24 Cfr 266

Authority:   12 U.S.C. 1707; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Source:   59 FR 62524, Dec. 5, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General Provisions

§ 266.1   Purpose and scope.

(a) Authority and scope. (1) Section 542 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 directs the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Federal Housing Administration, to carry out programs that will demonstrate the effectiveness of providing new forms of Federal credit enhancement for multifamily loans. Section 542, entitled, “Multifamily Mortgage Credit Demonstrations,” provides new independent insurance authority that is not under the National Housing Act.

(2) Section 542(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 specifically directs the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of risk-sharing with qualified State and local housing finance agencies (HFAs). The qualified HFAs are authorized to underwrite and process loans. HUD will provide full mortgage insurance on affordable multifamily housing projects processed by such HFAs under this program. Through risk-sharing agreements with HUD, HFAs contract to reimburse HUD for a portion of the loss from any defaults that occur while HUD insurance is in force.

(3) The extent to which HUD will direct qualified HFAs regarding their underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions is related to the proportion of the risk taken by an HFA.

(b) Purpose. The primary purpose of this pilot program is to test the effectiveness of providing new forms of credit enhancement for multifamily loans, i.e., utilization of full insurance by HUD, pursuant to risk-sharing agreements with qualified housing finance agencies, for the development of affordable housing. The utilization of Federal credit enhancements should increase access to capital markets and, thereby, increase the supply of affordable multifamily housing. By permitting HFAs to underwrite, process, and service loans and to manage and dispose of properties that fall into default, HUD expects affordable housing to be made available to eligible families and individuals in a timely manner.

§ 266.5   Definitions.

Act means the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, as amended.

Affordable housing means a project in which 20 percent or more of the units are both rent-restricted and occupied by families whose income is 50 percent or less of the area median income as determined by HUD, with adjustments for household size, or in which 40 percent (25 percent in New York City) or more of the units are both rent-restricted and occupied by families whose income is 60 percent or less of the area median income as determined by HUD, with adjustments for household size. A residential unit is rent-restricted if the gross rent with respect to such unit does not exceed 30 percent of the imputed income limitation applicable to such unit.

Board and Care/Assisted Living Facility means a residential facility for independent living that is regulated by State or local government that provides continuous protective oversight and assistance with the activities of daily living to frail elderly persons or other persons needing such assistance. Continuous protective oversight may range from as little as awareness on the part of management staff of residents' whereabouts (and the ability to intervene in the event of crisis) to a higher level of services and assistance. Assistance with the activities of daily living may include, but is not limited to, bathing, dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed or chairs, walking, going outdoors, using the toilet, laundry, home management, meal preparation, shopping, supervision of medication, and housework.

Commissioner means the Federal Housing Commissioner or his or her authorized representative.

Contract of insurance means the agreement evidenced by the endorsement of the Commissioner upon the credit instrument given in connection with an insured mortgage, incorporating by reference the regulations in this part and the applicable provisions of the Act.

Credit subsidy means the cost of a direct loan or loan guarantee under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 as defined in subpart B of title 13 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Pub.L. 101-508, approved Nov. 5, 1990).

Debenture means the instrument issued by the HFA to HUD upon payment of an insurance claim by HUD. The instrument must be in the standard form of a State or Municipal Debenture issued under the Uniform Commercial Code, where applicable, and must be supported by the full faith and credit of the HFA. The instrument must define the terms and conditions and the risk-sharing portion which the HFA will pay at the end of the term of the Debenture, and must be for the full amount of the claim payment. The term Debenture may include similar instruments, such as promissory notes and bonds, as mutually agreed upon by the Commissioner and the HFA.

Designated offices means the HUD Field Offices that are assigned the responsibility for program monitoring, imposing or recommending sanctions for program violations, and conducting informal hearings.

Firm approval letter means a letter issued by HUD to an HFA upon the positive completion of the HUD-retained reviews described in §266.210. The letter will apportion units to the project and provide that, so long as the HFA is in good standing and absent fraud or misrepresentation by the HFA, HUD will endorse the project mortgage for insurance upon presentation by the HFA of the required Closing Docket and certifications required by this part and the Commissioner's administrative requirements.

Gross rent includes any utility allowance (including charges for the occupancy of a cooperative unit) determined by the Secretary after taking into account such determination under section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). It does not include any payment under section 8 or any comparable rental assistance program (with respect to such unit or occupants thereof), nor does it include any fee for a supportive service that is paid to the owner of the unit (on the basis of the low-income status of the tenant of the unit) by any governmental program of assistance (or by an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a)) if such program (or organization) provides assistance for rent and the amount of assistance provided for rent is not separable from the amount of assistance provided for supportive services. It also does not include any rental payment to the owner of the unit to the extent such owner pays an equivalent amount to the Farmers Home Administration under section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1485).

Housing finance agency or HFA means any public body, agency, or instrumentality created by a specific act of a State legislature or local municipality empowered to finance activities designed to provide housing and related facilities, through land acquisition, construction or rehabilitation. The term 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.

Insured mortgage means a valid single first lien given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate, under the laws of the State in which the real estate is located, together with the credit instrument, if any, secured thereby. Any other financing permitting on property insured under this part must be expressly subordinate to the insured mortgage.

Level I participants means HFAs that elect to take 50 percent or more of the risk of loss in 10 percent increments on mortgages issued under this program.

Level II participants means HFAs that elect to take 10 or 25 percent of the risk of loss on mortgages issued under this program, dependent on the loan-to-replacement cost or loan-to-value ratio of the project to be insured.

Mortgage means such a single first lien upon the real estate as is commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real estate under the laws of the jurisdiction where the real estate is situated, together with the credit instruments, if any, secured thereby.

Mortgagee means the original lender under a mortgage and its successors and assigns approved by the Commissioner.

Mortgagor means the original borrower under a mortgage and its successor and assigns.

Multifamily housing means housing accommodations on the mortgaged property that are designed principally for residential use, conform to standards satisfactory to the Secretary, and consist of not less than 5 rental units (including cooperative units) on 1 site. These units may be detached, semidetached, row house, or multifamily structures.

Qualified HFA means an HFA that meets the requirements described in §266.100(a).

Risk-Sharing Agreement means a contract between an HFA and the Commissioner that incorporates the terms, obligations, and conditions specified in this part.

Secondary financing means any grant, loan, inferior lien, or other form of indebtedness used during loan origination prior to HUD endorsement to finance a multifamily property insured under this part which is inferior to the insured mortgage as defined above and does not have first priority for payment.

Single Room Occupancy, or SRO, projects means multifamily projects consisting of units that are not required to contain food preparation or sanitary facilities for occupancy by single individuals capable of independent living.

Supportive services means any service provided under a planned program of services designed to enable residents of a residential rental property to remain independent and avoid placement in a hospital, nursing home, or intermediate care facility for the mentally or physically handicapped. In the case of a single room occupancy unit, the term includes any service provided to assist tenants in locating and retaining permanent housing. This definition is to be used in conjunction with the “gross rent” calculation.

§ 266.10   Allocations of assistance and credit subsidy.

(a) Notice of availability of assistance. HUD will announce the availability of assistance under this program through publication of a Notice in the Federal Register. Such Notice will invite qualified HFAs to submit an application for approval and/or for additional units under this part. The Notice will indicate the deadline date for submission of applications, required documentation, the address to which the applications must be submitted and other relevant information.

(b) Credit subsidy will be obligated and allocated in accordance with outstanding Department instructions.

§ 266.15   Risk-Sharing Agreement.

Execution of a Risk-Sharing Agreement is a prerequisite to participation in this program. The Risk-Sharing Agreement shall be in a form acceptable to the Commissioner.

[61 FR 7947, Feb. 29, 1996]

§ 266.20   Effect of amendments.

The Commissioner may amend the regulations in this part from time to time. Amendments to the regulations will not adversely affect the interest of a lender under a Contract of Insurance on any mortgage already insured or on any mortgage to be insured on which HUD has already issued its firm approval letter.

§ 266.25   Limitation on HUD insurance liability.

The Commissioner shall have no obligation to recognize or deal with anyone other than the HFA in its role as mortgagee of record and as party to a risk-sharing agreement with HUD with respect to the rights, benefits, and obligations of the HFA under the contract of insurance.

§ 266.30   Nonapplicability of 24 CFR part 246.

The provisions of 24 CFR part 246 do not apply to projects that are security for mortgages insured under this part.

Subpart B—Housing Finance Agency Requirements

§ 266.100   Qualified housing finance agency (HFA).

