91725M Opinion of Borrower's Counsel

1

U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Office of Housing

Opinion Of
Borrower’s Counsel

OMB Approval No. 2502-0598
(Exp. //)

Public Reporting Burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information. Response to this request for information is required in order to receive the benefits to be derived. This
agency may not collect this information, and you are not required to complete this form unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. While no assurance of confidentiality is pledged to respondents, HUD generally discloses this data only in
response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
Warning: Any person who knowingly presents a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or claim in a matter within the jurisdiction of
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is subject to criminal penalties, civil liability, and administrative sanctions.

{For use in HUD Insured Multifamily Transactions}

{TO BE ON FIRM LETTERHEAD}

{INSERT DATE OF ENDORSEMENT}

Re:

Project Name ____________
HUD Project No. _________
Location ________________
Borrower _______________

[LENDER]
[ADDRESS]
[LENDER'S ATTORNEY]
[ADDRESS]
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
{INSERT APPROPRIATE HUD ADDRESS}

Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are [I am] counsel to ________________ {INSERT NAME OF BORROWER}
(Borrower), a _______________, {INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY} organized under the
laws of the State of ______________ {INSERT STATE} (Organizational Jurisdiction),
in connection with a mortgage loan (Loan) in the [original/increased] principal amount of
______________ Dollars ($___________) from ___________________ {INSERT
NAME AND TYPE OF LENDER} (Lender) to Borrower. The proceeds of the Loan
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

2

shall be used to [construct/rehabilitate/purchase/refinance] that certain multifamily
housing project (Project), commonly known as _________________ and located in
______________ {INSERT COUNTY AND STATE} (said State to be referred to
hereinafter as the Property Jurisdiction) on the property described in Exhibit B
{ATTACH LEGAL DESCRIPTION} (together with all improvements and fixtures
thereon) (Property). The Loan is being insured by the Federal Housing Administration
(FHA), an organizational unit of the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), pursuant to a commitment for insurance [of advances OR upon
completion OR for refinancing] issued to Lender by _________________, Agent of the
Federal Housing Commissioner, dated ____________________ [as amended] (FHA
Commitment). Borrower has requested that we [I] deliver this opinion letter (Opinion)
and has consented to reliance by Lender's counsel in its legal representation of Lender,
including rendering any opinion to Lender and to reliance by Lender and HUD in making
and insuring, respectively, the Loan and has waived any privity between Borrower and
us [me] in order to permit said reliance by Lender, counsel to Lender and HUD. We [I]
consent to reliance on this Opinion by Lender, counsel to Lender, and HUD.
SECTION I: DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
In our [my] capacity as counsel to Borrower, we [I] have prepared or reviewed the
following:
A. The following documents relating to the organization, status, and
authorization of Borrower [and the [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing
Member] of Borrower] (collectively, Organizational Documents):
1. {DESCRIBE FORMATION DOCUMENTS OF BORROWER} [for
corporations: A copy of the articles [certificate] of incorporation of
Borrower and all amendments thereto, certified by the ________ of the
Organizational Jurisdiction, and a copy of the by-laws of Borrower and all
amendments thereto, certified as true and correct by the [Secretary]
[Assistant Secretary] of Borrower] [for limited liability companies: A
copy of the articles [certificate] of organization of Borrower and all
amendments thereto, certified by the
of the
Organizational Jurisdiction, and a copy of the operating agreement of
Borrower and all amendments thereto, certified as true and correct by the
[Sole Member] [Managing Member] [Manager] [other authorized
representative] of Borrower] [for limited partnerships: A copy of the
certificate of limited partnership and all amendments thereto, certified by
the
of the Organizational Jurisdiction, and a copy of the
limited partnership agreement of Borrower and all amendments thereto,
certified by the General Partner of Borrower];
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP
BORROWER OR THE MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

