(a) Property improvement loans. (1) The total principal obligation for a property improvement loan shall not exceed the actual cost of the project plus any applicable fees and charges authorized at § 201.25(b), up to the following maximum loan amounts:

(i) Single family property improvement loans—$25,000, except that a loan for a manufactured home that qualifies as real property shall be limited to $17,500.

(ii) Multifamily property improvement loans—$60,000 or an average of $12,000 per dwelling unit, whichever is less.

(iii) Nonresidential property improvement loans—$25,000.

(iv) Manufactured home improvement loans—$7,500.

(v) Historic preservation loans—the lesser of $15,000 per dwelling unit in a residential structure or $45,000 per residential structure.

(vi) Fire safety equipment loans—$50,000.

(2) No property improvement loan shall be approved where the total outstanding balance of all title I property improvement loans on the same property exceeds the maximum loan amount prescribed for that type of loan. If more than one type of property improvement loan is involved, the total outstanding balance of such loans on a particular property shall not exceed the maximum loan amount prescribed for the larger type of loan.

(b) Manufactured home purchase loans. (1) The total principal obligation for a loan to purchase a new manufactured home shall not exceed the sum of the following itemized amounts, up to a maximum set according to an index established by HUD in paragraph (h)(1) of this section and updated through notice which shall establish separate loan limits for single-section homes and multi-section homes:

(i) 130 percent of the sum of the wholesale (base) prices of the home and any itemized options and the charge for freight, as detailed in the manufacturer's invoice;

(ii) The charge for any sales taxes to be paid by the dealer, as detailed in the manufacturer's invoice;

(iii) The actual dealer's cost of transportation to the homesite, set-up and anchoring, including the rental of wheels and axles (if not included in the freight charges);

(iv) The actual dealer's cost of skirting;

(v) The actual dealer's cost of a garage, carport, patio or other comparable appurtenance to the manufactured home, as approved by the Secretary;

(vi) The actual dealer's cost of purchasing and installing a central air conditioning system or heat pump, if not installed by the manufacturer; and

(vii) Any applicable charges authorized at § 201.25(b).

(2) The total principal obligation for a loan to purchase an existing manufactured home shall not exceed the lesser of the following amounts, up to a maximum set according to an index established by HUD in paragraph (h)(1) of this section and updated through notice which shall establish separate loan limits for single-section homes and multi-section homes:

(i) 95 percent of the appraised value of the home as equipped and furnished (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal) and 95 percent of any itemized amounts allowed under paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) through (vii) of this section, if incurred; or

(ii) 95 percent of the purchase price of the home.

(3) The purchase price of a manufactured home financed with a manufactured home purchase loan shall include the retail cost to the borrower of all items set forth in the purchase contract, including any applicable charges authorized under § 201.25(b).

(c) Manufactured home lot loans. The total principal obligation for a loan to purchase and, if necessary, develop a lot suitable for a manufactured home, including on-site water and utility connections, sanitary facilities, site improvements and landscaping, shall not exceed 95 percent of either the appraised value of the developed lot (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal) or the total of the purchase price and development costs, whichever is less, up to a maximum of $16,200.

(d) Combination loans.

(1) The total principal obligation for a loan to purchase a new manufactured home and a lot on which to place the home shall not exceed the sum of the following itemized amounts, up to a maximum set according to an index established by HUD in paragraph (h)(3) of this section and updated through notice which shall establish separate loan limits for single-section homes and multi-section homes:

(i) 130 percent of the sum of the wholesale (base) prices of the home and any itemized options and the charge for freight, as detailed in the manufacturer's invoice;

(ii) The charge for any sales taxes to be paid by the dealer, as detailed in the manufacturer's invoice;

(iii) The actual dealer's cost of transportation to the homesite, set-up and anchoring, including the rental of wheels and axles (if not included in the freight charge);

(iv) The actual dealer's cost of purchasing and installing a central air conditioning system or heat pump, if not installed by the manufacturer;

(v) The appraised value of the developed manufactured home lot (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal, including on-site water and utility connections, sanitary facilities, site improvements and landscaping) or the purchase price, whichever is less;

(vi) The actual dealer's cost of appurtenances to the home such as a permanent foundation, garage, carport or patio; and

(vii) Any applicable charges authorized at § 201.25(b).