(a) Qualifications. To participate in the program, an HFA must apply and be specifically approved for the pilot program described in this part, in addition to being approved as a mortgagee under §202.10. The HFA must maintain eligibility by continuing to comply with the requirements set forth in the Risk-Sharing Agreement and this part. To qualify for participation in the program described in this part, an HFA must:

(1) Carry the designation of “top tier” or its equivalent as evaluated by Standard and Poor's or any other nationally recognized rating Agency; or

(2) Receive an overall rating of “A” for the HFA for its general obligation bonds from a nationally recognized rating agency; or

(3) Otherwise demonstrate its capacity as a sound and experienced HFA based on, but not limited to, experience in financing multifamily housing, fund balances, administrative capabilities, investment policy, internal controls, financial management, portfolio quality, and State or local support; and

(4) Be a HUD-approved multifamily mortgagee in good standing; and

(5) Have at least five years experience in multifamily underwriting; and

(6) Certify that:

(i) The Department of Justice has not brought a civil rights suit against the Agency, and no suit is pending;

(ii) There has not been an adjudication of a civil rights violation in a civil action brought against the HFA by a private individual, unless the HFA is operating in compliance with a court order, or implementing a HUD-approved compliance agreement designed to correct the areas of noncompliance;

(iii) There are no outstanding findings of noncompliance with civil rights statutes, Executive Orders, or regulations as a result of formal administrative proceedings, or the Secretary has not issued a charge against the HFA under the Fair Housing Act, unless the HFA is operating under a compliance agreement designed to correct the areas of noncompliance.

(b) Approval levels. Approval levels consist of the following:

(1) Level I approval to originate, service, and dispose of multifamily mortgages where the HFA uses its own underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions, and assumes 50 to 90 percent of the risk of loss (increments of 10 percent).

(2) Level II approval to originate, service, and dispose of multifamily mortgages where the HFA uses underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions approved by HUD, and:

(i) When the loan-to-replacement cost ratio for new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects or the loan-to-value ratio for existing projects is greater than or equal to 75 percent, the HFA shall assume 25 percent of the risk of loss.

(ii) When the loan-to-replacement cost ratio for new construction and substantial rehabilitation or the loan-to-value ratio for existing projects is less than 75 percent, the HFA shall assume 10 percent, or 25 percent at the HFA's option, of the risk of loss.

(3) For HFAs who plan to use Level I and Level II processing, the underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions to be used on Level II loans must be approved by HUD.

[59 FR 62524, Dec. 5, 1994, as amended at 62 FR 20088, Apr. 24, 1997]

§ 266.105   Application requirements.

(a) Applications for approval as a HUD-approved multifamily mortgagee. HFAs that are not HUD-approved mortgagees at the time of their application to participate in the program under this part must submit, concurrently, separate applications for approval to participate in the program and for approval to operate as a HUD-approved mortgagee. Application for approval as a HUD-approved mortgagee must be submitted to HUD in accordance with the applicable HUD requirements.

(b) Applications for participation in program. Applications from HFAs for approval to participate in the program under this part will be submitted in response to a notice published in the Federal Register. The notice will include the required application exhibits and any other information or documentation necessary for approval for participation in the Risk-Sharing Program.

[61 FR 7947, Feb. 29, 1996]

§ 266.110   Reserve requirements.

(a) HFAs with top-tier designation or overall rating of “A” on general obligation bonds. An HFA with a top tier or equivalent designation or an HFA with an overall rating of “A” on its general obligation bonds is not required to have additional reserves so long as the HFA maintains that designation or rating, unless the Commissioner determines that a prescribed level of reserves is necessary. If the designation or rating is lost, the HFA must immediately establish a reserve account funded in accordance with the requirements set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. The reserve account must reflect all loans in the HFA's portfolio endorsed under this part.

(b) Other HFAs. (1) For other HFAs, a specifically identified dedicated account consisting entirely of liquid assets (i.e., cash or cash equivalents or readily marketable securities) must be established and maintained in a financial institution acceptable to HUD. This account may be drawn upon by HUD and may be used by the HFA only with the prior written approval of HUD for the purpose of meeting the HFA's risk-sharing obligations under this part. The account must be established prior to the execution of any Risk Sharing Agreement under this part in an initial amount of not less than $500,000. Thereafter, the HFA must deposit at each loan closing and thereafter maintain the following additional amounts in the dedicated account:

(i) $10.00 per $1,000 of the unpaid principal balance that is equal to or less than $50 million; plus

(ii) $7.50 per $1,000 of the unpaid principal balance that is greater than $50 million and less than $150 million; plus

(iii) $5.00 per $1,000 of the unpaid principal balance that is greater than $150 million.

(2) The Commissioner may determine that higher levels of reserves may be necessary.

§ 266.115   Program monitoring and evaluation.

(a) HFA certifications. HUD will rely heavily on the certifications required of an HFA under this part and such additional certifications as the Commissioner may require in his or her administrative procedures. An HFA's continued participation in the program is predicated upon compliance with these certifications and its recommending for endorsement only those mortgages that comply with requirements of the program, including the HFA's origination, underwriting and closing procedures incorporated by reference into the Risk-Sharing Agreement.

(b) Monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring and evaluation activities will focus on compliance with program requirements and performance of the HFA in meeting program objectives of providing affordable housing. They will enable HUD to evaluate the effectiveness of the program as required by section 542(d)(3) of the Act.

(c) Responsibility for monitoring and evaluation. The Commissioner or his or her designee will be responsible for overall program monitoring and evaluation.

(d) HFA submissions. (1) For each loan insured under this part, basic underwriting and closing information must be submitted in a format specified by HUD and must accompany the closing docket submitted in accordance with §266.420(b). Information relative to project management and servicing (including disposition) will be required after endorsement.

(2) The HFA must submit semi-annual reports setting forth the original mortgage amounts and outstanding principal balances on mortgages the HFA has underwritten, and the status of all projects insured under this part (e.g., current, in default, acquired, under workout agreement, in bankruptcy). For projects where the mortgagor has declared bankruptcy, the HFA must submit information containing the date the bankruptcy was filed and the date the HFA requested the Court to dismiss the bankruptcy proceedings.

§ 266.120   Actions for which sanctions may be imposed.

Results of monitoring or other reviews may serve as the basis for the Commissioner's imposing sanctions on the HFA. Violations for which sanctions may be imposed include, but are not limited to:

(a) Commission of fraud or making a material misrepresentation by the HFA with respect to any mortgage insured or to any other matter under this part.

(b) Assignment or transfer of interest in any insured mortgage not in accord with the requirements of this part.

(c) Engagement in business practices that do not conform to generally accepted practices of prudent lenders or that demonstrate irresponsibility.

(d) Actions or conduct for which sanctions may be imposed against the HFA by HUD's Mortgagee Review Board under 24 CFR 25.9.

(e) Failure to:

(1) Reveal in its application for participation in the program all the information required by this part;

(2) Notify HUD in a timely manner of any pending or actual changes that would adversely affect HFA operations or financial status;

(3) Comply with all eligibility requirements for participation in the program;

(4) Issue debentures in the event of an initial claim payment by HUD, or to reimburse HUD for payment of a claim;

(5) Maintain its top tier designation or overall rating of “A” on general obligation bonds (or if such designation or rating is lost, comply with paragraph (e)(6) of this section);

(6) Establish and maintain a dedicated account, if required, or meet other financial obligations under this program;

(7) Perform underwriting, insurance of advances, cost certification, management, servicing or property disposition functions in a prudent and acceptable manner based on the standards incorporated by reference into the Risk-sharing Agreement;

(8) Submit financial and other reports required by this part;

(9) Comply with any regulatory requirement or with the Risk-Sharing Agreement;

(10) Maintain any other standards HUD may establish for participation in this program;

(11) Enforce the regulatory agreement provisions with respect to individual projects;

(12) Maintain a default ratio acceptable to HUD relative to the HFA's own portfolio and the defaults experienced under this part by other program participants;

(13) Consider adequately special risk circumstances without compensating for the higher risks of such transactions (e.g., high loan-to-value ratios in areas with high vacancy or default rates); or

(14) Remit mortgage insurance premiums on a timely basis or failure to refund or credit mortgagor's accounts with overpaid mortgage insurance premiums.

§ 266.125   Scope and nature of sanctions.

(a) Actions by Designated Office. Depending on the nature and extent of the noncompliance with the requirements of this part, the Designated Office may take any of the following actions:

(1) Require that the HFA execute a trust agreement, establish a trust account in accordance with such agreement, and fund such account which may be drawn upon by HUD for purposes of meeting the HFA's risk-sharing obligations;

(2) Require the HFA to assume a higher portion of risk for the subject and future mortgages;

(3) Recommend to the Commissioner that the HFA be required to contract its loan servicing or property disposition functions to a third party;

(4) Recommend to the Commissioner that the mortgage insurance be terminated in cases of fraud or material misrepresentation by the HFA, or transfer of interest in an insured mortgage or assignment of the mortgage not in accord with the requirements of this part;

(5) Recommend to the Commissioner that approval for the HFA to participate in the program be suspended or withdrawn;

(6) Recommend to the Commissioner that the HFA's mortgagee approval be withdrawn pursuant to 24 CFR part 25 and/or that penalties be imposed pursuant to 24 CFR part 30;

(7) Require additional financial or other reports as may be necessary to monitor the activities of the HFA more closely.