3

LLC BORROWER IS AN ENTITY}
1a. {DESCRIBE FORMATION DOCUMENTS OF GENERAL
PARTNER/MANAGER/MANAGING MEMBER} [for corporations: A
copy of the articles [certificate] of incorporation of [General Partner]
[Manager] [Managing Member] and all amendments thereto, certified by
the
___________ of __________{INSERT STATE},
and a copy of the by-laws of [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing
Member] and all amendments thereto, certified as true and correct by the
[Secretary] [Assistant Secretary] of [General Partner] [Manager]
[Managing Member]] [for limited liability companies: A copy of the
articles [certificate] of organization of [General Partner] [Manager]
[Managing Member] and all amendments thereto, certified by the
_____________ of ___________ {INSERT STATE}, and a copy of the
operating agreement of [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member]
and all amendments thereto, certified as true and correct by the [Sole
Member] [Managing Member] [Manager] [other authorized representative]
of [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member]] [for limited
partnerships: A copy of the certificate of limited partnership and all
amendments thereto, certified by the ____________ of _________
{INSERT STATE}, and a copy of the limited partnership agreement of
[General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] and all amendments
thereto, certified by the General Partner of [General Partner] [Manager]
[Managing Member];
2. {DESCRIBE STATUS DOCUMENT OF BORROWER IN
ORGANIZATIONAL JURISDICTION} A certificate issued by
__________________
of the Organizational
Jurisdiction attesting to the [corporate] [limited liability company] [limited
partnership] [other] status of Borrower in the Organizational Jurisdiction,
dated ________________, {DATE INSERTED MUST BE WITHIN
THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF ENDORSEMENT} a copy of which
is attached hereto as Exhibit
(Status Certificate);
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP
BORROWER OR THE MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN
LLC BORROWER IS AN ENTITY}
2a. {DESCRIBE STATUS DOCUMENT IN JURISDICTION WHERE
GENERAL PARTNER/MANAGER/MANAGING MEMBER IS
ORGANIZED} A certificate issued by __________________
of _________________{INSERT STATE} attesting to the [corporate]
[limited liability company] [limited partnership] [other] status of [General
Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] in _____________{INSERT
STATE}, dated ________________, {DATE INSERTED MUST BE
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

4

WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF ENDORSEMENT} a copy
of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit
([General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member]
Status Certificate);
3. {DESCRIBE STATUS DOCUMENT OF BORROWER IN PROPERTY
JURISDICTION IF DIFFERENT FROM ORGANIZATIONAL
JURISDICTION } A certificate issued by _______________ of the
Property Jurisdiction attesting to the [corporate] [limited liability company]
[limited partnership] [other] status of Borrower in the Property Jurisdiction,
dated ________________, {DATE INSERTED MUST BE WITHIN
THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF ENDORSEMENT} a copy of which
is attached hereto as Exhibit
(Foreign Status Certificate);
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP
BORROWER OR THE MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN
LLC BORROWER IS A FOREIGN ENTITY}
3a. {DESCRIBE STATUS DOCUMENT OF GENERAL
PARTNER/MANAGER/MANAGING MEMBER IN PROPERTY
JURISDICTION IF DIFFERENT FROM ITS ORGANIZATIONAL
JURISDICTION} A certificate issued by __________of the Property
Jurisdiction attesting to the [corporate] [limited liability company] [limited
partnership] [other] status of [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing
Member] in the Property Jurisdiction, dated ________________, {DATE
INSERTED MUST BE WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE DATE OF
ENDORSEMENT} a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit_____
([General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] Foreign Status
Certificate);
4. {DESCRIBE DOCUMENT AUTHORIZING THE LOAN
TRANSACTION} [Resolution] [Consent] of the [Board of Directors],
[Partners], [Managers] dated ___________ authorizing the Loan.
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP
BORROWER OR THE MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN
LLC BORROWER IS A FOREIGN ENTITY}
4a. {DESCRIBE DOCUMENT OF GENERAL
PARTNER/MANAGER/MANAGING MEMBER AUTHORIZING THE
LOAN TRANSACTION ON BEHALF OF BORROWER} [Resolution]
[Consent] of the [Board of Directors], [Partners], [Managers] of [General
Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] dated ___________ authorizing
the Loan on behalf of Borrower.

Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

5

5. {DESCRIBE CERTIFICATE FROM CORPORATE SECRETARY OR
OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OF BORROWER } A certificate from the
[secretary or assistant secretary] [managing member or sole member]
[general partner] of Borrower certifying as to (i) true and correct copies of
the [by-laws] [operating agreement] [partnership agreement] of Borrower
and resolutions of the [board of directors] [members] [partners] of
Borrower authorizing the Loan and (ii) the incumbency and specimen
signature(s) of the individual(s) authorized to execute and deliver Loan
Documents (as hereinafter defined) on behalf of Borrower.
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP
BORROWER OR THE MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN
LLC BORROWER IS A FOREIGN ENTITY}
5a. {DESCRIBE CERTIFICATE FROM CORPORATE SECRETARY OR
OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OF General Partner/Manager/Managing
Member} A certificate from the [secretary or assistant secretary]
[managing member or sole member] [general partner] of [General Partner]
[Manager] [Managing Member] certifying as to (i) true and correct copies
of the [by-laws] [operating agreement] [partnership agreement] of [General
Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] and resolutions of the [board of
directors] [members] [partners] of [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing
Member] authorizing the Loan on behalf of Borrower and (ii) the
incumbency and specimen signature(s) of the individual(s) authorized to
execute and deliver Loan Documents (as hereinafter defined) on behalf of
Borrower.
B. Commitment issued by Lender and accepted by Borrower, dated
____________;
C. Regulatory Agreement (HUD-92466M) by and between HUD and Borrower,
dated ____________ (Regulatory Agreement);
D. Note (HUD-94001M) in the original principal amount of _______________
Dollars ($____________) {WITH APPROPRIATE STATE RIDER ATTACHED,
IF APPLICABLE}, [OR in the increased principal amount of
___________________ Dollars ($______________)] by Borrower in favor of
Lender, dated
(Note);
E. Multifamily [(Mortgage, Deed of Trust, or Other Designation as Appropriate in
Property Jurisdiction)], Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement
(HUD-94000M) {WITH APPROPRIATE STATE RIDER ATTACHED, IF
APPLICABLE}, executed by Borrower for the benefit of Lender, dated
____________ (Security Instrument);

Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

6

[F. {TO BE INSERTED IF THE SECURITY FOR THE LOAN IS A LEASEHOLD
ESTATE} Ground Lease with Lease Addendum (HUD-92070M) executed by
_________________ {INSERT LESSOR} as lessor and Borrower as lessee
dated ___________, [{INSERT IF APPLICABLE} and Memorandum of Ground
Lease dated ______________] recorded in the land records of _____________,
and Estoppel Certificate executed by lessor and lessee dated _______ (Ground
Lease);]
[G. {TO BE INSERTED FOR CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION LOANS}
Application for Insurance of Advance of Mortgage Proceeds (HUD-92403)
executed by Borrower, Lender and HUD dated
;]
[H. {TO BE INSERTED FOR CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION LOANS}
Building Loan Agreement (HUD-92441M) executed by Lender and Borrower,
dated ______________ (Building Loan Agreement);]
[I. {TO BE INSERTED FOR CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION LOANS}
Construction Contract (HUD-92442M) executed by __________________
(General Contractor) and Borrower, dated _________________ (Construction
Contract);]
[J. Escrow Agreement for Working Capital (HUD-92412M), executed by
Borrower and Lender, dated _________________;]
[K. Escrow Agreement for Operating Deficits (HUD-92476a-M) executed by
Borrower and Lender, dated _________________;]
L. Escrow Agreement for Deferred Repairs [OR Latent Defects] (HUD92476.1M) executed by Borrower and Lender, dated _______________;
M. Agreement and Certification (HUD-93305M) executed by Borrower and
Lender [and ______
____{INSERT GENERAL CONTRACTOR
IF ANY}], dated __________________;
N. Borrower's Oath (HUD-92478M), executed by Borrower, dated
__________________;
O. Certification of Borrower (HUD-91725M-CERT), pertaining to factual matters
relied on by us [me] in rendering this Opinion, executed by Borrower, dated of
even date herewith, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A
(Certification of Borrower);
[P. [Owner-Architect Agreement AIA B108 with HUD Amendment to AIA
Document B108 (HUD-92408-M)] OR [Owner-Architect Agreement AIA B104]
{OR OTHER HUD APPROVED VERSIONs AND/OR FORMs} executed by
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

