7 CFR Part 1951 — Servicing and Collections

PART 1951—SERVICING AND COLLECTIONS Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C 1932 note; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 31 U.S.C. 3716; 42 U.S.C. 1480. Editorial Notes: 1. Some of the exhibits referenced in this part 1951 are not published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Exhibits are available in any Rural Development office. 2. Nomenclature changes to part 1951 appear at 80 FR 9890-9894, Feb. 24, 2015. Subpart A—Account Servicing Policies Source: 50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.1 Purpose. This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures to use in servicingaccounts. This subpart also applies to Rural Rental Housing Loan (RRH), Rural Cooperative Housing Loan (RCH), Labor Housing Loan (LH), Rural Housing Site Loan (RHS), and Site Option Loan (SO) accounts not covered under the Predetermined Amortization Schedule System (PASS). Loans on PASS will be administered under 7 CFR part 3560, subpart I. Cases involving unauthorized assistance will be serviced under Subparts L and N of this part. Cases involving graduation of borrowers to other sources of credit will be serviced under Subpart F of this part. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, or Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title. In addition, this subpart is inapplicable to Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Programs. [52 FR 26134, July 13, 1987, as amended at 69 FR 69105, Nov. 26, 2004; 72 FR 55017, Sept. 28, 2007; 72 FR 64122, Nov. 15, 2007] § 1951.2 Policy. Borrowers are expected to pay their debts to the Agency in accordance with their agreements and ability to pay. They will be encouraged to pay ahead of schedule, consistent with sound financial management. When borrowers have acted in good faith and have exercised due diligence in an effort to pay their indebtedness but cannot pay on schedule because of circumstances beyond their control, servicing actions will be consistent with the best interests of the borrower and the Government. It is the policy of this agency to service borrower loan account without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap (borrower must possess the capacity to enter into a legal contract for services). § 1951.3 Authorities and responsibilities. County Supervisors and District Directors are responsible for servicing all Agency accounts serviced by the County and District Offices as prescribed by this subpart under the general guidance and supervision of District Directors and State Office personnel. Full use will be made of the County Office Management System in account servicing. For the purposes of this Subpart, all references to “County Supervisor” shall be construed to mean “District Director” for all loans serviced by the District Office. §§ 1951.4-1951.6 [Reserved] § 1951.7 Accounts of borrowers. (a) Accounts of active borrowers. (b) Accounts of collection-only borrowers. (2) Envelopes addressed to collection-only borrowers will bear the legend “DO NOT FORWARD.” When an envelope is returned indicating the borrower has moved, appropriate steps will be taken to determine the borrower's correct address. (3) Regular County Office employees are generally expected to service the collection-only caseload when it is of moderate size. State Directors may assign additional employees to County Offices having large collection-only caseloads when necessary to service such cases to a prompt conclusion. State Directors may inform the National Office of the need for employing special collection personnel in urban areas having large collection-only caseloads when employees are not available to assign to such areas. (4) The following actions will be taken in servicing accounts owed by collection-only borrowers: (i) District Directors will review, yearly, all collection-only cases in each County Office with the County Supervisor as early in each (ii) District Directors will establish with County Supervisors a systematic plan for collecting the accounts or initiating appropriate debt settlement actions during the year. (iii) County Supervisors will include in their monthly calendars plans for servicing these accounts. (iv) On visits to County Offices, District Directors will review the progress being made by County Supervisors to insure that goals will be reached. (v) For collection-only accounts in District Offices, the State Director will review the accounts as required in paragraphs (b)(4)(i) through (b)(4)(iv) of this section and the District Director will service the account. (c) Notifying borrowers of payments. (d) Subsequent servicing. (2) When a borrower other than a Farmer Program borrower fails to make a payment as agreed, the County Supervisor will contact the borrower to discuss the reasons why the payment was not made and to develop specific plans, for making the payment. Form RD, “Notice of Payment Due,” may be used to notify borrowers who make payments directly to the Finance Office that their payment has not been received. Form RD 450-13, “Request for Assignment of Income From Trust Property,” may be used when other methods of loan collection fail and debt repayment is possible from trust income. In the event the borrower refuses to make the payment when income is available, or if it is determined that income will not be available to make the payment within a reasonable length of time and will not be available to make future payments, action will be taken to protect the Government's interest in accordance with applicable regulations. Followup actions of subsequent servicing will be noted on appropriate Management System Cards. (e) Maintaining records of accounts in County Offices. (f) Inquiry for Multiple Family Housing (MFH) loans. (g) Inquiry for other than Multiple Family Housing (MFH) loans. (h) Loan Summary Statements. (1) The loan summary statement period is from January 1 through December 31. The Finance Office forwards a copy of Form RD 1951-9, “Annual Statement of Loan Account,” to field offices to be retained in borrower files as a permanent record of borrower activity for the year. (2) Quarterly Forms RD 1951-9 are retained in the Finance Office on microfiche. These quarterly statements reflect cumulative data from the beginning of the current year through the end of the most recent quarter. If a borrower requests a loan summary statement with data through the most recent quarter, county supervisors may request copies of these quarterly or annual statements by sending Form RD 1951-57, “Request for Loan Summary Statement,” to the Finance Office. (3) When a loan summary statement is requested by the borrower, the field office will copy the applicable annual or quarterly Forms RD 1951-9. A copy(ies) of Form RD 1951-9 and a copy of the promissory note showing borrower installments will constitute the loan summary statement provided to the borrower. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 52 FR 11457, Apr. 9, 1987; 53 FR 35716, Sept. 14, 1988; 54 FR 10269, Mar. 13, 1989] § 1951.8 Types of payments. (a) Regular payments. (b) Extra payments. (1) Sale of chattels other than chattels which will be sold to produce farm income or real estate security, including rental or lease of real estate security of a depreciating or depleting nature. (2) Refinancing of the real estate debt. (3) Cash proceeds of real property insurance as provided in subpart A of part 1806 of this chapter (RD Instruction 426.1). (4) A sale of real estate not mortgaged to the Government, pursuant to a condition of loan approval. (5) Agricultural Conservation Program payments as provided in subpart A of part 1941 of this chapter. (6) Transactions of a similar nature which reduce the value of security other than chattels which will be sold to produce farm income. (c) Refunds. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 4137, Feb. 3, 1986; 53 FR 35717, Sept. 14, 1988; 58 FR 52646, Oct. 12, 1993] § 1951.9 Distribution of payments when a borrower owes more than one type of Agency loan. “Distribution” means dividing a payment into parts according to the rules set out in this section. This section only applies after the County Supervisor determines the amount of proceeds that will be released for other purposes in accordance with the annual plan (Form RD 431-2, “Farm and Home Plan”) and Form RD 1962-1, “Agreement for the Use of Proceeds/Release of Chattel Security.” (a) Distribution of regular payments. each crop year's income (i) First, (ii) Second, plus (iii) Third, plus plus (iv) Fourth, (2) When the County Supervisor determines it is reasonable to expect that the income which will be available for payment on Agency debts will be sufficient to pay the installments scheduled for the year under the first and second priorities, collections may be distributed so as to avoid unnecessary delinquencies, and regular payments derived from rental or lease of real estate security after approval of foreclosure or voluntary conveyance will be distributed to the real estate lien of the highest priority. (3) Payments will be distributed differently than the priorities provided in this section if accounts are out of balance or a different distribution is needed to protect the government's interest. (4) Any income received from the sale of softwood timber on marginal land converted to the production of softwood timber must be applied on the ST loan(s). (b) Distribution of extra payments. (c) Application of payments. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 52 FR 26134, July 13, 1987; 53 FR 35717, Sept. 14, 1988] § 1951.10 Application of payments on production type loan accounts. Employees receiving payments on OL, EO, SW codes “24,” EM for subtitle B purposes, EE operating-type, and other production-type loan accounts will select, in accordance with the provisions of this section, the account(s) to which such payment will be applied. All payments on OL and EM loans approved on or before December 31, 1971, will be credited first to any administrative costs, then to noncapitalized interest, then to the amount of accrued deferred interest, and then to principal. All payments on all other loans including OL and EM loans approved after December 31, 1971, will be credited first to any administrative costs, then to noncapitalized interest, then to the amount of accrued deferred interest, then to interest accrued to the date of the payment and then to principal, in accordance with the terms of the note. This section only applies after the County Supervisor determines the amount of proceeds that will be released for other purposes in accordance with the annual plan (Form RD 431-2) and Form RD 1962-1. (a) Rules for selection of accounts. (1) Payments from farm income or from assignments of income will be applied first to accounts with small balances, including recoverable costs, to remove such accounts from the records. Any balance will be applied on debts secured by the lien in the following order: (i) To amounts due or falling due on loans made in connection with the current year's operations, except: (A) When funds loaned for the purchase of capital goods were used to meet the current year's operating expenses, payments will be applied first to the final unpaid installments to the extent of the loan funds so used. These payments will be treated as extra payments. (B) When installments on loans previously made fall due before the installment on the loan for the current year's operations or when such loans are delinquent and it is anticipated that sufficient income will be received to meet the installment on the current year's operations when due, collections may be applied first to installments on loans made in previous years. (ii) To accounts having the oldest delinquencies, or if no delinquencies, to the oldest unpaid account, except that the amount available for payment on OL and EM loan accounts will be prorated between the two accounts on the basis of: (A) The delinquent amount owed on each, or (B) The total amount owed on each if there are no delinquencies. (2) Non-farm income and payments derived from the sale of real estate security, will be applied to the earliest account secured by the earliest lien covering such security. The amount to be applied to principal will be applied to the final unpaid installment(s). (3) On partial refunds of loan advances, the amount to be applied to the principal will be applied to the final unpaid installment on the note which evidences such advance; however, a refund of an advance for current farm and home expenses repayable within the year may be applied to the principal on the first unpaid installment on such note as a regular payment. (4) Total refunds of loan advances will be applied to the notes which evidence such advances. (5) In applying payments from sources other than those in paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) of this section the borrower has the right to select the loan account or accounts on which such payments will be applied. In the absence of the borrower's selection, such payments generally will be applied in the following order: (i) To accounts with small balances, including recoverable costs. (ii) To accounts with the oldest unsecured note(s). (iii) To accounts with the oldest delinquencies. (iv) To accounts with the oldest secured note or notes. (6) Employees receiving collections are authorized to make exceptions to paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and (6) of this section when it is necessary to apply a part of a payment to delinquent accounts to prevent the Federal Statute of Limitations from being asserted as a defense in suits on Agency claims. (b) Payments in full. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 53 FR 35717, Sept. 14, 1988; 54 FR 46844, Nov. 8, 1989; 57 FR 18680, Apr. 30, 1992] § 1951.11 Application of payments on real estate accounts. (a) Regular payments. (b) Refunds and extra payments. (2) Extra payments will be applied to the note secured by the earliest mortgage on the property from which the extra payment was obtained. (3) Funds remaining from an RH grant or a combination loan and grant, after completion of development, will be refunded. If the borrower received a combination loan and grant, the remaining funds up to the amount of the grant are considered to be grant funds. (c) County Office actions. (2) The collection official will complete Form RD, “Schedule of Remittances,” in accordance with the FMI. (d) Finance Office handling. (i) Payments will be applied first to satisfy any administrative costs such as a charge for an uncollectible check. (The amounts of any such charges are available from any Rural Development office.) (ii) Amounts paid on direct loan accounts will be credited to the borrower's account as of the date of Form RD 451-2 or for direct payments the date payment is received in the Finance Office, and will be applied first to a portion of any interest which accrues during the deferral period, second to interest accrued to the date received and third to principal, in accordance with the terms of the note. (iii) Amounts paid on insured loan accounts will be credited to the borrower's account as of the date of Form RD 451-2 or for direct payments the date payment is received in the Finance Office, and will be applied in the following order: (A) Advances from the insurance funds as shown on the latest Form RD 389-404, (B) Principal advanced from the insurance fund. (C) Unamortized costs. (D) Amount due for amortized costs for taxes and insurance. (E) Unpaid loan insurance charges, including the current year's charge, when applicable. (F) First to a portion of any interest which accrues during the deferral period, second to accrued interest to the date of the payment on the note account and then to the principal balance of the note account in accordance with the terms of the note. (2) Extra payments and refunds will be credited to the borrower's note account as of the date of Form RD 451-2 and will be applied first to a portion of any interest which accrues during the deferral period, second to interest accrued to the date of the receipt and third to principal in accordance with the terms of the note. The amount to be applied to principal will be applied to the final unpaid installment(s). Extra payments and refunds will not affect the schedule status of a borrower except indirectly in connection with the amortization of a direct loan. (3) The Finance Office will remit final payments promptly to lenders. Other collections (regular, extra, and refunds) applied to a borrower's insured note will be accumulated until the annual installment due date, and will be remitted along with any advances from the insurance fund to the lender within 30 days after the installment due date. All payments to a lender will be credited first to interest to the date of the Treasury check and then to principal. Since the application of a payment to a borrower's account with the Government and the Government's account with a lender is of a different effective date, the balance owed by a borrower to the government and by the Government to a lender ordinarily will not be the same. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 46845, Nov. 8, 1989] § 1951.12 Changes in the application of loan payments. (a) Authority to change payments. (b) Form RD 1951-7, “Request for Change in Application.” Requests for changes in application of payments will be made on Form RD 1951-7. For requests which County Supervisors or Assistant County Supervisors are authorized to approve, the County Supervisor or Assistant County Supervisor will sign the original of Form RD 1951-7 and forward it to the Finance Office. The Finance Office will send Form RD 451-26 to the County Office when the change is made on Finance Office records. (c) Changes by the Finance Office in application of remittances. (2) When necessary, the Finance Office will correct Form RD 451-2 as prepared by the County Office. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 54 FR 18883, May 3, 1989] § 1951.13 Overpayments and refunds. (a) The Finance Office will mail any overpayment refund check to the County Supervisor, who will verify that the refund is due before delivering the check. (b) Borrower requests for overpayment refunds must be in writing. Borrowers will be discouraged from requesting refunds when the County Office records show that a refund is not due, however, the County Supervisor will forward any request to the Finance Office. Finance Office computations will control in determining the amount of any refund. (c) Underpayments or overpayments of less than $10 will not be collected or refunded (except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section) since the expense of processing the action would be more than the amount involved. § 1951.14 Recoverable and nonrecoverable cost charges. (a) The County Supervisor will: (1) Prepare vouchers for recoverable and nonrecoverable cost charges according to the applicable instruction for the type of advance being made. (“Recoverable costs” is defined in § 1951.10(a) of this subpart). (2) If a recoverable cost, show on the voucher the fund code to which the advance is to be charged. (3) If the cost item relates to security for more than one type of account, show the code for the loan secured by the earliest promissory note (if lien secures more than one note). (b) The Finance Office will forward Form RD 451-26, to the County Office when the recoverable cost charge is processed. § 1951.15 Return of paid-in-full or satisfied notes to borrower. (a) Notes not held in County Office. (b) Return of notes after collection. (1) When the final payment is made in a form other than currency and coin, Treasury check, cashier's check, certified check, Postal or bank money order, bank draft, or a check issued by a responsible lending institution or a responsible title insurance or title and trust company, the note or notes will not be surrendered until 30 days after the date of final payment, and (2) When notes are needed in making marginal releases or satisfactions or security instruments, the notes will be held until the instruments are satisfied. (c) Surrender of notes to effect collection. (2) The amount due on the note(s) to be surrendered will be confirmed with the Finance Office. County Supervisors will request the original note(s) from the Finance Office if it is not in the County Office. (d) Return of notes reduced to judgment. (e) Debt settlement case. (f) Lost notes. (2) If a promissory note is lost in the County Office and it is needed for servicing a case, the State Director may authorize the County Supervisor to execute an appropriate affidavit regarding the lost note. The form of such an affidavit will be provided by OGC. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 45432, Dec. 18, 1986; 53 FR 13100, Apr. 21, 1988; 56 FR 10147, Mar. 11, 1991] § 1951.16 Other servicing actions on real estate type loan accounts. (a) Installment on note and other charges Direct loan accounts. (i) Annual installment for the year as provided in the promissory note(s). (ii) Any recoverable cost charges paid for the borrower during the year. (“Recoverable costs” is defined in § 1951.10(a) of this Subpart.) (2) Insured loan accounts. (i) Annual installment for the year as provided in the promissory note. (ii) Amounts owed the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund. These amounts are covered by the general term “Insurance Account” and consist of the following: (A) Unpaid loan insurance charges from prior years. (B) Loan insurance charge for the current year. The loan insurance charge is computed on the basis of the amount of the unpaid principal obligation as of the installment due date and is due and payable on or before the next installment due date. (C) Any unpaid balance on advances from the insurance fund, including any recoverable cost charges paid for the borrower during the year. (D) Any accrued interest on advances from the insurance fund. (iii) The amounts owned on the insurance account must be paid by regular payments each year whether or not the note account is ahead of schedule. (b) Schedule status. (c) Real estate payments. §§ 1951.17-1951.24 [Reserved] § 1951.25 Review of limited resource FO, OL, and SW loans. (a) Frequency of reviews. (b) Method of review. (2) The County Supervisor should consider: (i) The borrower's income and repayment record during the preceding years; (ii) The projections shown on the most recent Farm and Home Plan or other similar plan or operation acceptable to RD, in light of the previous year's projected figures and actual figures; (See subpart B of part 1924 of this chapter) (iii) Whether improved production practices have been or need to be implemented; (iv) The borrower's progress as a farmer; and (v) All other factors which the County Supervisor believes should be considered. (3) The Farm and Home Plan projections for the coming year must show that the “balance available to pay debts” exceeds the amount needed to pay debts by at least 10 percent before an increase in interest rate is put into effect. Borrowers that continually purchase unplanned items without the County Supervisor's approval will have the interest rate on their loans increased to the current rate for that loan type. Borrowers that fail to provide the County Supervisor with the information needed to conduct the analysis required in subpart B of part 1924 of this chapter will have their interest rate on their loan increased to the current rate for the OL, FO, or SW loan as applicable. The rate may increase in increments of whole numbers to the current regular interest rate for borrowers. In the borrower's case file, the County Supervisor must document the unplanned purchases and the failure to provide information in a timely manner. The County Supervisor must write the borrower a letter which sets out the facts documented in the case file and advises the borrower that the interest rate will be increased unless the unplanned purchases cease or unless the borrower provides information in a timely manner. Whenever it appears that the borrower has a substantial increase in income and repayment ability or ceases farming, either the interest rate may be increased to the current rate for FO, OL or SW loans, as applicable, or the borrower will be graduated from the program as provided in subpart F of this part. (4) The County Office will be responsible for scheduling and completing the reviews. (5) Borrowers who have received a deferral under Subpart S of this part will not have the interest rate increased on their limited resource loans during the deferral period. (c) Processing. (2) When the interest rate is increased to the current rate, the loan will be recorded as a regular loan and will no longer be considered a limited resource loan. The borrower must be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the date of the change. Exhibit B of this subpart may be used as a guide. The effective date of the change in interest rate will be the effective date on Exhibit B. The borrower must be informed of the following for each loan: (i) The authorization for the change, (ii) Reason for change (repayment ability, etc.), (iii) The effective date and rate of the increase in interest, (iv) Amount of the new installments and dates due, (v) Right to appeal. (3) It is not necessary to obtain a new promissory note for this change in interest rate. [50 FR 45764, Nov. 1, 1985, as amended at 53 FR 35717, Sept. 14, 1988; 56 FR 3395, Jan. 30, 1991; 58 FR 15074, Mar. 19, 1993] §§ 1951.26-1951.49 [Reserved] § 1951.50 OMB control number. The collection of information requirements in Subpart A of part 1951 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned OMB control number 0575-0075. [52 FR 26137, July 13, 1987] Exhibit A to Subpart A of Part 1951—Notice to Agency Borrowers Agency borrowers with community program loan types made under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may request a loan summary statement which shows the calendar year account activity for each loan. Interested borrowers may request these statements through their local Rural Development office. [80 FR 9891, Feb. 24, 2015] Exhibit B to Subpart A of Part 1951—Notice of Change in Interest Rate (insert date) Notice of Change in Interest Rate (insert borrower's address) Re: □ □ Fund code □ □ Loan number □ □ Kind code Dear ( insert borrower's name and case number Effective (insert date) the interest rate on this loan will be ____ percent ( %) on the unpaid principal balance. Your installment due January 1, 19 , will be ______ dollars ($______). This change in interest rate is for the reason indicated below. □ Increase in repayment ability as per Farm and Home Plan dated ______. □ ( insert reason if other than above for increase in interest rate You may appeal this action by writing to ( hearing officer address [56 FR 3396, Jan. 30, 1991] Subparts B-C [Reserved] Subpart D—Final Payment on Loans Source: 57 FR 774, Jan. 9, 1992, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.151 Purpose. This subpart prescribes authorizations, policies, and procedures of theRural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), herein referred to as “Agency,” for processing final payment on all loans. This subpart does not apply to Direct Single Family Housing customers or to the Rural Rental Housing, Rural Cooperative Housing, or Farm Labor Housing Program of the RHS. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title. In addition, this subpart is inapplicable to Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Programs. [72 FR 55018, Sept. 28, 2007, as amended at 72 FR 64123, Nov. 15, 2007] § 1951.152 Definition. As used in this subpart: Mortgage. § 1951.153 Chattel security or note-only cases. (a) If a loan secured by both real estate and chattels is paid in full, the chattel security instrument will be satisfied or released in accordance with subpart A of part 1962 of this chapter. (b) When a loan is evidenced by only a note and the note is paid in full, RD will deliver the note to the borrower in the manner prescribed in § 1951.155(c) of this subpart. § 1951.154 Satisfaction and release of documents. (a) Authorization. (1) Upon receipt of payment in full of all amounts owed to the Government including any amounts owed to the loan insurance account, subsidy recapture amounts, all loan advances and/or other charges to the borrower's account; (2) Upon verification that the amount of payment received is sufficient to pay the full amount owed by the borrower; or (3) When a compromise or adjustment offer has been accepted and approved by the appropriate Government official in full settlement of the account and all required funds have been paid. (b) [Reserved] (c) Lost note. § 1951.155 County and/or District Office actions. (a) Funds remaining in supervised bank accounts. (b) Determining amount to be collected. (c) Delivery of satisfaction, notes, and other documents. (1) If RD receives final payments in a form other than cash, U.S. Treasury check, cashier's check, certified check, money order, bank draft, or check issued by an institution determined by RD to be financially responsible, the mortgage and paid note will not be released until after a 30-day waiting period. If other indebtedness to RD is not secured by the mortgage, RD will execute the satisfaction or release. When the stamped note is delivered to the borrower, RD will also deliver the real estate mortgage and related title papers such as title opinions, title insurance binders, certificates of title, and abstracts which are the property of the borrower. Any water stock certificates or other securities that are the property of the borrower will be returned to the borrower. Also, any assignments of income will be terminated as provided in the assignment forms. (2) Delivery of documents at the time of final payment will be made when payment is in the form of cash, U.S. Treasury check, cashier's check, certified check, money order, bank draft, or check issued by an institution determined by RD to be responsible. RD will not accept payment in the form of foreign currency, foreign checks or sight drafts. RD will execute the satisfaction or release (unless other indebtedness to RD is covered by the mortgage) and mark the original note with a paid-in-full legend based upon receipt of the full payment balance of the borrower's account(s), computed as of the date final payment is received. In unusual cases where an insured promissory note is held by a private holder, RD can release the mortgage and deliver the note when it is received. (d)-(e) [Reserved] (f) Cost of recording or filing of satisfaction. (g) Property insurance. (h) [Reserved] (i) Outstanding Loan Balance(s). [57 FR 774, Jan. 9, 1992, as amended at 60 FR 55145, Oct. 27, 1995] §§ 1951.156-1951.200 [Reserved] Subpart E—Servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants Source: 55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.201 Purposes. This subpart prescribes the Rural Development mission area policies, authorizations, and procedures for servicing the following programs: Community Facility loans and grants, Rural Business Enterprise/Television Demonstration grants; Association Recreation loans; Direct Business loans; Economic Opportunity Cooperative loans; Rural Renewal loans; Energy Impacted Area Development Assistance Program grants; National Nonprofit Corporation grants; System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development Programs panel grants; in part 4284 of this title, Rural and Cooperative Development Grants, Value-Added Producer Grants, and Agriculture Innovation Center Grants. Rural Development State Offices act on behalf of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and the Rural Housing Service as to loan and grant programs formerly administered by the Farmers Home Administration and the Rural Development Administration. Loans sold without insurance to the private sector will be serviced in the private sector and will not be serviced under this subpart. The provisions of this subpart are not applicable to such loans. Future changes to this subpart will not be made applicable to such loans. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation and Development Loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title. § 1951.202 Objectives. The purpose of loan and grant servicing functions is to assist recipients to meet the objectives of loans and grants, repay loans on schedule, comply with agreements, and protect Rural Development's financial interest. Supervision by Rural Development includes, but is not limited to, review of budgets, management reports, audits and financial statements; performing security inspections and providing, arranging for, or recommending technical assistance; evaluating environmental impacts of proposed actions by the borrower; and performing civil rights compliance reviews. § 1951.203 Definitions. (a) Approval official. (b) Assumption of debt. (c) CONACT. (d) Eligible applicant. (e) Ineligible applicant. (f) Nonprogram (NP) loan. (g) Servicing office. (h) Transfer fee. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] § 1951.204 Nondiscrimination. Each instrument of conveyance required for a transfer, assumption, or other servicing action under this subpart will contain the following covenant. The property described herein was obtained or improved with Federal financial assistance and is subject to the nondiscrimination provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other similarly worded Federal statutes, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap, religion, age, or sex in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Such provisions apply for as long as the property continues to be used for the same or similar purposes for which the Federal assistance was extended, for so long as the purchaser owns it, whichever is later. § 1951.205 Redelegation of authority. Servicing functions under this subpart which are specifically assigned to the State Director may be redelegated in writing to an appropriate sufficiently trained designee. § 1951.206 Forms. Forms utilized for actions under this subpart are to be modified appropriately where necessary to adapt the forms for use by corporate recipients rather than individuals. § 1951.207 State supplements. State supplements developed to carry out the provisions of this subpart will be prepared in accordance with subpart B of part 2006 of this chapter (available in any Rural Development office) and applicable State laws and regulations. State supplements are to be used only when required by National Instructions or necessary to clarify the impact of State laws or regulations, and not to restate the provisions of National Instructions. Advice and guidance will be obtained as needed from the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). §§ 1951.208-1951.209 [Reserved] § 1951.210 Environmental requirements. Servicing actions as defined in § 1970.6 of this chapter are part of the financial assistance already provided and do not require additional NEPA review. Actions such as lien subordinations, sale or lease of Agency-owned real property, or approval of a substantial change in the scope of a project, as defined in § 1970.8, must comply with the environmental review requirements in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970. [81 FR 11032, Mar. 2, 2016] § 1951.211 Refinancing requirements. In accordance with the CONACT, Rural Development requires for most loans covered by this subpart that if at any time it shall appear to the Government that the borrower is able to refinance the amount of the indebtedness then outstanding, in whole or in part, by obtaining a loan for such purposes from responsible cooperative or private credit sources, at reasonable rates and terms for loans for similar purposes and periods of time, the borrower will, upon request of the Government, apply for and accept such loan in sufficient amount to repay the Government and will take all such actions as may be required in connection with such loan. Applicable requirements are set forth in subpart F of part 1951 of this chapter. A civil rights impact analysis is required. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 63 FR 16089, Apr. 2, 1998] § 1951.212 Unauthorized financial assistance. Subpart O of part 1951 of this chapter prescribes policies for servicing the loans and grants covered under this subpart when it is determined that a borrower or grantee was not eligible for all or part of the financial assistance received in the form of a loan, grant, subsidy, or any other direct financial assistance. § 1951.213 Debt settlement. Subpart C of part 1956 of this chapter prescribes policies and procedures for debt settlement actions for loans covered under this subpart when it is determined that a debt is eligible for settlement except as provided in §§ 1951.216 and 1951.231. § 1951.214 Care, management, and disposal of acquired property. Property acquired by Government or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 will be handled according to subparts B and C of part 1955 of this chapter. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 63 FR 16089, Apr. 2, 1998] § 1951.215 Grants. No monitoring action by Rural Development is required after grant closeout. Grant closeout is when all required work is completed, administrative actions relating to the completion of work and expenditure of funds have been accomplished, and Rural Development accepts final expenditure information. However, grantees remain responsible in accordance with the terms of the grant for property acquired with grant funds. (a) Applicability of requirements. (1) Servicing actions will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the “Association Water or Sewer System Grant Agreement,” and RUS Bulletin 1780-12, “Water and Waste Grant Agreement” (available from any USDA/Rural Development office or the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1500). Grant agreements with a revision date on or after January 29, 1979, require that the grantee request disposition instructions from the Agency before disposing of property which is no longer needed for original grant purposes. (2) When facilities financed in part by Rural Development grants are transferred or sold, repayment of all or a portion of the grant is not required if the facility will be used for the same purposes and the new owner provides a written agreement to abide by the terms of the grant agreement. (b) Authorities. (1) For water and waste disposal grants, the State Director is authorized to approve any servicing actions needed, except that prior approval of the Administrator is required when property acquired with grant funds is disposed of in accordance with §§ 1951.226, 1951.230, or 1951.232 of this subpart and the buyer or transferee refuses to assume all terms of the grant agreement. (2) All other grants will be serviced in accordance with the Grant Agreement and this subpart. Prior approval of the Administrator is required except for actions covered in the preceding paragraph. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 63 FR 16089, Apr. 2, 1998; 79 FR 76012, Dec. 19, 2014] § 1951.216 Nonprogram (NP) loans. Borrowers with NP loans are not eligible for any program benefits, including appeal rights. However, Rural Development may use any servicing tool under this subpart necessary to protect the Government's security interest, including reamortization or rescheduling. The refinancing requirements of subpart F of part 1951 of this chapter do not apply to NP loans. Debt settlement actions relating to NP loans must be handled under the Federal Claims Collection Act; proposals will be submitted to the National Office for review and approval. Any exception to the servicing requirements of NP loans under this subpart must have prior concurrence of the National Office. § 1951.217 Public bodies. Servicing actions involving public bodies will be carried out to the extent feasible according to the provisions of this subpart. With prior National Office approval, the State Director is authorized to vary from such provisions if necessary and approved by OGC, provided such variation will not violate other regulatory or statutory provisions. To request approval, the case file, including copies of applicable documents, recommendations, and OGC comments, will be forwarded to the Administrator, Attention: (appropriate program division). § 1951.218 Use of Rural Development loans and grants for other purposes. (a) If, after making a loan or a grant, the Administrator determines that the circumstances under which the loan or grant was made have sufficiently changed to make the project or activity for which the loan or grant was made available no longer appropriate, the Administrator may allow the loan borrower or grant recipient to use property (real and personal) purchased or improved with the loan or grant funds, or proceeds from the sale of property (real and personal) purchased with such funds, for another project or activity that: (1) Will be carried out in the same area as the original project or activity; (2) Meets the criteria for a loan or grant described in section 381E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended; and (3) Satisfies such additional requirements as are established by the Administrator. (b) For the purpose of this section, Administrator means the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service or Rural Business-Cooperative Service that has the delegated authority to administer the loan or grant program that covers the property or the proceeds from the sale of property proposed to be used in another way. (c) If the new use of the property is under the