(2) The total principal obligation for a Combination Loan, to purchase an existing manufactured home and lot, shall not exceed the lesser of the following amounts, up to a maximum set according to an index established by HUD in paragraph (h)(3) of this section and updated through notice which shall establish separate loan limits for single-section homes and multi-section homes:

(i) 95 percent of the total appraised value of the home, the lot, and any appurtenances (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal), plus 95 percent of any applicable charges authorized at § 201.25(b); or

(ii) 95 percent of the purchase price of the home, the lot, and any appurtenances.

(3) The purchase price of a manufactured home and a lot financed with a combination loan shall include the retail cost to the borrower of all items set forth in the purchase contract or contracts, including any applicable charges authorized under § 201.25(b).

(e) Manufactured home loan limits in high-cost areas. (1) The maximum loan amounts otherwise applicable under paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section may be increased by an amount not to exceed 40 percent where the manufactured home and/or lot is purchased and located in Alaska, Guam or Hawaii.

(2) The maximum loan amounts otherwise applicable under paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section may be increased for any geographical area except Alaska, Guam or Hawaii to the extent deemed necessary by the Secretary; however, any increased loan amount may not exceed the lesser of (i) 185 percent of the dollar amounts specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section; or (ii) the dollar amounts specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, as increased by the same percentage by which 95 percent of the median 1-family house price in the area (as determined by the Secretary for purposes of § 203.18) exceeds $67,500.

(f) Loan refinancing. (1) The total principal obligation of a loan made to refinance a borrower's existing insured property improvement loan shall not exceed the maximum loan amount permitted under this section for the particular type of loan, provided that any amount in excess of the cost to the borrower of prepaying the existing loan shall be made available only to finance additional property improvements meeting the requirements of this part.

(2) The total principal obligation of a loan made to refinance a borrower's existing insured manufactured home loan shall not exceed the lesser of the cost to the borrower of prepaying the existing loan or the maximum loan amount permitted under this section for the particular type of loan.

(3) The total principal obligation of a loan made to refinance a borrower's existing uninsured manufactured home loan shall not exceed the cost to the borrower of prepaying the existing loan or the appraised value of the property (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal), whichever is less, up to the maximum loan amount permitted under this section for the particular type of loan.

(4) When a borrower's existing manufactured home lot is being refinanced in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home, the total principal obligation of the combination loan shall be determined in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section.

(5) When a borrower's existing manufactured home is being refinanced in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home lot, the total principal obligation of the combination loan shall not exceed the lesser of the following amounts, up to a maximum of $64,800:

(i) The cost to the borrower of prepaying any existing loan on the home, plus the purchase price of the lot; or

(ii) The appraised value of the home and lot (as determined by a HUD-approved appraisal).

(g) Minimum loan amount. A lender may not require, as a condition of providing a loan insured under this part, that the principal amount of the loan exceed a minimum amount established by the lender.

(h) Annual Adjustments. HUD shall adjust the following loan limits annually through notice:

(1) In paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, the single-section manufactured home loan limit shall be adjusted to reflect changes in single-section manufactured home sales prices and the multi-section manufactured home loan limit shall be increased to reflect changes in double-section manufactured home sales prices, according to data published by the Census Bureau, except that the loan limits shall not be lowered.

(2) In paragraph (c) of this section, the manufactured home lot loan limit shall be increased to reflect changes in single-family home sales prices according to data published by the Census Bureau, except that the loan limit shall not be lowered.

(3) In paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section, the combination manufactured home and lot loan limits shall be increased to be the sum of the applicable loan limit for the manufactured home loan in paragraph (b)(1) and the lot loan limit in paragraph (c) of this section, except that the loan limit shall not be lowered.

(a) Property improvement loans. The term of a property improvement loan shall be not less than six months and not more than 20 years and 32 days from the date of the loan, except that:

(1) The maximum term for a single family property improvement loan on a manufactured home that qualifies as real property shall not exceed 15 years and 32 days from the date of the loan;

(2) The maximum term for a manufactured home improvement loan shall not exceed 12 years and 32 days from the date of the loan; and

(3) The maximum term for an historic preservation loan shall not exceed 15 years and 32 days from the date of the loan.

(b) Manufactured home loans. The term of a manufactured home loan shall be not less than six months and not more than 20 years and 32 days from the date of the loan, except that:

(1) The maximum term for a manufactured home lot loan shall not exceed 15 years and 32 days from the date of the loan; and

(2) The maximum term for a multi-module manufactured home and lot in combination shall not exceed 25 years and 32 days from the date of the loan.