7

___________________ {INSERT DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION
ARCHITECT} and Borrower, dated _________ (Owner-Architect Agreement);]
[Q. Contractor's and/or Mortgagor’s Cost Breakdown (HUD-2328) executed by
Borrower and General Contractor, dated _______________;]
R. [Request for Final Endorsement of Credit Instrument (HUD-92023M)] OR
[Request for Endorsement of Credit Instrument and Certificate of Lender,
Borrower and General Contractor (HUD-92455M)] executed by Borrower and
Lender, dated of even date herewith; OR Lender’s Certificate (HUD-92434M),
executed by Lender, dated of even date herewith {MODIFY AS APPROPRIATE
FOR INSURANCE UPON COMPLETION, REFINANCINGS, ETC.};
[S. [Performance Bond-Dual Obligee (HUD-92452M) and Payment Bond (HUD92452A-M) issued by _________________________ (Surety) to secure
payment and performance of _____________________ (General Contractor)
and running to _________________] OR [The Completion Assurance Agreement
(HUD-92450M) executed by General Contractor, dated _____________
(Assurance of Completion)];]
[T. [Off-Site Bond-Dual Obligee (HUD-92479M) issued by _________________
(Surety) to secure the completion of off-site work by _______________
(General Contractor) and running to Lender and HUD] OR [Escrow Agreement
for Off-site Facilities (HUD-91071M) executed by Borrower, Lender [and
___________________{INSERT DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, IF ANY}] dated
________________ (Assurance of Completion of Off-Site Facilities)];]
[U. [Latent defects bond issued by
and securing
the performance of General Contractor and running to Lender and HUD] OR
[Escrow Agreement for Latent Defects (HUD-92414M) executed by Lender,
Borrower, General Contractor [and ___________________{INSERT
DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, IF ANY}] , dated _________________] (Latent
Defects Agreement);]
[V. Escrow Agreement for Incomplete Construction (HUD-92456M) with Exhibit
A executed by
dated _______________ (On-Site
Deposit Escrow);]
[W. Contractor's Prevailing Wage Certificate (contained in HUD-92448,
Contractor’s Requisition) executed by______________________,dated
________________ (Contractor's Prevailing Wage Certificate);]
[X. Residual Receipts Note (HUD-9xxxxM) OR Surplus Cash Note (HUD92223M) executed by Borrower in favor of
, dated
___________;]
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

8

[Y. All documents executed by Borrower or the Project and any public entity
pertaining to public secondary financing and/or the development of the Property:
[__________ {INSERT LIST OF DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
INSTRUCTIONS}] OR [as listed on the attached Exhibit ___ { IF THERE ARE
MANY DOCUMENTS, ATTACH A LIST OF THE DOCUMENTS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS}] (Public Entity Agreement);]
[Z. The following documents executed or delivered in connection with the
financing of the Loan with the proceeds of [taxable] [tax-exempt] bonds:
[__________ {INSERT LIST OF DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
INSTRUCTIONS}] OR [as listed on the attached Exhibit ___ { IF THERE ARE
MANY DOCUMENTS, ATTACH A LIST OF THE DOCUMENTS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS}] (Source Documents);]
[AA. The following documents executed or delivered in connection with the
financing of the Loan with [low-income housing] [new market] [historic] tax
credits: [__________ {LIST DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
INSTRUCTIONS} (Tax Credit Documents)] OR [as listed on the attached
Exhibit ___ {IF THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTS, ATTACH A LIST OF THE
DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS}];]
[BB. The following documents executed or delivered in connection with private
secondary financing: [__________ {IF APPLICABLE, INSERT LIST OF
DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS}] OR [as listed on the
attached Exhibit ___ {IF THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTS, ATTACH A LIST
OF THE DOCUMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS}] (Private
Secondary Financing Documents);]
CC. Title Insurance Policy issued by _________________ {INSERT NAME OF
TITLE COMPANY}, together with all endorsements, and naming HUD and
Lender as insureds, as their interests may appear, dated of even date herewith]
[OR {FOR FINAL CLOSING} Date Down Endorsement amending the effective
date of the policy to the date hereof, issued by _______________________]
(Title Policy);
[DD. The following documents evidencing zoning compliance:
__________________________ {DESCRIBE ALL DOCUMENTS FULLY}
(Zoning Certificate), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit ___;]
[EE. The building permit(s) issued on _______________ by _______________
(Building Permit);]
[FF. The occupancy permits] issued on _______________ by
_______________ (Occupancy Permit)];]
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

9

[GG. The following permits and/or licenses, ____________________,
{DESCRIBE PERMITS/LICENSES} that are required for the operation of the
Project, issued by _______________ on _______________;]
[HH. [Surveyor's Plat] OR [Survey] showing the [completed] Property,
PREPARED BY ___________________, DATED ___________ (Survey);] [OR
{INSERT FOR 223(A)(7) TRANSACTIONS WHERE THERE HAVE BEEN NO
CHANGES TO THE SURVEY SINCE THE MOST RECENT HUD
TRANSACTION WHERE A SURVEY WAS REQUIRED} [Survey Affidavit of No
Change dated ________ and executed by ______________ and a copy of
existing survey dated ______ (Survey)];
II. Surveyor's Report (HUD-91703M), executed by
___________________ (Surveyor's Report);

