LOANS FOR URBAN RENEWAL AND CONCENTRATED DEVELOPMENT AREAS Subpart A[Reserved] Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations—Homes Sec. 220.251 Cross-reference. 220.252 Forbearance of foreclosure and assignment of mortgage. 220.253 Substitute mortgagors. 220.275 Method of paying insurance benefits. Insured Home Improvement Loans 220.350 Cross-reference. Subpart C—Eligibility Requirements—Projects 220.501 Eligibility requirements. Subpart D—Contract Rights and Obligations—Projects Project Mortgage Insurance 220.751 Cross-reference. 220.753 Forbearance relief. 220.760 Payment of insurance benefits. 220.765 Special insurance benefits—forbearance relief cases. Insured Project Improvement Loans 220.800 Definitions. 220.801 Initial insurance endorsement. 220.802 Final insurance endorsement. 220.803 Effect of insurance endorsement. 220.804 Insurance premiums. 220.804a Mortgagee's late charge. 220.805 Termination of insurance. 220.806 Pro rata refund of insurance premium. 220.810 Definition of default. 220.811 Date of default. 220.812 Notice of default. 220.813 Commissioner's right to require acceleration. 220.814 Election of action. 220.820 Maximum claim period. 220.821 Items to be filed on submitting claim. 220.822 Claim computation; items included. 220.823 Claim computation; items deducted. 220.830 Debenture interest rate. 220.832 Maturity of debentures. 220.834 Registration of debentures. 220.836 Form and amounts of debentures. 220.838 Redemption of debentures. 220.840 Issue date of debentures. 220.842 Cash adjustment. 220.850 Assignment of insured loans. Subpart E—Servicing Responsibilites—Homes 220.900 Cross-reference. Authority:

12 U.S.C. 1713, 1715b, 1715k; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:

36 FR 24573, Dec. 22, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A[Reserved] Subpart B—Contract Rights and Obligations—Homes

§ 220.251 Cross-reference.

(a) All of the provisions of subpart B, part 203 of this chapter covering mortgages insured under section 203 of the National Housing Act apply to mortgages covering 1- to 11-family dwellings insured under section 220 of the National Housing Act, except the following:

Sec. 203.258Substitute mortgagors. 203.259Scope. 203.280One-time MIP. 203.281Calculation of one-time MIP. 203.282Mortgagee's late charge and interest. 203.283Refund of one-time MIP. 203.340Conditions of special forbearance relief. 203.342Recasting of mortgage. 203.343Partial release, addition or substitution of security. 203.350Assignment of defaulted mortgage—ingeneral. 203.350aAssignment of defaulted mortgage. 203.351Application for insurance benefits and fiscal data. 203.353Certification by mortgagee. 203.400Method of payment. 203.402aReimbursement for uncollected interest. 203.420Nature of Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. 203.421Allocation of Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund income or loss. 203.422Right and liability under Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. 203.423Distribution of distributive shares 203.424Maximum amount of distributive shares. 203.425Finality of determination. 203.438Mortgages on Indian land insured pursuant to section 248 of the National Housing Act. 203.439Mortgages on Hawaiian home lands insured pursuant to section 247 of the National Housing Act. 203.439aMortgages on property in Allegany Reservation of Seneca Nation of Indians authorized by section 203(q) of the National Housing Act.

(b) For the purposes of this subpart, all references in part 203 of this chapter to section 203 of the act shall be construed to refer to section 220 of the act, and all references to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be construed to refer to the General Insurance Fund.

[36 FR 24573, Dec. 22, 1971, as amended at 42 FR 29304, June 8, 1977; 48 FR 28807, June 23, 1983; 51 FR 21874, June 16, 1986; 52 FR 8069, Mar. 16, 1987; 52 FR 28470, July 30, 1987; 52 FR 48203, Dec. 21, 1987; 53 FR 9869, Mar. 28, 1988; 55 FR 34808, Aug. 24, 1990]

§ 220.252 Forbearance of foreclosure and assignment of mortgage.

All of the provisions of §§ 203.340 through 203.342, 203.350, 203.352 and 203.353 of this chapter shall apply to mortgages insured under this subpart, except that the provisions relating to forbearance of foreclosure, recasting of the mortgage and assignment of a defaulted mortgage, shall be applicable only to a mortgage covering a property having not more than four dwelling units.

§ 220.253 Substitute mortgagors.

(a) Selling mortgagor. The mortgagee may effect the release of a mortgagor from personal liability on the mortgage note only if it obtains the Commissioner's approval of a substitute mortgagor, as provided by this section.

(b) Purchasing mortgagor. (1) The Commissioner may approve a substitute mortgagor with respect to any mortgage insured under subpart A of this part, if the substitute mortgagor is to occupy the dwelling as a principal residence or a secondary residence (as these terms are defined in § 220.30(d)).

(2) The Commissioner may approve as a substitute mortgagor an eligible non-occupant mortgagor (as defined in § 220.30(d)) with respect to any mortgage insured under this part, only if the outstanding balance of the mortgage does not exceed the Commissioner's estimate of:

(i) The replacement cost of the property as of the date the mortgage was originally accepted for insurance, or the date the substitute mortgagor is approved by the Commissioner, which ever is greater, in the case of a dwelling described in § 220.30(a) (1) or (2); or

(ii) The cost of repair or rehabilitation, plus the Commissioner's estimate of the replacement cost of the property as of either the date the mortgage was originally accepted for insurance, or the date the substitute mortgagor is approved by the Commissioner, whichever is greater, in the case of a dwelling described in § 220.30(a) (3) or (4).