(b) Actions by Headquarters. HUD Headquarters may impose any of the sanctions set forth or recommended in paragraph (a) of this section based upon its responsibilities for monitoring and overall program oversight.

(c) Effect of suspension or withdrawal. A suspension or withdrawal action will not affect any mortgage insurance endorsement in effect on the date of the suspension or withdrawal action.

(d) HFA right to informal hearing. (1) Any sanction imposed by a Designated Office in writing will be immediately effective, will state the grounds for the action, and provide for the HFA's right to an informal hearing before the Designated Office Representative or his or her designee in the Designated Office. The HFA may request an informal hearing within 10 working days of receipt of the suspension or withdrawal action and the Designated Office shall give the HFA an opportunity to be heard within 10 working days of receipt of the HFA's request. The HFA may be represented by counsel. The Designated Office Representative, or his or her designee, will advise the HFA in writing of the decision within 10 working days of the informal hearing, which decision will constitute final HUD action.

(2) Sanctions imposed by Headquarters will be handled in a similar manner, except that the informal hearing shall be before the Commissioner or his or her designee.

§ 266.130   Reinsurance.

Reinsurance will be permitted for the portion of the HFA risk, subject to the following requirements:

(a) Neither HUD's nor the HFA's position shall be subordinated;

(b) The reinsurance may not be used to reduce any reserve or fund balance requirements; and

(c) Such reinsurance does not incur an obligation to the Federal Government.

Subpart C—Program Requirements

§ 266.200   Eligible projects.

(a) Minimum project size. Projects insured under this part must consist of five or more rental dwelling units (including cooperative dwelling units) on one site. The site may consist of two or more non-contiguous parcels of land situated so as to comprise a readily marketable real estate entity within an area small enough to allow convenient and efficient management. The units may be detached, semi-detached, row houses, multifamily structures, or mobile home parks (exclusive of the mobile homes).

(b) New construction or substantial rehabilitation. Insurance under this part shall be for the purpose of financing the new construction or substantial rehabilitation of projects meeting the other requirements of this part as follows:

(1) New construction occurs when all project and construction elements are installed as part of the work.

(2) Substantial rehabilitation is any combination of the following work to the existing facilities of a project that aggregates to at least 15 percent of project's value after the rehabilitation and that results in material improvement of the project's economic life, liveability, marketability, and profitability: Replacement, alteration and/or modernization of building spaces, long-lived building or mechanical system components, or project facilities. Substantial rehabilitation may include but not consist solely of any combination of: minor repairs, replacement of short-lived building or mechanical system components, cosmetic work, or new project additions.

(c) Existing projects. Financing of existing properties without substantial rehabilitation is allowed.

(1) If an existing multifamily project is being acquired and HUD insurance under this part will be used to facilitate the acquisition of projects to increase the supply of affordable housing, such acquisitions are permissible if the HUD insured mortgage does not exceed the sum of the total cost of acquisition, cost of financing, cost of repairs, and reasonable transaction costs as determined by the Commissioner.

(2) If the property is subject to an HFA-financed loan to be refinanced and such refinancing will result in the preservation of affordable housing, refinancing of these properties is permissible if project occupancy is not less than 93 percent (to include consideration of rent in arrears), based on the average occupancy in the project over the most recent 12 months, and the mortgage does not exceed an amount supportable by the lower of the unit rents being collected under the rental assistance agreement or the unit rents being collected at unassisted projects in the market area that are similar in amenities and location to the project for which insurance is being requested. The HUD-insured mortgage may not exceed the sum of the existing indebtedness, cost of refinancing, the cost of repairs and reasonable transaction costs as determined by the Commissioner. If a loan to be refinanced has been in default within the 12 months prior to application for refinancing, the HFA must assume not less than 50 percent of the risk.

(d) Projects receiving Section 8 rental subsidies or other rental subsidies. Projects receiving project-based housing assistance payments under section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 or other rental subsidies and meeting the requirements of this part may be insured under this part only if the mortgage does not exceed an amount supportable by the lower of the unit rents being or to be collected under the rental assistance agreement or the unit rents being collected at unassisted projects in the market that are similar in amenities and location to the project for which insurance is being requested.

(e) SRO projects. Single room occupancy (SRO) projects, as defined in §266.5, are eligible for insurance under this part. Units in SRO projects must be subject to 30-day or longer leases; however, rent payments may be made on a weekly basis in SRO projects.

(f) Board and care/assisted living facilities. Board and care projects and assisted living facilities may be insured if the facilities meet the definition of those terms in §266.5.

(g) Elderly projects. Projects or parts of projects specifically designed for the use and occupancy by elderly families. An elderly family means any household where the head or spouse is 62 years of age or older, and also any single person who is 62 years of age or older.

(h) Zoning requirements. Projects insured under this part must meet applicable zoning and other State/local government requirements.

§ 266.205   Ineligible projects.

The following projects and facilities are not eligible for insurance under this part:

(a) Transient housing or hotels. Rental for transient or hotel purposes. For purposes of this part, rental for transient or hotel purposes means:

(1) Rental for any period less than 30 days, or

(2) 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 linens, or valet service.

(b) Projects in military impact areas. A project located in a military impact area, as determined by HUD. A military impact area is generally a small or medium size metropolitan housing market area or a remote or isolated nonmetropolitan area where:

(1) Military-connected households comprise 25 percent or more of the total households in the market area. Military-connected households include active duty military personnel, civilian employees of the military service (Department of Defense) or other Federal agency at or in support of the installation, and employees of contractors and sub-contractors directly associated with the military installation, and their dependents. Unaccompanied active duty military personnel housed in military-controlled group quarters housing (barracks, BOQ's) are excluded; and

(2) There is concern about the continued stability of the current level of military strength and mission at the installation based on public announcements from the Department of Defense or the military service of impending changes; and

(3) The complete reduction of military-connected households living in nonmilitary rental housing over a 5 year period, at an annual average decline of 20 percent, would, taking into account growth in the civilian economy and normal changes in the housing inventory, cause an adverse impact on the private rental market resulting in an increase in the rental vacancy rate in the housing market of 10 percent or more at the end of that period.

(c) Retirement service centers. Projects designed for the elderly with extensive services and luxury accommodations that provide for central kitchens and dining rooms with food service or mandatory services.

(d) Nursing homes or intermediate care facilities. Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities licensed and regulated by State or local government and providing nursing and medical care.

§ 266.210   HUD-retained review functions.

Certain functions are retained by the Commissioner. The HFA must submit any information or certification required by the Commissioner to permit determination of compliance with requirements concerning:

(a) Previous participation of principals. Previous participation of the principals of the mortgagor, general contractor, consultant or management agent in accordance with the Previous Participation and Clearance Review Procedures of 24 CFR 200.210 through 200.218.

(b) Environmental review requirements. To determine compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities, the HUD Field Office (or other responsible entity through such delegation as may be in effect by regulation hereafter) will visit each project site proposed for insurance under this part and prepare the applicable environmental reviews as set forth in 24 CFR part 50 (or as set forth in 24 CFR part 58 for the other responsible entity). These requirements must be completed before HUD may issue the firm approval letter.

(c) Intergovernmental review. Intergovernmental review of Federal programs under Executive Order 12372, as implemented in 24 CFR part 52.

(d) Subsidy layering. The Commissioner, or Housing Credit Agencies through such delegation as may be in effect by regulation hereafter, shall review all projects receiving tax credits and some form of HUD assistance for any excess subsidy provided to individual projects and reduce subsidy sources in accordance with outstanding guidelines.

(e) Davis-Bacon Act. The Commissioner shall obtain and provide to the HFA the appropriate Department of Labor wage rate determinations under the Davis-Bacon Act, where they apply under this part.

[59 FR 62524, Dec. 5, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 16573, Mar. 31, 1995]

§ 266.215   Functions delegated by HUD to HFAs.

The following functions are delegated by HUD to the HFAs:

(a) Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP). The HFA will perform information collection, reviews and ministerial activities associated with the review and approval of the AFHMP for all projects. (Enforcement of fair housing and equal opportunity laws is the responsibility of HUD.)

(b) Labor standards and prevailing wage requirements. The HFA will perform information collection (e.g., payroll review and routine interviews) and other routine administration and enforcement functions regarding labor standards, in accordance with §266.225(e). (Enforcement of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements and labor standards is the responsibility of HUD.)