, dated

[JJ. The following documents assuring water, electricity, sewer, gas, heat or
other utility services (Assurance of Utility Services): ___________________
{DESCRIBE FULLY};]
KK. A search conducted by
dated _________
{DATE INSERTED MUST BE WITHIN SIXTY (60) DAYS OF THE DATE OF
THIS OPINION} of the public records of the federal District Court and State and
local courts in: (i) the jurisdiction where the Property is located; (ii) the
jurisdiction(s) where Borrower is located and does business; and (iii) the
jurisdiction where the general partner, managing member, manager or similar
controlling person(s) or entity(ies) is organized (Docket Search).
LL. Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement(s) naming Borrower as
debtor and naming Lender and HUD, as their interests appear, as secured
parties, to be filed in the [Office of the Secretary of State {INSERT FILING
OFFICE FOR STATE UCC, IF NOT SECRETARY OF STATE}] of the
Organizational Jurisdiction, and a Uniform Commercial Code Fixture Filing to be
filed, or caused to be filed, by Lender naming Borrower as debtor and naming
Lender and HUD, as their interests appear, as secured parties, to be filed in the
appropriate local governmental office of the Property Jurisdiction (the Office of
the Secretary of State of
{INSERT FILING OFFICE FOR
STATE UCC, IF NOT SECRETARY OF STATE} and the Office of the
___________
of ______________ {INSERT FILING OFFICE FOR FIXTURE
FILING}, collectively the Filing Offices), upon the ________ {DESCRIBE
EVENTS}.
MM. [Additional Transaction Documents: _____________ {LIST ANY
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOAN
TRANSACTION}].
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

10

NOTE: Numerical references in parentheses above are to FHA and HUD form
numbers.
The documents listed in B through W above are referred to collectively as the
Primary Loan Documents. The documents listed in B through BB above are referred
to collectively as the Loan Documents. The documents listed in A through MM are
referred to collectively as the Documents.
SECTION II: ASSUMPTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS
In basing the several opinions set forth in this Opinion on “our [my] knowledge,”
the words “our [my] knowledge” signify that, in the course of our [my] representation of
Borrower, no facts have come to our [my] attention that would give us [me] actual
knowledge or actual notice that any such opinions or other matters are not accurate.
Except as otherwise stated in this opinion, we [I] have undertaken no investigation or
verification of such matters. Further, the words "our [my] knowledge" as used in this
opinion are intended to be limited to the actual knowledge of the attorneys within our
[my] firm who have been involved in representing Borrower in any capacity including,
but not limited to, in connection with this Loan. We [I] have no reason to believe that
any of the documents on which we [I] have relied contain matters which, or the
assumptions contained herein, are untrue, contrary to known facts, or unreasonable.
In reaching the opinions set forth below, we [I] have assumed, and to our [my]
knowledge there are no facts inconsistent with, the following:
(a)
Each of the parties to the Documents, other than Borrower (and any
person executing any of the Documents on behalf of Borrower), has duly and validly
executed and delivered each such instrument, document, and agreement to be
executed in connection with the Loan to which such party is a signatory, and such
party's obligations set forth in the Documents are its legal, valid, and binding obligations,
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
(b)
Each person executing any of the Documents, other than Borrower (and
any person executing any of the Documents on behalf of Borrower), whether individually
or on behalf of an entity, is duly authorized to do so.
(c)
to do so.

Each natural person executing any of the Documents is legally competent

(d)
All signatures of parties other than Borrower (and any person executing
any of the Documents on behalf of Borrower) are genuine.
(e)
All Documents that were submitted to us [me] as originals are authentic;
all Documents that were submitted to us [me] as certified or photostatic copies conform
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