(c) Applicability—current mortgagor. Paragraph (b) of this section applies to the Commissioner's approval of a substitute mortgagor, only if the mortgage executed by the original mortgagor met the conditions of § 203.258(c) of this chapter.

(d) Applicability—earlier mortgagor. The occupancy and similar requirements set forth in § 203.258(d) of this chapter apply to mortgages insured under subpart A of this part.

(e) Mortgagees approved for participation in the Direct Endorsement program under § 203.3 may, subject to limitations established by the Commissioner, themselves approve an appropriate substitute mortgagor under this section for mortgages which they own or service, and need not obtain further specific approval from the Commissioner.

(f) Definition. As used in this section, the term substitute mortgagor includes: (1) Persons who, upon the release by a mortgagee of a previous mortgagor from personal liability on the mortgage note, assume this liability and agree to pay the mortgage debts; and (2) persons who purchase without assuming liability on the mortgage note, or purchase where no release is given by the mortgagee to the previous mortgagor.

[55 FR 34808, Aug. 24, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 58351, Dec. 9, 1992]

§ 220.275 Method of paying insurance benefits.

If the application for insurance benefits is acceptable to the Commissioner, all of the insurance claim shall be paid in cash unless the mortgagee files a written request with the application for payment in debentures. If such a request is made, all of the claim shall be paid by issuing debentures and by making a cash payment adjusting any differences between the total amount of the claim and the amount of the debentures issued.

Insured Home Improvement Loans

§ 220.350 Cross-reference.

(a) All of the provisions of §§ 203.440 through 203.495 of this chapter covering insured home improvement loans under section 203(k) of the Act shall apply to home improvement loans on one-to-four family dwellings under section 220(h) of the Act, except as set out in paragraph (b).

(b) The provisions of §§ 203.473(a) shall not be applicable to home improvement loans on one-to-four family dwellings under section 220(h) of the Act.

[52 FR 1330, Jan. 13, 1987]

Subpart C—Eligibility Requirements—Projects

§ 220.501 Eligibility requirements.

The requirements set forth in 24 CFR part 200, subpart A, apply to multifamily project mortgages insured under section 220 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715k), as amended.

[61 FR 14405, Apr. 1, 1996]

Subpart D—Contract Rights and Obligations—Projects Project Mortgage Insurance

§ 220.751 Cross-reference.

(a) All of the provisions of subpart B, part 207 of this chapter, covering mortgages insured under section 207 of the National Housing Act, apply with full force and effect to multifamily project mortgages insured under section 220 of the National Housing Act, except the following provisions:

Sec. 207.259Insurance benefits. 207.256bModification of mortgage terms.

(b) For the purposes of the portion of this subpart, covering multifamily project mortgages, all references in part 207 of this chapter to section 207 of the National Housing Act shall be deemed to refer to section 220 of the National Housing Act.

§ 220.753 Forbearance relief.

(a) In a case where the mortgage is in default, the mortgagor and the mortgagee may enter into a forbearance agreement for the reduction or suspension of regular mortgage payments for a specified period of time, if the following requirements are met:

(1) The mortgage was endorsed for insurance on or after July 7, 1961.

(2) The Commissioner determines that the default was due to circumstances beyond the mortgagor's control and that the mortgage probably will be restored to good standing within a reasonable period of time and evidences such determination by written approval of the forbearance agreement.

(b) The time specified in § 207.258(a) of this chapter, within which a mortgagee shall give the Commissioner written notice of its intention to file an insurance claim, shall be suspended for the period of time specified in the forbearance agreement as long as the mortgagor complies with the requirements of such agreement.

(c) If the mortgagor fails to meet the requirements of a forbearance agreement or to cure the default under the mortgage at the expiration of the forbearance period, and such failure continues for a period of 30 days, the mortgagee shall notify the Commissioner of such failure. Within 45 days thereafter, unless a modification or extension of the forbearance agreement has been approved by the Commissioner, the mortgagee shall notify the Commissioner of its election to file an insurance claim and of its decision to either assign the mortgage to the Commissioner or acquire and convey title to the property to the Commissioner. If the mortgage is assigned to the Commissioner, the special insurance benefits prescribed in § 220.765 shall be applicable.

§ 220.760 Payment of insurance benefits.

All of the provisions of § 207.259 of this chapter relating to insurance benefits apply to multifamily project mortgages insured under this subpart, except that all of the insurance claim shall be paid in cash unless the mortgagee files a written request with the application for payment in debentures. If such a request is made, all of the claim shall be paid by issuing debentures and by making a cash payment adjusting any differences between the total amount of the claim and the amount of the debentures issued.

§ 220.765 Special insurance benefits—forbearance relief cases.

(a) Upon a failure of the mortgagor to meet the requirements of a forbearance agreement or to cure the default under the mortgage at the expiration of the forbear