(c) Insurance of advances. In cases involving insured advances, the HFA will approve periodic advances of mortgage insurance proceeds during construction of the project subject to terms specified by the Commissioner.

(d) Cost certification. The HFA will perform cost certification functions on each insured loan subject to terms specified by the Commissioner.

(e) Lead-Based Paint. The HFA will perform functions related to Lead-Based Paint requirements subject to terms specified by the Commissioner.

§ 266.220   Nondiscrimination in housing and employment.

The mortgagor must certify to the HFA that, so long as the mortgage is insured under this part, it will:

(a) Not use tenant selection procedures that discriminate against families with children, except in the case of a project that constitutes “housing for older persons” as defined in section 807(b)(2) of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3607(b)(2));

(b) Not discriminate against any family because of the sex of the head of household;

(c) Comply with the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619), as implemented by 24 CFR part 100; titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101-12213), as implemented by 28 CFR part 35; section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u), as implemented by 24 CFR part 135; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S C. 1691-1691f), as implemented by 12 CFR part 202; Executive Order 11063, as amended by Executive Order 12259 (3 CFR 1958-1963 Comp., p. 652 and 3 CFR 1980 Comp., p. 307), and implemented by 24 CFR part 107; Executive Order 11246 (3 CFR 1964-1965 Comp., p. 339), as implemented by 41 CFR part 60; other applicable Federal laws and regulations issued pursuant to these authorities; and applicable State and local fair housing and equal opportunity laws. In addition, a mortgagor that receives Federal financial assistance must also certify to the HFA that, so long as the mortgage is insured under this part, it will comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d), as implemented by 24 CFR part 1; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101-6107), as implemented by 24 CFR part 146; and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as implemented by 24 CFR part 8.

§ 266.225   Labor standards.

(a) Applicability of Davis-Bacon. (1) All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors on a project insured under this part shall be paid not less than the wages prevailing in the locality in which the work was performed for the corresponding classes of laborers and mechanics employed in construction of a similar character, as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 276a-276a-5), where the project meets all of the following conditions:

(i) Advances for the project are insured under this part;

(ii) The project involves new construction or substantial rehabilitation; and

(iii) The project will contain 12 or more dwelling units.

(2) Projects that do not meet these conditions are not subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates except to the extent required as a condition of other Federal assistance to the project.

(b) Volunteers. The provisions of this section shall not apply to volunteers under the conditions set out in 24 CFR part 70. In applying part 70, insurance under this part shall be treated as a program for which there is a statutory exemption for volunteers.

(c) Labor standards. Any contract, subcontract, or building loan agreement executed for a project subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates under paragraph (a) of this section shall comply with all labor standards and provisions of 29 CFR parts 1, 3 and 5 that would be applicable to a mortgage insurance program to which Davis-Bacon wage rates are made applicable by statute.

(d) Advances. (1) No advance under a mortgage on a project subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates under paragraph (a) of this section shall be eligible for insurance under this part unless the HFA determines (in accordance with the Commissioner's administrative procedures) that the general contractor or any subcontractor or any firm, corporation, partnership or association in which the contractor or subcontractor has a substantial interest was not, on the date the contract or subcontract was executed, on the ineligible list established by the Comptroller General, pursuant 29 CFR 5.12, issued by the Secretary of Labor.

(2) No advance under any mortgage on a project subject to Davis-Bacon wage rates under paragraph (a) of this section shall be insured under this part unless there is filed with the application for the advance, and no such mortgage shall be insured under this part unless there is filed with the HFA after completion of the construction or substantial rehabilitation, a certificate or certificates in the form required by the Commissioner, supported by such other information as the Commissioner may prescribe, certifying that the laborers and mechanics employed in the construction of the project involved have been paid not less than the wages determined by the Secretary of Labor to be prevailing in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) Responsibility for enforcement and administration. The Commissioner retains responsibility for enforcement of labor standards under this section, but the Commissioner may delegate to the HFA information collection (e.g., payroll review and routine interviews) and other routine administration and enforcement functions, subject to monitoring by the Commissioner. Where routine administration and enforcement functions are delegated to the HFA, the HFA shall bear financial responsibility for any deficiency in payment of prevailing wages or, where applicable under 29 CFR part 1, any increase in compensation to a contractor, that is attributable to any failure properly to carry out its delegated functions. For example, failure of an HFA to supply or ensure inclusion of the proper contract clauses or wage determination in a contract or building loan agreement may require the HFA to fund increased compensation to a contractor as the result of increased wages attributable to incorporation of the proper clauses and wage determination.

Subpart D—Processing, Development, and Approval

§ 266.300   HFAs accepting 50 percent or more of risk.

(a) Underwriting standards. An HFA electing to take 50 percent or more of the risk on loans may use its own underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions (as disclosed and submitted with its application) to underwrite and approve loans without further review by HUD.

(b) HFA responsibilities. The HFA is responsible for the performance of all functions except those HUD-retained functions specified in §§266.210 and 266.225(e). After acceptance of an application for a loan to be insured under this part, the HFA must:

(1) Determine that a market for the project exists, taking into consideration any comments from the HUD Field Office relative to the potential adverse impact the project will have on existing or proposed Federally insured and assisted projects in the area.

(2) Establish the maximum insurable mortgage and review plans and specifications for compliance with HFA standards;

(3) Determine the acceptability of the proposed mortgagor and management agent;

(4) Approve the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan; and

(5) Make any other determinations necessary to ensure acceptability of the proposed project.

(c) HUD-retained reviews. After positive completion of the HUD-retained reviews specified in §266.210(a), (b), and (c), the HUD Field Office will issue a firm approval letter.

(d) Inspections and other reviews. The HFA is responsible for inspections during construction, processing and approving advances of mortgage proceeds during construction, review and approval of cost certification, and closing of the loan.

(e) Endorsement of mortgage note for insurance. So long as the HFA is in good standing, and absent fraud or material misrepresentation on the part of the HFA, the Commissioner or designee will endorse the mortgage note for insurance upon presentation by the HFA of the Closing Docket and certifications required in §266.420(b), subject to HUD's right to adjust under §266.417.

§ 266.305   HFAs accepting less than 50 percent of risk.

(a) Underwriting standards. The underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions of any HFA electing to take less than 50 percent of the risk on certain projects are subject to review, modification, and approval by HUD in accordance with §266.100(b)(2). These HFAs may assume 25 percent or 10 percent of the risk depending upon the loan-to-replacement-cost or loan-to-value ratios of the projects to be insured as specified in §266.100(b)(2)(i) and (ii).

(b) HFA responsibilities. The HFA is responsible for the performance of all functions except those HUD-retained functions specified in §266.210 and 266.225(e). After acceptance of an application for a loan to be insured under this part, the HFA must:

(1) Determine that a market for the project exists, taking into consideration any comments from the HUD Field Office relative to the potential adverse impact the project will have on existing or proposed Federally insured and assisted projects in the area;

(2) Establish the maximum insurable mortgage, and review plans and specifications for compliance with HFA standards as approved by HUD;

(3) Determine the acceptability of the proposed mortgagor and management agent;

(4) Approve the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan; and

(5) Make any other determinations necessary to ensure acceptability of the proposed project.

(c) HUD-retained reviews. After positive completion of the HUD-retained reviews specified in §266.210 (a), (b), and (c), the HUD Field Office will issue a firm approval letter which, among other things, will apportion units and obligate credit subsidy to the project.

(d) Inspections and other reviews. The HFA is responsible for inspections during construction, processing and approving advances of mortgage proceeds during construction, review and approval of cost certification, and closing of the loan.

(e) Endorsement of mortgage note for insurance. So long as the HFA is in good standing, and absent fraud or material misrepresentation on the part of the HFA, the Commissioner or designee will endorse the mortgage note for insurance upon presentation by the HFA of the Closing Docket and certifications required in §266.420(b), subject to HUD's right to adjust under §266.417.

§ 266.310   Insurance of advances or insurance upon completion; applicability of requirements.

(a) General. HUD will agree to insure periodic advances of mortgage proceeds or to insure the entire mortgage upon completion of construction for projects involving new construction or substantial rehabilitation. Existing projects without the need for substantial rehabilitation will be considered insurance upon completion cases. In insurance upon completion cases, only the permanent loan is insured and a single endorsement is required after satisfactory completion of construction, substantial rehabilitation or repairs. In periodic advances cases, progress payments approved by the HFA and both an initial and final endorsement on the mortgage are required.

(b) Insurance of advances. Periodic advances will be authorized by the HFA subject to terms specified by the Commissioner.