11

to the original document, and all public records reviewed are accurate and complete.
(f)
All applicable Documents have been duly filed, indexed, and recorded
among the appropriate official records and all fees, charges, and taxes due and owing
as of this date have been paid.
(g)
The parties to the Documents and their successors and/or assigns shall:
(i) act in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner in the exercise of any
rights or enforcement of any remedies under the Documents; (ii) not engage in any
conduct in the exercise of such rights or enforcement of such remedies that would
constitute other than fair and impartial dealing; and (iii) comply with all requirements of
applicable procedural and substantive law in exercising any rights or enforcing any
remedies under the Documents.
(h)
The exercise of any rights or enforcement of any remedies under the
Documents would not be unconscionable, result in a breach of the peace, or otherwise
be contrary to public policy.
In rendering this Opinion, we [I] also have assumed that the Documents
accurately reflect the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the
transactions contemplated thereby and the rights and the obligations of the parties
thereunder. We [I] also have assumed that the terms and the conditions of the Loan as
stated in the Documents have not been amended, modified or supplemented, directly or
indirectly, by any other agreement or understanding of the parties or waiver of any of
the material provisions of the Documents. After reasonable inquiry of Borrower, we [I]
have no knowledge of any facts or information that would lead us [me] to believe that
the assumptions in this paragraph are not justified.
In rendering this Opinion, we [I] have, with your approval, relied as to certain
matters of fact set forth in the Certification of Borrower, the Status Certificate, [Foreign
Status Certificate] [and certain other specified Documents,] as set forth herein. After
reasonable inquiry of Borrower as to the accuracy and completeness of the Certification
of Borrower, the Status Certificate, [Foreign Status Certificate] [and such other
Documents], we [I] have no knowledge of any facts or information that would lead us
[me] to believe that such reliance is not justified.
In addition to the assumptions set forth above, the opinions set forth below are also
subject to the following qualifications:
We [I] express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of
the Property Jurisdiction [{ADD THE FOLLOWING ONLY IF THE ORGANIZATIONAL
JURISDICTION DIFFERS FROM THE PROPERTY JURISDICTION} and the
Organizational Jurisdiction,] and the laws of the United States of America. The opinions
expressed below concern only the effect of the laws (excluding the principles of conflict
of laws) of the Property Jurisdiction [and the Organizational Jurisdiction, {ADD THE
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

12

BRACKETED LANGUAGE ONLY IF THE ORGANIZATIONAL JURISDICTION
DIFFERS FROM THE PROPERTY JURISDICTION}] and the United States of America
as currently in effect. We [I] assume no obligation to supplement this Opinion if any
applicable laws change after the date of this Opinion, or if, after the date of this Opinion,
we become aware of any facts that might change the opinions expressed below. We [I]
express no opinion as to any matter except as expressly set forth herein.
SECTION III: OPINIONS
Based on the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set
forth in this letter, it is our [my] opinion that:
1. Based solely on the Status Certificate, Borrower is a _____________
{INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY} validly existing under the laws of the Organizational
Jurisdiction and in good standing under the laws of the Organizational Jurisdiction [, and
based on the Foreign Status Certificate, is qualified to do business as a foreign
______________ {INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY} in the Property Jurisdiction]. OR {IF
BORROWER IS A TRUST} Borrower is ____________________________ {INSERT
NAME OF THE TYPE OF TRUST} validly existing under the laws of the Organizational
Jurisdiction [, and based on the Foreign Status Certificate, is duly qualified to do
business as a foreign ______________ {INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY} in the Property
Jurisdiction].
{INSERT IF THE GENERAL PARTNER OF A PARTNERSHIP BORROWER OR THE
MANAGER OR MANAGING MEMBER OF AN LLC BORROWER IS AN ENTITY}
1a. Based solely on the [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] Status
Certificate, the [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] of Borrower is a
__________________ {INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY}, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of _________________________ {INSERT STATE} [, and
based on the [General Partner] [Manager] [Managing Member] Foreign Status
Certificate, is qualified to do business as a foreign ________________________
{INSERT TYPE OF ENTITY} in the Property Jurisdiction].
2. Borrower has the [limited liability company/corporate/partnership/trust] power
and authority to own and operate the Project and to perform all of its obligations under
the Loan Documents and to comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations of
HUD in effect on the date of the FHA Commitment.
3. The execution and delivery of, and the performance of the obligations under,
the Loan Documents do not violate the Organizational Documents of Borrower or any
applicable provisions of local or State law.
4. The execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by or on behalf of
Borrower, and the consummation by Borrower of the transactions contemplated
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