(c) Loan refinancing. A loan to be refinanced under this part may be refinanced for an extended period.

(1) The term of a loan to refinance a borrower's existing insured property improvement or manufactured home loan shall not exceed the maximum term permitted under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section for the particular type of loan. In addition, the total time period from the date of the original loan to the final maturity of the refinanced loan shall not exceed:

(i) In the case of a property improvement loan, the maximum term permitted under paragraph (a) of this section plus 9 years and 11 months; and

(ii) In the case of manufactured home loan, the maximum term permitted under paragraph (b) of this section plus 4 years and 11 months.

(2) The term of a loan made to refinance a borrower's existing uninsured manufactured home loan shall not exceed the maximum term permitted under paragraph (b) of this section for the particular type of loan.

(3) When a borrower's existing manufactured home lot is being refinanced in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home, the term of the combination loan shall not exceed the maximum term permitted under paragraph (b) of this section for the particular type of loan.

(4) When a borrower's existing manufactured home is being refinanced in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home lot, the term of the combination loan shall not exceed the maximum term permitted under paragraph (b) of this section for the particular type of loan.

The note shall bear the genuine signature of each borrower and of any co-maker or co-signer, be valid and enforceable against the borrower and any co-maker or co-signer, and be complete and regular on its face. The borrower and any co-maker or co-signer shall execute the note for the full amount of the loan obligation. Although the note may be executed by the borrower on an earlier date, the date of the loan shall be the date that the loan proceeds are disbursed by the lender. Such date shall be entered on the note when disbursement occurs. The note shall separately recite the principal amount and any interest at an agreed annual rate that comprises the borrower's payment obligation. The lender shall assure that the note and all other documents evidencing the loan transaction are in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws. If the note is executed on behalf of a corporation, partnership, or trust by an authorized representative, it shall create a binding obligation on such entity.

The interest rate for any loan shall be negotiated and agreed to by the borrower and the lender, and such interest rate shall be fixed for the full term of the loan and recited in the note. Interest on the loan shall accrue from the date of the loan, and shall be calculated on a simple interest basis. The lender and the borrower may negotiate the amount of discount points, if any, to be paid by the borrower as part of the borrower's initial payment. The lender shall not require or allow any party other than the borrower to pay any discount points or other financing charges in connection with the loan transaction.

The note normally shall provide for equal installment payments due weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly or monthly. The note may provide for either or both of the first and final payments to vary in amount but not to exceed 1 1/2 times the regular installment. Where the borrower has an irregular flow of income, the note may be payable at quarterly or semi-annual intervals corresponding with the borrower's flow of income. The first scheduled payment after the borrower's initial payment shall be due no later than two months from the date of the loan. Multiple payment schedules may not be used in connection with any loan.

(a) Imposition of late charge. The note may provide for imposition of a late charge unless precluded by State law. The late charge may be imposed only for installments of principal and interest which are in arrears for the greater of 15 calendar days or the number of days required by applicable State law before such a charge may be imposed. Late charges must be billed to the borrower or reflected in the payment coupon, and evidence of any late charges that have been paid must be in the loan file if an insurance claim is made.

(b) Amount of late charge. The late charge shall not exceed the lesser of five percent of each installment of principal and interest, up to a maximum of $10 per installment for any property improvement loan and $15 per installment for any manufactured home loan, or the maximum amount permitted by applicable State law.

(c) Method of payment. Payment of any late charge cannot be deducted from the monthly payment for principal and interest, but must be an additional charge to the borrower.

(d) Daily interest in lieu of late charges. In lieu of late charges, the note may provide for interest to accrue on installments in arrears on a daily basis at the interest rate in the note.

The loan note shall contain a provision for acceleration of maturity, at the option of the holder, upon a default by the borrower.

The note shall contain a provision permitting full or partial prepayment of the loan without penalty, except that the borrower may be assessed reasonable and customary charges for recording a release of the lender's security interest in the property, if permitted by State law.

(a) Modification agreement or repayment plan. A written but unrecorded modification agreement acceptable to the lender and executed by the borrower may be used in lieu of refinancing of a delinquent or defaulted loan to reduce or increase the monthly payment, but not to increase the term or the interest rate, so as to assure that the delinquent or defaulted loan is brought current before or by the end of the loan term. A modification agreement may also be used in lieu of refinancing in connection with a loan that is current to effect a reduction in the interest rate, and in the monthly payment, for the remainder of the loan term. When a modification agreement is used, no insurance reporting is required under § 201.30.