(c) Insurance upon completion—(1) New construction and substantial rehabilitation. An HFA may approve a loan that will be insured upon completion of construction of the project. The HFA approval must prescribe a designated period during which the mortgagor must start construction or substantial rehabilitation. If construction or rehabilitation is started as required, the approval will be valid for the period estimated by the HFA for construction and loan closing, including any extension approved by the HFA.

(2) Existing projects with no substantial rehabilitation. Existing projects with or without repairs are only insured upon completion, although HFAs may permit noncritical repairs to be completed after endorsement upon establishment of escrows acceptable to the HFA.

(d) Requirements applicable to both periodic advances and insurance upon completion cases—(1) Inspections. The HFA must inspect projects under this part at such times during construction, substantial rehabilitation, or repairs as the HFA determines. The inspections must be conducted to assure compliance with plans and specifications, work write-ups, and other contract documents.

(2) Approval of advances. At all times, the loan must be kept in balance, and advances approved only if warranted by construction progress evidenced through HFA inspection, as well as in accord with plans, specifications, work write-ups and other contract documents. In approving advances, HFAs must make certain that other mortgageable items are supported with proper bills and/or receipts before funds can be approved and advanced for insurance.

(3) Cost certification. In order to ensure that the final amount for insurance is supported by certified costs:

(i) The mortgagor (and general contractor, if there is an identity of interest with the mortgagor) must execute a certificate of actual costs, in a form acceptable to the HFA, when all physical improvements are completed to the satisfaction of the HFA and before final endorsement; and

(ii) The cost certification provided by the mortgagor must be audited by an independent public accountant.

(4) Contestability. Although the HFA has authority to approve the mortgagor's (and general contractor's) certification of cost, the certification will be contestable by the Commissioner during the period up to and including final endorsement of the mortgage. After final endorsement, the certification will be final and incontestable except for fraud or material misrepresentation on the part of the mortgagor (and/or general contractor).

(5) Assurance of completion. The mortgagor must furnish assurance of completion of the project in accordance with any requirements of the HFA as to form and amount.

(6) Latent defects escrow. The mortgagor must furnish an escrow or other form of assurance required by the HFA to ensure that latent defects can be remedied within the time period required by the HFA.

(e) Mortgagee of record. The HFA must remain the mortgagee of record as long as mortgage insurance is in force.

§ 266.315   Recordkeeping requirements.

The mortgagor and the builder, if there is an identity of interest with the mortgagor, shall keep and maintain records of all costs of any construction or other cost items not representing work under the general contract and to make available such records for review by the HFA or HUD, if requested.

Subpart E—Mortgage and Closing Requirements; HUD Endorsement

§ 266.400   Property requirements—real estate.

The mortgage must be on real estate held:

(a) In fee simple;

(b) Under a renewable lease of not less than 99 years; or

(c) Under a lease executed by a governmental agency, or other lessor approved by the HFA, that has a term at least 10 years beyond the end of the mortgage term.

§ 266.402   Recordation.

At the time of initial endorsement in the case of insurance of advances or at the time of final endorsement in the case of insurance upon completion, the HFA shall make certain that the mortgage and the regulatory agreement are recorded.

§ 266.405   Title.

(a) Eligibility of title. Marketable title to the mortgaged property must be vested in the mortgagor on the date the mortgage is filed for record.

(b) Title evidence. The HFA must receive a title insurance policy that ensures that marketable title is vested in the mortgagor, that a survey acceptable to the HFA has been performed, and that no existing impediments to title concern, or exist on, the property.

§ 266.410   Mortgage provisions.

(a) Form. The mortgage and note must be executed on a form approved by the HFA for use in the jurisdiction in which the property is located.

(b) Mortgagor. The mortgage must be executed by a mortgagor determined eligible by the HFA.

(c) First lien. The mortgage must be a single first lien on property that has first priority for payment and that conforms with property standards prescribed by the HFA.

(d) Single asset mortgagor. The mortgage must require that the mortgagor is a single asset mortgagor.

(e) Amortization. The mortgage must provide for complete amortization (i.e., regularly amortizing) over the term of the mortgage.

(f) Use restrictions. The mortgage must contain a covenant prohibiting the use of the property for any purpose other than the purpose intended on the day the mortgage was executed. The conversion of a project from rental to cooperative is not a “change in use” as that term is employed in the mortgage since the property will continue to have a residential use both before and after conversion.

(g) Hazard insurance. The mortgage must contain a covenant, acceptable to the HFA, that binds the mortgagor to keep the property insured by one or more standard policies for fire and other hazards stipulated by the HFA. A standard mortgagee clause making loss payable to the HFA must be included in the mortgage. The HFA is responsible for assuring that insurance is maintained in force and in the amount required by this paragraph and the mortgage. The HFA must ensure that the insurance coverage is in an amount that will comply with the coinsurance clause applicable to the location and character of the property, but not less than 80 percent of the actual cash value of the insurable improvements and equipment. If the mortgagor does not obtain the required insurance, the HFA must do so and assess the mortgagor for such costs. These insurance requirements apply as long as the HFA retains an interest in the project and final claim settlement has not been completed or the contract of insurance has not been otherwise terminated.

(h) Modification of terms. The mortgage must contain a covenant requiring that, in the event that the HFA and owner agree to a modification of the terms of the mortgage (e.g., to reflect a reduction of the interest rate if reductions are realized in the underlying bond rates for the project), Section 8 rents would be reduced in accordance with HUD guidelines.

(i) Regulatory Agreement. The mortgage must contain a provision incorporating the Regulatory Agreement by reference.

§ 266.415   Mortgage lien and other obligations.

(a) Liens. At the initial and final closing of the loan, the mortgagor and the HFA must certify, and the HFA must determine, that the property covered by the mortgage is free from all liens other than the lien of the insured mortgage, except that the property may be subject to such inferior lien or liens as approved by the HFA as long as the insured mortgage has first priority for payment.

(b) Contractual obligations. At the final closing of the loan, the mortgagor and the HFA must certify, and the HFA must determine, that all contractual obligations in connection with the mortgage transaction, including the purchase of the property and the improvements to the property, are paid. An exception is made for obligations that are approved by the HFA and determined by the HFA to be of a lesser priority for payment than the obligation of the insured mortgage.

§ 266.417   Authority to adjust mortgage insurance amount.

In order to protect the mortgage insurance funds, the Commissioner has authority in his or her sole discretion, at any time prior to and including final endorsement, to adjust the amount of the mortgage insurance.

§ 266.420   Closing and endorsement by the Commissioner.

(a) Closing. Before disbursement of loan advances in periodic advances cases, and in all cases after completion of construction, repair or substantial rehabilitation, the HFA must hold a closing and submit a closing docket with required documentation to the Commissioner or the Commissioner's authorized Departmental representative for insurance of the mortgage by endorsement of the mortgage note. The note must provide that the mortgage is insured under section 542(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 and the regulations set forth at 24 CFR part 266 in effect on the date of endorsement. The note must also specify the date of endorsement, i.e., the date of HUD endorsement of the project mortgage, and the risk of loss assumed by the HFA and by HUD.

(b) Closing docket. The HFA's submission must include a certification that it has obtained written HUD approval of compliance with the requirements referred to in §266.210, and certifications and information as follows:

(1) Information concerning the mortgage amount and term, location, number and type of units, income and expenses, rents, projects and market occupancy percentages, value/replacement cost, interest rate, and similar statistical information in accordance with the Commissioner's administrative procedures.

(2) Copies of the amortization schedule, Note and Risk-Sharing Agreement.

(3) Certification that the loan has been processed, prudently underwritten (including a determination that a market exists for the project), cost certified (if the project is being submitted for final endorsement) and closed in full compliance with the HFA's standards and requirements (or where the mortgage is insured under Level II, in full compliance with the underwriting standards and loan terms and conditions as approved by HUD).

(4) At the time of final endorsement, a certification for periodic advances cases, if submitted for final endorsement, that advances were made proportionate to construction progress.

(5) A copy of the HFA-approved cost certification if the project is submitted for final endorsement.

(6) A certification that equal employment requirements are followed.

(7) A certification that the HFA has reviewed and approved the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan and found it acceptable.

(8) A certification that a dedicated account, if required, has been increased in accordance with §266.110(b).

(9) Certifications required under §266.415 concerning liens and contractual obligations.

(10) Copies of the Hazard Insurance Policy with a clause making the loss payable to the HFA.

(11) For projects subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing requirements under §266.225, the certification and information concerning payment of prevailing wage rates required by §266.225(d).

(12) Certified copies of mortgage (deed of trust) with attached regulatory agreement, and note for HUD files.

Subpart F—Project Management and Servicing

§ 266.500   General.

The HFA will have full responsibility for the administration of the provisions of this subpart and for managing and servicing projects insured under this part. The HFA is responsible for monitoring and determining the compliance of the project owner in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. HUD will monitor the performance of the HFA, not the project owner, to determine its compliance with the provisions covered under this subpart.