authority of another Administrator, the other Administrator will be consulted on whether the new use will meet the criteria of the other program. Since the new project or activity must be carried out in the same area as the original project or activity, a new rural area determination will not be necessary. (d) Borrowers and grantees that wish to take advantage of this option may make their request through the appropriate Rural Development State Office. Permission to use this option will be exercised on a case-by-case-basis on applications submitted through the State Office to the Administrator for consideration. If the proposal is approved, the Administrator will issue a memorandum to the State Director outlining the conditions necessary to complete the transaction. [72 FR 55018, Sept. 28, 2007] § 1951.219 [Reserved] § 1951.220 General servicing actions. (a) Payment in full. (1) Notify the company providing fidelity bond coverage in writing that the government no longer has an interest in the bond if the government is named co-obligee on the bond. (2) Release Rural Development's interest in insurance policies according to applicable provisions of subpart A of part 1806 (RD Instruction 426.1). (3) Release Rural Development's interest in any other security as appropriate, consulting with OGC if necessary. (b) Loan summary statements. (1) The loan summary statement period is from January 1 through December 31. The Finance Office forwards to field offices a copy of Form RD 1951-9, “Annual Statement of Loan Account,” to be retained in borrower files as a permanent record of account activity for the year. (2) Quarterly Form RD 1951-9 are retained in the Finance Office on microfiche. These statements reflect cumulative data from the beginning of the current year through the end of the most recent quarter. Servicing offices may request copies of these quarterly or annual statements by sending Form RD 1951-57, “Request for Loan Summary Statement,” to the Finance Office. (3) The servicing office will provide a copy of the applicable loan summary statement to the borrower on request. A copy of Form RD 1951-9 and, for loans with unamortized installments, a printout of future installments owed obtained using the borrower status screen option in the Automated Discrepancy Processing System (ADPS), will constitute the loan summary statement to be provided to the borrower. (c) Insurance. (1) Community and Insured Business Programs borrowers shall continuously maintain adequate insurance coverage as required by the loan agreement and § 1942.17(j)(3) of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter. Insurance coverage must be monitored in accordance with the above-referenced section to determine that adequate policies and bonds are in force. (2) For all other types of loans covered by this subpart, property insurance will be serviced according to subpart A of part 1806 of this chapter (RD Instruction 426.1) in real estate mortgage cases, and according to the loan agreement in other cases. (d) Property taxes. (e) Changes in borrower's legal organization. (i) The change does not provide for a sole member type of organization; (ii) The borrower retains control over its assets and the operation, management, and maintenance of the facility, and continues to carry out its responsibilities as set forth in § 1942.17(b)(4) of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter; and (iii) The borrower retains significant local ties with the rural community. (2) The State Director may approve, with prior concurrence of the Administrator, changes in a recipient's legal organization which result in a sole member type of organization, or any other change which results in a recipient's loss of control over its assets and/or the operation, management and maintenance of the facility, provided all of the following have been or will be met: (i) The change is in the best interest of the Government; (ii) The State Director determines and documents that other servicing options under this subpart, such as sale or transfer and assumption, have been explored and are not feasible; (iii) The loan is classified as a nonprogram loan; (iv) The borrower is notified that it is no longer eligible for any program benefits, but will remain responsible under the loan agreement; and (v) Prior concurrence of the Administrator is obtained. Requests will be forwarded to the Administrator: Attention (appropriate program division), and will include the case file; Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed; the proposed changes; OGC comments; and any other necessary supporting information. (f) Membership liability. (g) Other security. (h) Correcting errors in security instruments. (i) Present market value determination. (1) Security representing a relatively small portion of the total value of the security property. (2) Security representing a relatively large portion of the total value of the security property. (3) Appraisal report. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 775, Jan. 9, 1992; 57 FR 21199, May 19, 1992; 57 FR 36591, Aug. 14, 1992; 69 FR 69105, Nov. 26, 2004] § 1951.221 Collections, payments and refunds. Payments and refunds are handled in accordance with the following: (a) Community and Insured Business Programs. (2) Regular payments for Community and Insured Business Programs borrowers are all payments other than extra payments and refunds. Such payments are usually derived from facility revenues, and do not include proceeds from the sale of security. They also include payments derived from sources which do not decrease the value of Rural Development's security. (i) Distribution of such payments is made as follows: (A) First, to the Rural Development loan(s) in proportion to the delinquency existing on each. Any excess will be distributed in accordance with paragraphs (a)(2)(i) (B) and (C) of this section. (B) Second, to the Rural Development loan or loans in proportion to the approximate amounts due on each. Any excess will be distributed according to paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section. (C) Third, as advance payments on Rural Development loans. In making such distributions, consider the principal balance outstanding on each loan, the security position of the liens securing each loan, the borrower's request, and related circumstances. (ii) Unless otherwise established by the debt instrument, regular payments will be applied as follows: (A) For amortized loans, first to interest accrued (as of the date of receipt of the payment), and then to principal. (B) For principal-plus-interest loans, first to the interest due through the date of the next scheduled installment of principal and interest and then to principal due, with any balance applied to the next scheduled principal installment. (3) Extra payments are derived from sale of basic chattel or real estate security; refund of unused loan funds; cash proceeds of property insurance as provided in § 1806.5(b) of subpart A of part 1806 (paragraph V B of RD Instruction 426.1); and similar actions which reduce the value of basic security. At the option of the borrower, regular facility revenue may also be used as extra payments when regular payments are current. Unless otherwise established in the note or bond, extra payments will be distributed and applied as follows: (i) First to the account secured by the lowest priority of lien on the property from which the extra payment was obtained. Any balance will be applied to other Rural Development loans in ascending order of priority. (ii) For amortized loans, first to interest accrued to the date payment is received, and then to principal. For debt instruments with installments of principal plus interest, such payments will be applied to the final unpaid principal installment. (b) Soil and Water Conservation Loans. (2) Extra payments are defined in § 1951.8(b) of subpart A of part 1951 of this chapter, and are distributed according to § 1951.9(b) of that subpart. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 66 FR 1569, Jan. 9, 2001; 68 FR 61331, Oct. 28, 2003; 68 FR 69952, Dec. 16, 2003] § 1951.222 Subordination of security. When a borrower requests Rural Development to subordinate a security instrument so that another creditor or lender can refinance, extend, reamortize, or increase the amount of a prior lien; be on parity with; or place a lien ahead of the Rural Development lien, it will submit a written request to the servicing office as provided below. For purposes of this subpart, subordination is defined to include cases where a parity security position is being considered. (a) General. (1) The request must be for subordination of a specific amount of the Rural Development indebtedness. (2) It must be determined that the borrower cannot refinance its Rural Development debt in accordance with subpart F of part 1951 of this chapter. (3) The transaction will further the purposes for which the Rural Development loan was made, not adversely affect the borrower's debt-paying ability, and result in the Rural Development debt being adequately secured. (4) The terms and conditions of the prior lien will be such that the borrower can reasonably be expected to meet them as well as the requirements of all other debts. (5) Any proposed development work will be planned and performed according to § 1942.18 of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter or in a manner directed by the creditor which reasonably attains the objectives of that section. (6) All contracts, pay estimates, and change orders will be reviewed and concurred in by the State Director. (7) In cases involving land purchase, the Rural Development will obtain a mortgage on the purchased land. (8) When the transaction involves more than $10,000 or the approval official considers it necessary, a present market value appraisal report will be obtained. However, a new report need not be obtained if there is an appraisal report not over one year old which permits a proper determination of the present market value of the total property after the transaction. (9) The proposed action must not change the nature of the borrower's activities so as to make it ineligible for Rural Development loan assistance. (10) Necessary consent and subordination of all other outstanding security interests must be obtained. (b) Authorities. (c) Processing. (1) The borrower's written request on Form RD 465-1, “Application for Partial Release, Subordination, or Consent,” if appropriate, or in other acceptable format. The request must contain the purpose of the subordination; exact amount of money or property involved; description of security property involved; type of security instrument; name, address, line of business and other general information pertaining to the party in favor of which the request is made; and other pertinent information to evaluate the need for the request; (2) Current balance sheet; (3) If development work is involved, an operating budget on Form RD 442-7, “Operating Budget,” or similar form which projects income and expenses through the first full year of operation following completion of planned improvements; or if no development work is involved, an income statement and budget on Form RD 442-2, “Statement of Budget, Income, and Equity,” schedules 1 and 2, or similar form; (4) Copy of proposed security instrument; (5) Appraisal report, when applicable; (6) OGC opinion on the request; (7) Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed; (8) Appropriate environmental review; and (9) Any other necessary supporting information. (d) Closing. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 66 FR 1569, Jan. 9, 2001; 69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] § 1951.223 Reamortization. (a) State Director authorization. (1) The account is delinquent and cannot be brought current within one year while maintaining a reasonable reserve; (2) The borrower has demonstrated for at least one year by actual performance or has presented a budget which clearly indicates that it is able to meet the proposed payment schedule; (3) The amount being reamortized is within the State Director's loan approval authorization; and (4) There is no extension of the final maturity date. (b) Requests requiring National Office approval. (1) Current budget and cash flow prepared on RD 442-2, schedules 1 and 2, or similar form; (2) Current balance sheet and income statement; (3) Exhibit A of this subpart, appropriately completed; (4) Form RD 1951-33, “Reamortization Request,” completed in accordance with § 1951.223(c)(3) of this subpart, when applicable; and (5) Any other necessary supporting information. (c) Processing. (1) Reamortizations will be perfected in accordance with OGC closing instructions. (2) When debt instruments are being modified or new debt instruments executed, bond counsel or local counsel, as appropriate, must provide an opinion indicating any effect on Rural Development's security position. The Rural Development's approval official must determine that the government's interest will remain adequately protected if the security position will be affected. (3) Notes. (4) Bonds and notes with other than real or chattel security pledged to Rural Development. (i) The procedure may consist of a new debt instrument or agreement for the total Rural Development indebtedness, including the delinquency, or a new instrument or agreement whereby the borrower agrees to repay the delinquency plus interest. If a new instrument or agreement for only the delinquent amount is used, a new loan number will be assigned to the delinquent amount, and the borrower will be required to pay the amounts due under both the original and the new instruments. (ii) When a delinquent or problem loan cannot be reamortized by issuing a new debt instrument due to State statutes, or the cost of preparation and closing is prohibitive, the rescheduling agreement provided as Exhibit H of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), may be used. (iii) Section 1942.19 of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter applies to any new bonds issued unless precluded by State statutes or an exception is approved by the National Office. (iv) If State statutes do not require the release of existing bonds, they will be retained with the new bond instrument or agreement in the Rural Development office authorized to store such documents. If State statutes require release of existing bonds, the exchange will be accomplished by the District Director, and the new bond and/or agreement will be retained in the appropriate office. (5) New debt instruments or agreements. (ii) Any agreement used will contain: (A) The amount delinquent, which must equal the total delinquency on the account and net advances (the unpaid principal on any advance and the accrued interest on any advance through the date of reamortization, less interest payments credited on the advance account); (B) The effective date of the reamortization; (C) The number of years over which the delinquency will be amortized; (D) The repayment schedule; and (E) The interest rate. (iii) A payment will be due on the next scheduled due date. Deferment of interest and/or principal payments is not authorized. (iv) A separate new instrument will be required for each loan being reamortized. (v) If amortized payments are not used, the schedule of principal installments developed will be such that combined payments of principal and interest closely approximate an amortized payment. (d) Reamortization with interest rate adjustment—Water and waste borrowers only. (1) Eligibility determination. (i) The borrower has exhausted all other servicing provisions contained in this subpart; (ii) The borrower is experiencing severe financial problems; (iii) Any management deficiencies must have been corrected or the borrower must submit a plan acceptable to the State Office to correct any deficiencies before an interest rate adjustment may be considered; (iv) Borrower user rates must be comparable to similar systems. In addition, the operating expenses reported by the borrower must appear reasonable in relation to similar system expenses; (v) The borrower has cooperated with Rural Development in exploring alternative servicing options and has acted in good faith with regard to eliminating the delinquency and complying with its loan agreements and agency regulations; and (vi) The borrower's account must be delinquent at least one annual debt payment for 180 days. (2) Conditions of approval. (i) The borrower shall agree not to maintain cash or cash reserves beyond what is reasonable at the time of interest rate adjustment to meet debt service, operating, and reserve requirements. (ii) A review of the borrower's management and business operations may be required at the discretion of the State Director. This review shall be performed by an independent expert who has been recommended by the State Director and approved by the National Office. The borrower must agree to implement all recommendations made by the State Director as a result of the review. (iii) If requested, a copy of the latest audited financial statements or management report must be submitted to the Administrator. (3) Reamortization. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 25351, June 4, 1991; 63 FR 41714, Aug. 5, 1998; 69 FR 69105, Nov. 26, 2004; 73 FR 8008, Feb. 12, 2008] § 1951.224 Third party agreements. The State Director may authorize all or part of a facility to be operated, maintained or managed by a third party under a contract, management agreement, written lease, or other third party agreement as follows: (a) Leases Lease of all or part of a facility (except when liquidation action is pending). (i) Leasing is the only feasible way to provide the service and is the customary practice as required under § 1942.17(b)(4) of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter; (ii) The borrower retains ultimate responsibility for operating, maintaining, and managing the facility and for its continued availability and use at reasonable rates and terms as required under § 1942.17(b)(4) of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter. The lease agreement must clearly reflect sufficient control by the borrower over the operation, maintenance, and management of the facility to assure that the borrower maintains this responsibility; (iii) The lease agreement contains provisions prohibiting any amendments to the lease or any subleasing arrangements without prior written approval from Rural Development; (iv) The lease document contains nondiscrimination requirements as set forth in § 1951.204 of this subpart; (v) The lease contains a provision which recognizes that Rural Development is a lienholder on the subject facility and, as such, the lease is subordinate to the rights and claims of Rural Development as lienholder; and (vi) The lease does not constitute a lease/purchase arrangement, unless permitted under § 1951.232 of this subpart. (2) Lease of all or part of a facility (pending liquidation action). (i) The lease will not adversely affect the repayment of the loan or the Government's rights under the security or other instruments; (ii) The State Director has determined that liquidation will likely be necessary and the lease is necessary until liquidation can be accomplished; (iii) Leasing is not an alternative to, or means of delaying, liquidation action; (iv) The lease and use of any proceeds from the lease will further the objective of the loan; (v) Rental income is assigned to Rural Development in an amount sufficient to make regular payments on the loan and operate and maintain the facility unless such payments are otherwise adequately secured; (vi) The lease is advantageous to the borrower and is not disadvantageous to the Government; (vii) If foreclosure action has been approved and the case has been submitted to OGC, consent to lease and use of proceeds will be granted only with OGC's concurrence; and (viii) The lease does not exceed a one-year period. The property may not be under lease more than two consecutive years without authorization from the National Office. Long-term leases may be approved, with prior authorization from the National Office, if necessary to ensure the continuation of services for which the loan was made and if other servicing options contained in this subpart have been determined inappropriate for servicing the loan. (b) Mineral leases. (1) The lessee agrees, or is liable without any agreement, to pay adequate compensation for any damage to the real estate surface and improvements. Damage compensation will be assigned to Rural Development or the prior lienholder by the use of Form FD 443-16, “Assignment of Income from Real Estate Security,” or other appropriate instrument; (2) Royalty payments are adequate and are assigned to Rural Development on Form RD 443-16 in an amount determined by the State Director to be adequate to protect the Government's interest; (3) All or a portion of delay rentals and bonus payments may be assigned on Form RD 443-16 if needed for protection of the Government's interest; (4) The lease, subordination, or consent form is acceptable to OGC; (5) The lease will not interfere with the purpose for which the loan or grant was made; and (6) When Rural Development consent is required, the borrower submits a completed Form RD 465-1. The form will include the terms of the proposed agreement and specify the use of all proceeds, including any to be released to the borrower. (c) Management agreements. (d) Affiliation agreements. (e) Processing. (1) A copy of the proposed agreement; (2) Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed; (3) Any other necessary supporting information. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 21199, May 19, 1992] § 1951.225 Liquidation of security. When the District Director believes that continued servicing will not accomplish the objectives of the loan, he or she will complete Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), and submit it with the District Office file to the State Office. If the State Director determines the account should be liquidated, he or she will encourage the borrower to dispose of the Rural Development security voluntarily through a sale or transfer and assumption, and establish a specified period, not to exceed 180 days, to accomplish the action. If a transfer or voluntary sale is not carried out, the loan will be liquidated according to subpart A of part 1955 of this chapter. § 1951.226 Sale or exchange of security property. A cash sale of all or a portion of a borrower's assets or an exchange of security property may be approved subject to the conditions set forth below. (a) Authorities. (2) The State Director is authorized to approve real estate transactions except as noted in the following paragraph. (3) Approval of the Administrator must be obtained when a substantial loss to the Government will result from a sale; one or more members of the borrower's organization proposes to purchase the property; it is proposed to sell the property for less than the appraised value; or the buyer refuses to assume all the terms of the Grant Agreement. It is not Rural Development policy to sell security property to one or more members of the borrower's organization at a price which will result in a loss to the Government. (b) General. (1) The consideration is adequate; (2) The release will not prevent carrying out the purpose of the loan; (3) The remaining property is adequate security for the loan or the transaction will not adversely affect Rural Development's security position; (4) If the property to be sold or exchanged is to be used for the same or similar purposes for which the loan or grant was made, the purchaser will: (i) Execute Form RD 400-4, “Assurance Agreement.” The covenants involved will remain in effect as long as the property continues to be used for the same or similar purposes for which the loan or grant was made. The instrument of conveyance will contain the covenant referenced in § 1951.204 of this subpart; and (ii) Provide to Rural Development a written agreement assuming all rights and obligations of the original grantee if grant funds were provided. See § 1951.215 of this subpart for additional guidance on grant agreements. (5) The proceeds remaining after paying any reasonable and necessary selling expenses are used for one or more of the following purposes: (i) To pay on Rural Development debts according to § 1951.221 of this subpart; on debts secured by a prior lien; and on debts secured by a subsequent lien if it is to Rural Development's advantage. (ii) To purchase or acquire through exchange property more suited to the borrower's needs, if the Rural Development debt will be as well secured after the transaction as before. (iii) To develop or enlarge the facility if necessary to improve the borrower's debt-paying ability; place the operation on a sounder basis; or otherwise further the loan objectives and purposes. (6) Disposition of property acquired in whole or part with Rural Development grant funds will be handled in accordance with the grant agreement. (c) Processing. (i) Except for actions approved by the District Director, Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed; (ii) The appraisal report, if appropriate; (iii) Name of purchaser, anticipated sales price, and proposed terms and conditions; (iv) Form RD 1965-8, “Release from Personal Liability,” including the County Committee memorandum and the State Director's recommendations; (v) An executed Form RD 400-4, if applicable; (vi) An executed Form RD 465-1, if applicable; (vii) Form RD 460-4, “Satisfaction,” if a debt has been paid in full or satisfied by debt settlement action. For cases involving real estate, a similar form may be used if approved by OGC; and (viii) Written approval of the Administrator when required under § 1951.226(a)(3) of this subpart; (2) Releasing security. (ii) Subject to § 1951.226(b) of this subpart, the State Director is authorized to release part or all of an interest in real estate security by approving Form RD 465-1. Partial release of real estate security may be made by use of Form RD 460-1 or other form approved by OGC. (3) Rural Development liens will not be released until the sale proceeds are received for application on the Government's claim. In states where it is necessary to obtain the insured note from the lender to present to the recorder before releasing a portion of the land from the mortgage, the borrower must pay any cost for postage and insurance of the note while in transit. The District Director will advise the borrower when it requests a partial release that it must pay these costs. If the borrower is unable to pay the costs from its own funds, the amounts shown on the statement of actual costs furnished by the insured lender may be deducted from the sale proceeds. (d) Release from liability. (2) When sale proceeds are not sufficient to pay the Rural Development debt in full, any balance remaining will be handled in accordance with procedures for debt settlement actions set forth in subpart C of part 1956 of this chapter. (i) In determining whether a borrower should be released from liability, the State Director will consider the borrower's debt-paying ability based on its assets and income at the time of the sale. (ii) Release from liability will be accomplished by using Form RD 1965-8 and obtaining from the County Committee a memorandum recommending the release which contains the following statement: ________________ in our opinion does not have reasonable debt-paying ability to pay the balance of the debt after considering its assets and income at the time of the sale. The borrower has cooperated in good faith, used due diligence to maintain the security against loss, and otherwise fulfilled the covenants incident to the loan to the best of its ability. Therefore, we recommend that the borrower be released from liability upon the completion of the sale. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] § 1951.227 Protective advances. The State Director is authorized to approve, without regard to any loan or total indebtedness limitation, vouchers to pay costs, including insurance and real estate taxes, to preserve and protect the security, the lien, or the priority of the lien securing the debt owed to or insured by Rural Development if the debt instrument provides that Rural Development may voucher the account to protect its lien or security. The State Director must determine that authorizing a protective advance is in the best interest of the government. For insurance, factors such as the amount of advance, occupancy of the structure, vulnerability to damage and present value of the structure and contents will be considered. (a) Protective advances are considered due and payable when advanced. Advances bear interest at the rate specified in the most recent debt instrument authorizing such an advance. (b) Protective advances are not to be used as a substitute for a loan. (c) Vouchers are prepared in accordance with applicable procedures set forth in RD Instruction 2024-A (available in any Rural Development office). [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 36591, Aug. 14, 1992] §§ 1951.228-1951.229 [Reserved] § 1951.230 Transfer of security and assumption of loans. (a) General. (1) The present borrower is unable or unwilling to accomplish the objectives of the loan. (2) The transfer will not be disadvantageous to the Government or adversely affect either Rural Development's security position or the Rural Development program in the area. (3) Transfers to eligible applicants will receive preference over transfers to ineligible applicants if recovery to Rural Development is not less than it would be if the transfer were to an ineligible applicant. (4) If the Rural Development debt(s) exceed the present market value of the security as determined by the State Director, the transferee will assume an amount at least equal to the present value. (5) If the transfer and assumption is to one or more members of the borrower's organization, there must not be a loss to the government. (6) Rural Development concurs in plans for disposition of funds in the transferor's debt service, reserve, operation and maintenance, and any other project account, including supervised bank accounts. (7) When the property to be transferred is to be used for the same or similar purposes for which the loan was made, the transferee will execute Form RD 400-4 to continue nondiscrimination covenants and provide to Rural Development a written certification assuming all terms of the Grant Agreement executed by the transferor. All instruments of conveyance will contain the covenant referenced in § 1951.204 of this subpart. (8) This subpart does not preclude the transferor from receiving equity payments when the full account of the Rural Development debt is assumed. However, equity payments will not be made on more favorable terms than those on which the balance of the Rural Development debt will be paid. (9) Transferees must have the ability to pay the Rural Development debt as provided in the assumption agreement and the legal capacity to enter into the contract. The applicant will submit a current balanced sheet using Form RD 442-3, “Balance Sheet,” and budget and cash flow information using Form RD 442-2, or similar forms. For