13

thereby, and the performance by Borrower of its obligations thereunder, have been duly
and validly authorized by all necessary [limited liability
company/corporate/partnership/trust] actions or approvals by, or on behalf of, Borrower
[and all entities within Borrower’s organizational structure whose authorization is
required].
5. Each of the Loan Documents has been duly executed and delivered by
Borrower and constitutes the valid and legally binding promises or obligations of
Borrower, enforceable against Borrower in accordance with its terms, subject to the
following qualifications:
(i) the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally; and
(ii) the effect of the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general
principles of equity (whether applied by a court of law or of equity); and
(iii) certain remedies, waivers, and other provisions of the Loan Documents may
not be enforceable, but, subject to the qualifications set forth in this paragraph at (i) and
(ii) above, such unenforceability shall not preclude (a) the enforcement of the obligation
of Borrower to make the payments as provided in the Security Instrument and Note (and
Program Obligations), and (b) the foreclosure of the real property interests granted
under the terms and provisions of the Security Instrument upon the event of a breach
thereunder.
6. {INSERT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ALTERNATIVES IF THERE IS NO
ZONING ENDORSEMENT INCORPORATED INTO THE TITLE POLICY} [The
attached Zoning Certificate, states that the Property is located in a
___________________ zone According to the zoning ordinance of __________
{INSERT COUNTY OR CITY} of the Property Jurisdiction the use of the Property as a
_____________________ is a permitted use in such zone.] OR {INSERT WHERE THE
USE IS AN EXCEPTION TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE} Based solely on the
attached Zoning Certificate, the Property may be used for
________________________ as a permitted use.]
7. Based solely on (a) our [my] knowledge and (b) the Certification of Borrower,
the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents shall not: (i) cause Borrower to be in
violation of, or constitute a material default under the provisions of, any agreement to
which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower is bound, (ii) conflict with, or result in the
breach of, any court judgment, decree or order of any governmental body to which
Borrower is subject, or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge, or
encumbrance of any nature whatsoever on any of the property or assets of Borrower,
except as specifically contemplated by the Loan Documents.
8. The Security Instrument is in appropriate form for recordation in
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

14

__________________ {INSERT PROPER NAME OF LOCAL LAND RECORDS
OFFICE} of _____________________ {INSERT COUNTY OR CITY} of the Property
Jurisdiction, and is sufficient, as to form, to create the lien and security interest it
purports to create in the Property.
[9. {FOR USE ONLY IF BORROWER IS A TRUST} Borrower is an irrevocable
trust that has a term consistent with Program Obligations (as Program Obligations is
defined in the Instructions to Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel (HUD-91725M-INST)) and
the term of the irrevocable trust is not affected by the terms of any of the beneficiaries'
interests. {INCLUDE ONLY IF THE TRUST WAS FORMED IN A JURISDICTION
OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY JURISDICTION} [The laws of the Property
Jurisdiction govern the interpretation and the enforcement of the Loan Documents
notwithstanding that Borrower may be formed in a jurisdiction other than the Property
Jurisdiction. Borrower can sue and be sued in the Property Jurisdiction without the
necessity of joining any of the beneficiaries of Borrower, including without limitation, a
suit on the Note or a foreclosure proceeding arising under the Security Instrument.
Venue for any foreclosure proceeding under the Security Instrument may be had in the
Property Jurisdiction].
[10. {USE IN CASES INVOLVING TAXABLE OR TAX EXEMPT BOND
FINANCING} [{INSERT WHEN RELYING ON BOND COUNSEL OPINION} Based
solely on the opinion of ____________________ {INSERT BOND COUNSEL}, dated
as of the date hereof and attached hereto as Exhibit ,] to the extent that any of the
provisions of the Source Documents are inconsistent with any of the provisions of the
Primary Loan Documents, the provisions of the Primary Loan Documents shall govern.]]
[11. {USE IN CASES INVOLVING TAX CREDIT FINANCING} [{INSERT WHEN
RELYING ON A TAX CREDIT COUNSEL OPINION} Based solely on the opinion of
____________________ {INSERT TAX CREDIT COUNSEL}, dated as of the date
hereof and attached hereto as Exhibit ,] to the extent that any of the provisions of the
Tax Credit Documents are inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Primary Loan
Documents, the provisions of the Primary Loan Documents shall govern, except
however, to the extent that any of the provisions of the low income housing tax credit
land use restriction agreement (HUD Rider/Amendment to the LIHTC LURA) are
inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Primary Loan Documents, HUD shall be
and remains entitled to enforce the HUD Requirements, but if an apparent conflict
between the HUD Requirements and the Restrictive Covenant arises, the parties and
HUD will work in good faith to determine which federally imposed requirement is
controlling. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this paragraph shall have the
meanings assigned thereto in the HUD Rider/Amendment to the LIHTC LURA.]
[12. {USE IN CASES WHERE THERE IS PUBLIC SECONDARY FINANCING
AND/OR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY IS GOVERNED BY A PUBLIC
ENTITY AGREEMENT} To the extent that any of the provisions of the Public Entity
Agreement (PEA) are inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Primary Loan
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