§ 266.505   Regulatory agreement requirements.

(a) General. (1) The HFA must execute a Regulatory Agreement, in recordable form, between the mortgagor and the HFA to be in force for the duration of the insured mortgage and note or bond. The Regulatory Agreement must include a description of the property. The Regulatory Agreement must be incorporated by reference into the mortgage and recorded with the mortgage.

(2) The Regulatory Agreement executed between the HFA and the mortgagor must be binding upon the mortgagor and any of its successors and assigns and upon the HFA and any of its successors for so long as the mortgage is insured by HUD or HUD holds an HFA debenture issued in connection with a claim arising from the insured mortgage. The HFA may not assign the Regulatory Agreement.

(3) The HFA will enforce the Regulatory Agreement and take actions against any mortgagors who violate its provisions. Such actions may involve a declaration of default and application to any court for specific performance of the agreement.

(b) Requirements. The Regulatory Agreement must require the mortgagor to comply with the provisions of this part and obligate the mortgagor, among other things, to:

(1) Make all payments due under the mortgage and note/bond.

(2) Where necessary, establish a sinking fund for future capital needs.

(3) Maintain the project as affordable housing, as defined in §266.5.

(4) Continue to use dwelling units for their original purposes.

(5) Comply with such other requirements as may be established by the HFA and set forth in the Regulatory Agreement.

(6) [Reserved]

(7) Maintain complete books and records established solely for the project.

(8) Comply with the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan and all other fair housing and equal opportunity requirements.

(9) Operate as a single asset mortgagor.

(10) Make books and records available for HUD or General Accounting Office (GAO) review with appropriate notification.

(11) Permit HUD officials or employees to inspect the project upon request by the Commissioner.

(c) Enforcement. The Regulatory Agreement shall be enforced by the HFA.

[59 FR 62524, Dec. 5, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 46578, 46593, Sept. 1, 1998; 65 FR 16296, Mar. 27, 2000]

§ 266.507   Maintenance requirements.

The mortgagor must maintain the project in accordance with the physical condition standards in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G.

[63 FR 46578, Sept. 1, 1998]

§ 266.510   HFA responsibilities.

(a) Inspections. The HFA must perform inspections in accordance with the physical inspection procedures in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G.

(b) Annual audits of projects. The HFA must analyze projects' annual audits and provide a copy to HUD along with a summary of unresolved findings and actions planned, with target dates, to correct unresolved findings.

(c) HFA's annual financial statement. The HFA must provide HUD with annual audited financial statement in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR part 85.26.

[59 FR 62524, Dec. 5, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 46578, Sept. 1, 1998; 65 FR 16296, Mar. 27, 2000]

§ 266.515   Record retention.

(a) Loan origination and servicing. Records pertaining to the mortgage loan origination and servicing of the loan must be maintained for as long as the insurance remains in force.

(b) Defaults and claims. Records pertaining to a mortgage default and claim must be retained from the date of default through final settlement of the claim for a period of no less than three years after final settlement.

§ 266.520   Program monitoring and compliance.

HUD will monitor the performance of the HFA in accordance with the provisions covered under this subpart.

Subpart G—Contract Rights and Obligations

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

top

§ 266.600   Mortgage insurance premium: Insurance upon completion.

(a) Initial premium. For projects insured upon completion, on the date of the final closing, the HFA shall pay to the Commissioner an initial premium equal to the prescribed percentage, in the sliding scale chart that is shown in §266.604(b), of the face amount of the mortgage.

(b) Premium payable with first payment of principal. On the date of the first payment of principal the HFA shall pay a second premium (calculated on a per annum basis) equal to the prescribed percentage of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage from the final closing date to the year following the date of the first principal payment, less the amount paid on the date of the final closing.

(c) Subsequent premiums. Until one of the conditions is met under §266.606(a), the HFA on each anniversary of the date of the first principal payment shall pay to the Commissioner an annual mortgage insurance premium equal to the prescribed percentage of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage, without taking into account delinquent payments, or partial claim payment under §266.630, or prepayments, for the year following the date on which the premium becomes payable.

§ 266.602   Mortgage insurance premium: Insured advances.

(a) Initial premium. For projects involving insured advances, on the date of the initial closing, the HFA shall pay to the Commissioner an initial premium equal to the prescribed percentage, in the sliding scale chart that is shown in §266.604(b), of the face amount of the mortgage.

(b) Interim premium. On each anniversary of the initial closing, the HFA shall pay an interim mortgage insurance premium equal to the prescribed percentage of the face amount of the mortgage. The HFA shall continue to pay the interim mortgage insurance premiums until the date of the first principal payment.

(c) Premium payable with first payment of principal. On the date of the first principal payment, the HFA shall pay a mortgage insurance premium equal to the prescribed percentage of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage for the year following the date of the first principal payment. The HFA shall adjust this payment by deducting an amount equal to the portion of the last premium paid that is attributable to the months after the date of the first payment to principal. Any partial month is to be counted as a whole month. The HFA shall remit the net adjusted mortgage premium to the Commissioner and refund the amount of the adjustment (overpayment) to the mortgagor.

(d) Subsequent premiums. Until one of the conditions is met under §266.606(a), the HFA on each anniversary of the date of the first principal payment shall pay to the Commissioner an annual mortgage insurance premium equal to the prescribed percentage of the average outstanding principal obligation of the mortgage, without taking into account delinquent payments, prepayments, or a partial claim payment under §266.630, for the year following the date on which the premium becomes payable.

§ 266.604   Mortgage insurance premium: Other requirements.

(a) Premium calculations on or after first principal payment. The premiums payable to the Commissioner on and after the first principal payment shall be calculated in accordance with the amortization schedule prepared by the HFA for final closing and the prescribed percentage as set forth in the sliding scale chart in paragraph (b) of this section without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments.

(b) Prescribed percentages. The following sliding scale chart provides the prescribed percentage, based upon the respective share of risk, that is to be used in calculating mortgage insurance premiums under this section:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Percentage share of risk Prescribed percentage

------------------------------------------------ for calculating HFA's

HUD HFA annual MIP

------------------------------------------------------------------------

90 10 .45

75 25 .375

50 50 .25

40 60 .2

30 70 .15

20 80 .1

10 90 .05

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Closing information. The HFA shall provide final closing information to the Commissioner within 15 days of the final closing in a format prescribed by the Commissioner. In addition, the HFA shall submit a copy of the amortization schedule. This amortization shall be used to compute and collect all future mortgage insurance premiums subject to §266.600(c) or §266.602(d). If the mortgage is modified, the HFA shall submit to the Commissioner a copy of the revised amortization schedule, which shall be used to compute and collect all future mortgage insurance premiums subject to §266.600(c) or §266.602(d).

(d) Due date for premium payments. Mortgage insurance premiums are due on the first day of the month of the anniversary of the first payment to principal. Any premium received by the Commissioner more than 15 days after the due date shall be assessed a late charge of 4 percent of the amount of the premium payment due. Mortgage insurance premiums that are paid to the Commissioner more than 30 days after the due date shall begin to accrue interest at the rate prescribed by the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual.

§ 266.606   Mortgage insurance premium: Duration and method of paying.

(a) Duration of payments. Mortgage insurance premium payments must continue annually until one of the following occurs:

(1) The mortgage is paid in full;

(2) A deed to the HFA is filed for record;

(3) An application for initial claim payment is received by the Commissioner; or

(4) The Contract of Insurance is otherwise terminated.

(b) Method of payment. The HFA shall pay any mortgage insurance premium required by this part in cash.

§ 266.608   Mortgage insurance premium: Pro rata refund.

If the Contract of Insurance is terminated by payment in full or is terminated by the HFA on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, after the date of the first payment to principal, the Commissioner shall refund any mortgage insurance premium for the period after the effective date of the termination of insurance. The refund shall be mailed to the HFA for credit to the mortgagor's account. In computing the pro rata portion of the annual mortgage insurance premium, the date of termination of insurance shall be the last day of the month in which the mortgage is prepaid or the Commissioner receives a notification of termination, whichever is later. No refund shall be made if the insurance was terminated because of the submission of an application for initial claim payment or if the termination occurs before the date of the first payment to principal.

§ 266.610   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]

Insurance Endorsement

§ 266.612   Insurance endorsement.

(a) Initial endorsement. The Commissioner shall indicate his or her insurance of the mortgage by endorsing the original credit instrument.

(b) Final endorsement. When all advances of mortgage proceeds have been made and all other applicable terms and conditions have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall indicate on the original credit instrument the total of all advances that have been approved for insurance and again endorse such instrument.

(c) Effect of endorsement. From the date of initial endorsement, the Commissioner and the HFA 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.