(b) Repayment plan. The lender may elect to negotiate an informal repayment plan with the borrower to enable a temporary delinquency to be cured within a short period of time. The lender may document the terms of the repayment plan by sending a letter to the borrower reciting the terms of their agreement. When a repayment plan is used, no insurance reporting is required under § 201.30.

(a) Conditions on refinancing. (1) An existing insured property improvement loan or manufactured home loan may be refinanced without an advance of funds only under the following conditions:

(i) A loan that is in default may not be refinanced for an amount greater than the original principal balance of the loan;

(ii) The refinancing of a loan for the original borrower shall be subject to all of the requirements of this part, except §§ 201.20(b) and (c), 201.21(b) through (e), 201.22, 201.23, and 201.26;

(iii) If there are co-makers or co-signers on the original note, the lender shall require the same co-makers or co-signers on the refinanced note, unless the lender obtains the Secretary's approval to release a co-maker or co-signer from liability under the note in accordance with § 201.24(e); and

(iv) A loan that was assumed in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section may be refinanced, subject to all of the requirements of this part except §§ 201.20(b) and (c), 201.21(b) through (e), 201.22, 201.23, and 201.26, as long as the original borrower and any intervening assumptors were released from liability for repayment of the loan at the time the loan was assumed. A lender may not refinance a previously assumed loan under any other circumstances, unless the requirements of § 201.22 are also met and the Secretary has approved a release of the original borrower and any intervening assumptors in accordance with § 201.24(e).

(2) An existing insured property improvement loan may be refinanced with an advance of funds for additional improvements only under the following conditions:

(i) The existing insured loan must not be in default; and

(ii) The refinancing shall be subject to all of the requirements of this part applicable to the particular type of loan and to the additional improvements being financed.

(3) An existing uninsured manufactured home loan may be refinanced only for the original borrower and only under the following conditions:

(i) The existing uninsured loan must not be in default;

(ii) Refinancing of an existing uninsured manufactured home purchase loan or combination loan shall be subject to all the requirements of this part applicable to the particular type of loan except §§ 201.23 and 201.26(b)(4);

(iii) Refinancing of an existing uninsured manufactured home lot loan in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home shall be subject to all of the requirements of this part; and

(iv) Refinancing of an existing uninsured manufactured home purchase loan in connection with the purchase of a manufactured home lot shall be subject to all of the requirements of this part except § 201.26(b)(4).

(b) Note and security requirements for refinanced loans. (1) Refinancing of a loan requires the execution of a new note and cancellation of the old note.

(2) Refinancing of a loan that was secured when originated, regardless of the principal balance of the note at the time of refinancing, is required to be secured.

(3) Refinancing of a loan that was not secured when originated is not required to be secured if no additional funds are advanced.

(4) When a refinanced loan is secured, the lender shall obtain and record a new security instrument in accordance with § 201.24 and shall release the original lien, unless State law permits a renewal and extension of the original lien.

(5) Copies of all documents pertaining to the original loan must be retained in the loan file for the refinanced loan.

(c) Assumed loans. (1) At the option of the lender, an existing insured property improvement loan or manufactured home loan may be assumed, subject to the following conditions:

(i) A determination by the lender that the assumptor is eligible under § 201.20(a) or 201.21(a) and meets the requirements of § 201.22; and

(ii) The execution of an assumption agreement that is satisfactory to the lender and is signed by the assumptor and the original borrower or previous assumptor at the time of assumption.

(2) The lender shall not permit an assumption under any circumstances other than those contained in this section, and shall include appropriate provisions in any note or security agreement to enforce this requirement.

(3) Prior to the execution of the assumption agreement, the lender shall provide the assumptor with a written notice, to be signed by the assumptor and retained in the loan file, that:

(i) States that the loan being assumed is insured by HUD, and describes the actions the Secretary may take to recover the debt if the assumptor defaults on the loan and an insurance claim is paid; and

(ii) Constitutes the assumptor's agreement to pay penalties and administrative costs imposed by HUD as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 3717.

(4) If the other requirements of paragraph (c) of this section are met, the lender at its option may release the original borrower and any intervening assumptors from liability for the repayment of a loan obligation insured under this part. The prior approval of the Secretary under § 201.24(e) is not required. The lender shall retain documentation of the release in the loan file.