15

Documents, nothing in the PEA precludes enforcement of the Primary Loan Documents.
Based upon our [my] knowledge and the Certification of Borrower, there is no default
under the PEA, [{ADD THE FOLLOWING WHERE CONSTRUCTION IS INVOLVED}
and construction within the time frame specified in the Construction Contract shall not
lead to a default under the PEA.]]
[13. {USE IN CASES INVOLVING PRIVATE SECONDARY FINANCING} To
the extent that any of the provisions of the Private Secondary Financing Documents are
inconsistent with any of the provisions of the Primary Loan Documents, the provisions of
the Primary Loan Documents shall govern.]
[14. {INSERT ADDITIONAL OPINIONS REQUIRED UNDER STATE LAW OR
PROGRAM OBLIGATIONS}]
SECTION IV: CONFIRMATIONS
We [I] confirm that:
(a)
Based on the Organizational Documents, the name of Borrower in each of
the Documents, Title Policy, and FHA Commitment is the correct legal name of the
Borrower.
(b)
The legal description of the Property is consistent in the Documents
wherein it appears and in Exhibit B hereto.
(c)
Except as provided in paragraph (d), [I do not have] [neither the attorneys
who devoted substantive attention to this transaction nor, to our knowledge, any of the
other attorneys in our firm, has] any financial interest in the Project, the Property, or the
Loan, other than fees for legal services performed by [me] [us], arrangements for the
payment of which have been made; and we [I] agree not to assert a claim or lien against
the Project, the Property, Borrower, the Loan proceeds or income of the Project.
(d)
Other than as counsel to Borrower, and as a direct or indirect owner of
interests in public companies, [I do not have] [neither the attorneys who devoted
substantive attention to this transaction nor, to our knowledge, any of the other
attorneys in our firm, has] any interest in Borrower (or any Controlling Participant (as
defined in 24 CFR 200.212) thereof) or Lender or any other party involved in the Loan
transaction and do not serve as a director, officer or an employee of Borrower or
Lender. None of the other attorneys in our firm has any interest in the subject matters
of this Opinion [except _________ {FULLY DESCRIBE ANY INTEREST}, which
interest has been previously disclosed to and approved in writing by HUD, and the
issuance of this Opinion is not prohibited by any ethical rules governing the practice of
law in the Property Jurisdiction]. To our [my] knowledge, we [I] do not represent any of
the following parties with respect to the Loan transaction: Lender, any investing lender
or investor in the Loan transaction, any bridge lender involved in the Loan transaction,
Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

16

any lender with a commitment to purchase the Loan or any interest therein or any other
party involved in the Project or the Loan transaction.
(e)
Based upon the Certification of Borrower and to our [my] knowledge, there
are no liens or encumbrances against the Property that are not reflected as exceptions
to coverage in the Title Policy.
(f)
Based upon the Certification of Borrower and to the best of our [my]
knowledge, there are no side-deals (transactions outside the parameters of the
Documents that amend, or are inconsistent with, the terms of said Documents) between
Borrower and any party to the transaction other than as disclosed in the Documents;
(g)
Based solely on (a) our [my] knowledge, (b) the Certification of
Borrower and (c) the Docket Search, there is no litigation or other claim pending before
any court or administrative or other governmental body, or threatened in writing, against
Borrower (or the general partner, managing member, or similar person or entity thereof),
or the Property [, except as identified on Exhibit , List of Litigation].
(h)
This Opinion does not deviate from the standard Opinion of
Borrower’s Counsel, form HUD-91725M (Rev.
{INSERT DATE OF STANDARD
FORM}), except for such changes as have been identified to and specifically approved
in writing by HUD field counsel. A comparison copy of this Opinion to the standard form
HUD-91725M is attached as Exhibit .

Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M

17

The foregoing confirmations and opinions are for the exclusive reliance of HUD,
[and Lender] OR [Lender and Lender’s counsel], and have been made, presented, and
delivered for the purpose of influencing an official action of HUD in insuring the Loan,
and may be relied upon by HUD.
By:

/s/ _____________________________
_____________________________
Attorney or Law Firm Printed Name
Dated: _____________________________

By:

/s/ _____________________________
_____________________________
Attorney or Law Firm Printed Name
Dated: _____________________________

{ADD ADDITIONAL LINES IF MORE THAN TWO SIGNATORIES}

Previous editions are obsolete

Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel

HUD-91725M