Assignments

§ 266.616   Transfer of partial interest under participation agreement.

The HFA may not assign the mortgage. However, a partial interest in an insured mortgage or pool of insured mortgages may be transferred under a participation agreement or arrangement (such as a declaration of trust or the issuance of pass-through certificates), without obtaining the approval of the Commissioner, if the following conditions are met:

(a) Legal title to the insured mortgage or mortgages shall be held by the HFA; and

(b) The participation agreement, declaration of trust or other instrument under which the partial interest is transferred shall provide that:

(1) The HFA shall remain 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 HFA with respect to the rights, benefits, and obligations of the mortgagee under the contract of insurance; and

(3) The mortgagor shall have no obligation to recognize or do business with any one other than the HFA or, if applicable, its servicing agent with respect to rights, benefits, and obligations of the mortgagor or the mortgagee under the mortgage.

Termination

§ 266.620   Termination of Contract of Insurance.

The Contract of Insurance shall terminate if any of the following occurs:

(a) The mortgage is paid in full;

(b) The HFA acquires the mortgaged property and notifies the Commissioner that it will not file an insurance claim;

(c) A party other than HFA acquires the property at a foreclosure sale;

(d) The HFA notifies the Commissioner of Termination of Insurance (voluntary termination);

(e) The HFA or its successors commit fraud or make a material misrepresentation to the Commissioner with respect to information culminating in the Contract of Insurance on the mortgage or while the Contract of Insurance is in existence;

(f) The receipt by the Commissioner of an Application for Final Claims Settlement;

(g) If the HFA acquires the mortgaged property and fails to make an initial claim.

§ 266.622   Notice and date of termination by the Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall notify the HFA that the Contract of Insurance has been terminated and shall establish the effective date of termination. The termination shall be the last day of the month in which one of the events specified in §266.620 occurs.

Claim Procedures

§ 266.626   Notice of default and filing an insurance claim.

(a) Definition of default. (1) A monetary default exists when the mortgagor fails to make any payment due under the mortgage.

(2) A covenant default exists when the mortgagor fails to perform any other covenant under the provision of the mortgage or the regulatory agreement, which is incorporated by reference in the mortgage. An HFA becomes eligible for insurance benefits on the basis of a covenant default only after the HFA has accelerated the debt and the owner has failed to pay the full amount due, thus converting a covenant default into a monetary default.

(b) Date of default. For purposes of this subpart, the date of default is:

(1) The date of the first uncorrected failure to perform a mortgage covenant or obligation; or

(2) The date of the first failure to make a monthly payment that is not covered by subsequent payments, when such subsequent payments are applied to the overdue monthly payments in the order in which they were due.

(c) Notice of default. If a default (as defined in paragraph (a) of this section) continues for a period of 30 days, the HFA must notify the Commissioner within 10 days thereafter, unless the default is cured within the 30-day period. Unless waived by the Commissioner, the HFA must submit this notice monthly, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner, until the default has been cured or the HFA has filed an application for an initial claim payment. In cases of mortgage acceleration, the mortgagee must first give notice of the default.

(d) Timing of claim filing. Unless a written extension is granted by HUD, the HFA must file an application for initial claim payment (or, if appropriate, for partial claim payment) within 75 days from the date of default and may do so as early as the first day of the month following the month for which a payment was missed. Upon request of the HFA, HUD may extend, up to 180 days from the date of default, the deadline for filing a claim. In those cases where the HFA certifies that the project owner is in the process of transacting a bond refunder, refinancing the mortgage, or changing the ownership for the purpose of curing the default and bringing the mortgage current, HUD may extend the deadline for filing a claim beyond 180 days, not to exceed 360 days from the date of default.

§ 266.628   Initial claim payments.

(a) Determination of initial claim amount. (1) The initial claim amount is based on the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage note as of the date of default, plus interest at the mortgage note rate from date of default to date of initial claim payment. The mortgage note interest component of the initial claim amount is subject to curtailment as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) HUD shall make an initial claim payment to the HFA that is equal to the initial claim amount, less any delinquent mortgage insurance premiums, late charges and interest, assessed under §266.604(d).

(3) The HFA must use the proceeds of the initial claim payment to retire any bonds or any other financing mechanisms securing the mortgage within 30 days of the initial claim payment. Any excess funds resulting from such retirement or repayment shall be returned to HUD within 30 days of the retirement.

(b) Curtailment of interest for late filings. In determining the mortgage note interest component of the initial claim amount, if the HFA fails to meet any of the requirements of this section within the specified time (including any granted extension of time), HUD shall curtail the accrual of mortgage note interest by the number of days by which the required action was late.

(c) Method of payment. HUD shall pay the claim in cash.

§ 266.630   Partial payment of claims.

(a) General. When the Commissioner receives a claim for a partial payment under §266.626(d), the Commissioner may make a partial payment of claim in accordance with the requirements of this section. If the HFA has not previously received a partial claim payment, the HFA may file a claim for a partial claim payment under §266.630. Otherwise, the HFA must file for an initial claim payment under §266.628.

(b) HFA submission. In addition to any other requirements set forth in administration instructions, the HFA must provide the following information with its application for a partial claim payment:

(1) The amount by which the HFA will reduce the principal on the insured mortgage and the amount of delinquent interest on the insured mortgage that the HFA will defer based on the anticipated closing date; and

(2) A certification that:

(i) The amount of the principal reduction of the insured first mortgage does not exceed 50 percent of the unpaid principal balance;

(ii) The relief resulting from the partial claim payment when considered with other resources available to the project are sufficient to restore the financial viability of the project;

(iii) The project is or can (at reasonable cost) be made structurally sound;

(iv) The management of the project is satisfactory;

(v) The default under the insured mortgage was beyond the control of the mortgagor.

(c) Claim processing—(1) Acceptable application. If the HFA's application is acceptable, the Commissioner shall notify the HFA to process the partial payment, which will include the modification of the existing mortgage and the execution by the mortgagor of a second mortgage payable to the HFA. When the second mortgage is closed, the HFA shall notify the Commissioner, in a form and manner prescribed in administrative instructions. Upon receipt of notice from the HFA, the Commissioner shall make the partial claim payment.

(2) Unacceptable application. If the application is unacceptable, the Commissioner shall either advise the HFA of the information needed to make the application acceptable or return the application for further action. The HFA is granted an extension of 30 days from the date of any notification for further action.

(d) Requirements—(1) One partial claim payment. Only one partial claim payment may be made under a contract of insurance.

(2) Partial claim payment amount. The amount of the partial claim payment is equal to the amount of relief provided by the HFA in the form of a reduction in principal and a reduction of delinquent interest due on the insured mortgage times the lesser of HUD's percentage of the risk of loss or 50 percent.

(3) HFA second mortgage. Repayment of the relief provided by the HFA must be secured by a second mortgage to the HFA. This second mortgage may provide for postponed amortization and may not be assigned by the HFA. This second mortgage is not insured under this part and may not be insured under any other HUD-related insurance program.

(4) Partial claim repayment by HFA. The HFA must remit to HUD a percentage of all amounts collected on the HFA's second mortgage within 15 days of receipt by the HFA. The applicable percentage is equal to the percentage used in paragraph (d)(2) of this section to determine the partial claim payment amount. Payments made after the 15th day must include a 5 percent late charge plus accrued interest at the debenture rate.

(5) Certified statements of amounts collected. As long as the second mortgage remains of record, the HFA must submit to the Commissioner an annual certified statement of the amounts collected by the HFA. The HFA must submit a final certified statement within 30 days after the second mortgage is paid in full, foreclosed, or otherwise terminated.

§ 266.632   Withdrawal of claim.

In case of a default and subsequent filing of claim, the HFA shall determine the form of workout or modification and will inform HUD of the type of mortgage relief determined to be appropriate. If the default is cured after the claim is made but before the initial claim payment is paid by HUD, the HFA may, in writing, withdraw the claim, and insurance will continue as if the default had not occurred.

§ 266.634   Reinstatement of the contract of insurance.

(a) Conditions for reinstatement. After the initial claim payment, HUD may reinstate the contract of insurance on the following conditions:

(1) The HFA has not acquired the project;

(2) The mortgagor has cured the default; and

(3) The HFA requests that HUD reinstate the contract of insurance.

(b) Notification of reinstatement. If reinstatement is acceptable to HUD, HUD shall notify the HFA of the date the contract of insurance will be reinstated and shall advise the HFA of the payment needed to reinstate the contract of insurance.

(c) Payment. Within 30 days of the date of the notice under paragraph (b) of this section, the HFA shall pay HUD an amount equal to the initial claim amount, as determined under §266.628(a)(1), plus an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the HFA Debenture through the reinstatement date, plus an amount equal to the mortgage insurance premium for the period from the date of reinstatement of the contract of insurance to the next anniversary date for payment of the mortgage insurance premium.

(d) Cancellation of debenture. Upon receipt from the HFA of the amount specified in paragraph (c) of this section, HUD shall return the HFA debenture for cancellation.

(e) Continuation of contract of insurance. Upon reinstatement, the contract of insurance shall continue as if the default had not occurred.

§ 266.636   Insuring new loans for defaulted projects.

The HFA may not make another loan that is insured under this part to the same owner in the same project if HUD has paid a claim under this part.

§ 266.638   Issuance of HFA Debenture.

(a) Condition to initial claim payment. The HFA must issue an instrument in the form of a debenture to HUD within 30 days of receiving the initial claim payment. The HFA Debenture shall meet the following requirements and shall be in a form that has been approved by HUD as part of the application approval process.

(b) Term of HFA Debenture. The HFA Debenture shall be dated the same date that the initial claim payment is issued. The HFA Debenture shall have a term of five years in order to afford the mortgagor ample time to cure the default or the HFA time to foreclose and/or resell the project. HUD may provide a written extension of the five year term if the HFA certifies and provides documentation that the project owner has filed bankruptcy and the HFA is taking action to have the project discharged from the bankruptcy. The HFA Debenture shall, during this extended period, continue to bear interest as described below at HUD's published debenture rate at the earlier of initial endorsement or final endorsement. Interest shall be due and payable annually on the anniversary date of the initial claim payment. Interest is due on the full face amount of the HFA Debenture through the term of the HFA Debenture or through the date an application for final claim payment is received by the Commissioner.

(c) HFA Debenture amount. (1) The HFA Debenture shall be for the full initial claim amount as determined under §266.628(a)(1) (minus any excess funds returned to HUD under §266.628(a)(3)).

(2) The full amount of the HFA Debenture shall be payable to HUD upon maturity, unless the HFA Debenture is canceled because of:

(i) A reinstatement of the contract of insurance under §266.634; or

(ii) Final claim settlement under §266.654.

(d) HFA Debenture interest rate. The HFA Debenture shall bear interest at HUD's published debenture rate at the earlier of initial endorsement or final endorsement. Interest shall be due and payable annually on the anniversary date of the initial claim payment and on the date of redemption when redeemed or canceled before an anniversary date. Interest shall be computed on the full face amount of the HFA Debenture through the term of the HFA Debenture.

(e) Form of HFA Debenture. The HFA Debenture should follow the standard form of a State/Municipal Debenture issued under the Uniform Commercial Code, where applicable, and shall be supported by the full faith and credit of the HFA. For HFAs that operate as departments or divisions of States or units of local government and where such HFAs cannot pledge the full faith and credit of the HFA, such HFAs may collateralize their obligation through a letter of credit, reinsurance, or other forms of credit acceptable to the Commissioner.

(f) Debenture registration. Unless otherwise required by law, including State or local laws, or other governing bodies, HUD will not require the HFA Debenture to be “Registered” (with the Securities and Exchange Commission) as it is a direct, or private, placement, and not a public offering, that is supported by the full faith and credit of the HFA.

§ 266.640   Foreclosure and acquisition.

The HFA is not required to foreclose the insured mortgage. It may accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

§ 266.642   Appraisals.

Where actions taken or caused to be taken by the HFA have the effect of the recovery of less than the face amount of the HFA Debenture held by HUD, an appraisal should be made to determine the value of the project. The appraisal should assume a willing buyer and a willing seller. The appraisal must be done within the 45-day period immediately preceding the date when the HFA files an application for final claim settlement. If at the time of final claim settlement the HFA has not sold the project, an appraisal should be made to determine the value of the project at its highest and best use.

§ 266.644   Application for final claim settlement.

The HFA shall file an application for final settlement in accordance with the Commissioner's administrative procedures not later than 30 days after any of the following:

(a) Sale of the property after foreclosure or after acquisition by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure; or

(b) Expiration of the term of the HFA debenture.

§ 266.646   Determining the amount of loss.

The amount of the total loss to be shared by HUD and the HFA is equal to:

(a) The amount of the initial claim payment;

(b) Plus all items set forth in §266.648; and

(c) Less all items set forth in §266.650.

§ 266.648   Items included in total loss.

In computing the total loss, the following items are added to the amount described in §266.646(a):

(a) The amount of all payments that the HFA made from its own funds and not from project income for:

(1) Taxes, special assessments, and water bills that are liens before the Mortgage; and

(2) Fire and hazard insurance on the property.

(b) A reasonable amount of acquisition costs actually paid by the HFA. These costs may not include loss or damage resulting from the invalidity or unenforceability of the Mortgage lien or the unmarketability of the Mortgagor's title.

(c) Reasonable payments that the HFA made from its own funds and not from project income for:

(1) Preservation, operation and maintenance of the property;

(2) Repairs necessary to meet the requirements of local laws;

(3) Expenses in connection with the sale of property; and

(4) Bankruptcy expenses approved by the Office of General Counsel.

(d) The amount of HFA Debenture interest paid by the HFA to HUD.

§ 266.650   Items deducted from total loss.

In computing insurance benefits, the following items are deducted from the amounts described in §266.646(a) and (b):

(a) All amounts received by the HFA on account of the mortgage after the date of default;

(b) All cash, and/or funds related to the mortgaged property, including deposits and escrows made for the account of the mortgagor that the HFA holds (or to which it is entitled);

(c) The amount of any undrawn balance under a letter of credit that the HFA accepted in lieu of a cash deposit for an escrow agreement;

(d) Any net income from the mortgaged property/project that the HFA received after the date of default.

(e) The proceeds from the sale of the project or the appraised value of the project as provided in §266.642 as follows:

(1) If the HFA disposes of the project through a negotiated sale, the amount deducted shall be the higher of the sales price or the appraised value.

(2) If the HFA disposes of the project through a competitive bid procedure approved by the Commissioner, the amount deducted shall be the sales price, even if it is lower than the appraised value.

(3) If the HFA has not disposed of the project within 5 years from the date of issuance of the HFA Debentures (unless an extension has been granted pursuant to §266.638), the amount deducted shall be the appraised value.

(f) Any and all claims that the HFA has acquired in connection with the acquisition and sale of the property. Claims include but are not limited to returned premiums from canceled insurance policies, interest on investments of reserve for replacement funds, tax refunds, refunds of deposits left with utility companies, and amounts received as proceeds of a receivership.

(g) The amount of daily HFA Debenture interest accrued but not paid from the anniversary date of the last HFA Debenture interest payment to the date an application for final claim payment is received by the Commissioner.

§ 266.652   Determining share of loss.

The total loss computed in §266.646 shall be shared by HUD and the HFA in accordance with their respective percentage of risk as specified in the note and the addendum to the Risk-Sharing Agreement between HUD and the HFA.

§ 266.654   Final claim settlement and HFA Debenture redemption.

(a) Final claim payment. If the initial claim amount, as determined under §266.628(a)(1), is less than HUD's share of the loss, HUD shall make a final claim payment to the HFA that is equal to the difference between HUD's share of the loss and the initial claim amount and shall return the HFA Debenture to the HFA for cancellation.

(b) HFA reimbursement payment. If the initial claim amount, as determined under §266.628(a)(1), is more than HUD's share of the loss, the HFA shall, within 30 days of notification by HUD of the amount due, remit to HUD an amount that is equal to the difference between the initial claim amount and HUD's share of the loss. The funds must be remitted in a manner prescribed in the Commissioner's administrative procedures. The HFA Debenture will be considered redeemed upon receipt of the cash payment. A 5 percent penalty will be charged and interest at the debenture rate will begin to accrue if the cash payment is not received within the prescribed period. If an HFA is in default under an existing debenture and files a claim on another project under this part, HUD will charge the HFA's Dedicated Account for the amount owed the Department. In cases of top-tier or A-rated HFA's which are not required to maintain a Dedicated Account, HUD will inform the rating agencies of the HFA's failure to pay on their debt obligation and of its violation of the Risk-Sharing Agreement.

(c) Losses. Losses sustained as a consequence of the (sole) negligence of an HFA (e.g., failure to acquire adequate hazard insurance where such insurance is available) shall be the sole obligation of the HFA, notwithstanding the risk apportionment otherwise agreed to by HUD and the HFA.

(d) Supplemental claim. Any supplemental claim must be filed within one year from date of final claim settlement.

§ 266.656   Recovery of costs after final claim settlement.

If, after final claim settlement, the HFA recovers additional sums as the result of the sale of the project or otherwise, the total amount of such recovery shall be shared by HUD and the HFA in accordance with the prescribed percentage of shared risk.

§ 266.658   Program monitoring and compliance.

HUD will monitor the performance of the HFA for compliance with the provisions of this subpart.