ineligible applicants, such information may be supplemented by a credit report from an independent source or verified by an independent certified public accountant. (10) For purposes of this subpart, transfers to eligible applicants will include mergers and consolidations. Mergers occur when two or more corporations combine in such a manner that only one remains in existence. In a consolidation, two or more corporations combine to form a new, consolidated corporation, with all of the original corporations ceasing to exist. In both mergers and consolidations, the surviving or emerging corporation takes the assets and assumes the liabilities of the corporation(s) which ceased to exist. Such transactions must be distinguished from transfers and assumptions, in which a transferor will not necessarily go out of existence and the transferee will not always take all assets or assume all liabilities of the transferor. (11) A current appraisal report to establish the present market value of the security will be completed in accordance with § 1951.220(i) of this subpart when the full debt is not being assumed. (12) There must be no lien, judgment, or similar claims of other parties against the Rural Development security being transferred unless the transferee is willing to accept such claims and the Rural Development approval official determines that they will not prevent the transferee from repaying the Rural Development debt, meeting all operating and maintenance costs, and maintaining required reserves. The written consent of any other lienholder will be obtained where required. (b) Authorities. (1) Proposals which will involve a loss to the Government; (2) Proposals involving a transfer to one or more members of the present borrower's organization; (3) Proposals involving rates and terms which are more liberal than those set forth in § 1951.230(c) of this subpart; (4) Proposals involving a cash payment to the present borrower which exceeds the actual sales expenses; (5) The transferee refuses to assume all terms of the Grant Agreement for a project financed in part with Rural Development grant funds; and (6) Proposed transfers to ineligible applicants when there is no significant downpayment and/or the repayment period is to exceed 25 years. (c) Eligible applicants. (1) If a loan is evidenced and secured by a note and lien on real or chattel property, Form RD 1951-15, “Community Programs Assumption Agreement,” will be executed by the transferee. When the terms of the loan are changed, the new repayment period may not exceed the lesser of the repayment period for a new loan of the type involved or the expected life of the facility. Interest will accrue at the rate currently reflected in Finance Office records. (2) If the loan is evidenced and secured by a bond, procedures will be followed which are acceptable to the State Director and legally permissible under State law in the opinion of the borrower's counsel and OGC. The interest rate will be the rate currently reflected in Finance Office records. Any new repayment period provided may not exceed the lesser of the repayment period for a new loan of the type involved or the expected life of the facility. (3) Loans being transferred and assumed may be combined when the security is the same, new terms are being provided, a new debt instrument will be issued, and the loans have the same interest rate and are for the same purpose. If applicable, § 1942.19(h)(11) will govern the preparation of any new debt instruments required. (4) A loan may be made in connection with a transfer if the transferee meets all eligibility and other requirements for the kind of loan being made. Such a loan will be considered as a separate loan, and must be evidenced by a separate debt instrument. However, it is permissible to have one authorizing loan resolution or ordinance if permitted by State statutes. (5) Any development funds remaining in a supervised bank account which are not to be refunded to Rural Development will be transferred to a supervised bank account for the transferee simultaneously with the closing of the transfer for use in completing planned development. (d) Ineligible applicants. (1) Ineligible applicants must pay a one-time nonrefundable transfer fee when they submit an application or proposal. (i) The National Office will issue a directive annually advising the field of the amount of the fee. Any cost for appraisals performed by non-Rural Development personnel will be handled in accordance with RD Instruction 2024-A (available in any Rural Development office), and will be added to the basic fee. (ii) Transfer fees will be deposited in accordance with current instructions governing the handling of collections. The fees will be identified as transfer fees on Form RD 451-2, “Schedule of Remittances,” and will be included on the Daily Activity Report. The amount will be credited to the Rural Development Insurance Fund. (iii) If the State Director determines waiver of the transfer fee is in the best interest of the government, he or she will request prior approval by submitting the transfer case file established in accordance with processing requirements set forth below to the National Office, Attention (appropriate program division). (2) Any funds remaining in a supervised bank account will be refunded to Rural Development and applied to the debt as a condition of transfer. (3) The interest rate will be the greater of the rate specified for the note in current Finance Office records or the market rate for Community Programs as of the transfer closing date. (4) The transferred loan will be identified as an NP loan and serviced in accordance with § 1951.216 of this subpart. (5) Form RD 465-5, “Transfer of Real Estate Security,” will be used, and will be modified as appropriate before execution. (6) Consideration will be given to obtaining individual liability agreements from members of the transferee organization. (e) Release from liability. (1) If the full amount of the debt is assumed, the State Director may approve the release from liability by use of Form RD 1965-8. (2) If less than the full amount of the debt is assumed, any balance remaining will be handled in accordance with procedures for debt settlement actions set forth in subpart C of part 1956 of this chapter. (i) In determining whether a borrower should be released from liability, the State Director will consider the borrower's debt-paying ability based on its assets and income at the time of the sale. (ii) Release from liability will be accomplished by using Form RD 1965-8 and obtaining from the County Committee a memorandum recommending the release which contains the statement set forth in § 1951.226(d)(2)(ii) of this subpart. (f) Processing. (1) A transfer case file organized in accordance with RD Instruction 2033-A (available in any Rural Development office) will be established, and will contain all documents and correspondence relating to the transfer. The forms utilized for transfers and assumptions are listed in Exhibit D (available in any Rural Development office). All forms listed must be completed and included in the case file unless inappropriate for the particular situation. (2) A letter of conditions establishing requirements to be met in connection with the transfer and assumption will be issued, and the transferee will be required to execute an Agency approved form, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions,” prior to the closing of the transfer. (3) Both the transferee and transferor are responsible for obtaining the legal services necessary to accomplish the transfer. (4) Transfers will be closed in accordance with instructions provided by OGC. (5) When the transferee is a public body and Form RD 1951-15 is not suitable, the transferee's attorney will prepare the documents necessary to effect the transfer and assumption and submit them for approval by Rural Development and OGC. (6) Accrued interest to be entered in either Table 1 of Form RD 1951-15 or other appropriate assumption agreement is to be obtained using the status screen option in ADPS. (7) The following forms, if utilized, will be sent immediately to the Finance Office: (i) Form RD 1951-15 or other appropriate assumption agreement; (ii) A conformed copy of Form RD 1965-8. (8) If an Rural Development grant was made in conjunction with the loan being transferred, the transferee must agree in writing to assume all rights and obligations of the original grantee. See § 1951.215 for additional guidance on grant agreements. (9) The transferee will obtain insurance according to requirements for the loan(s) being transferred unless the approval official requires additional insurance. When the entire Rural Development debt is being assumed and an amount has been advanced for insurance premiums or any other purposes, the transfer will not be completed until the Finance Office has charged the advance to the transferor's account. (10) Rates and terms. (ii) If the transfer will be closed at new rates and terms, the transferee will be informed of the amount of principal and interest owed based on information obtained using the ADPS status screen option. (11) The effective date of a transfer is the actual date the transfer is closed, which is the same date Form RD 1951-15 or other appropriate assumption agreement is signed. (12) Title to all assets will be conveyed from the transferor to the transferee unless other arrangements are agreed upon by all parties concerned, including Rural Development. All instruments of conveyance will contain the covenant referenced in § 1951.204 of this subpart. (13) If an insured loan being held by an investor is involved, the Finance Office will have to repurchase the note prior to processing the assumption agreement. (14) When National Office approval is required, the transfer case file will be submitted to the Administrator, Attention: (appropriate program division), with Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed, and a cover memorandum which denotes any unusual circumstances. (15) The District Director must review Form RD 1910-11, “Applicant Certification, Federal Collection Policies for Consumer or Commercial Debts,” with the applicant, and the form must be signed by the applicant and included in the file. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 57 FR 36590, Aug. 14, 1992; 66 FR 1569, Jan. 9, 2001; 69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] § 1951.231 Special provisions applicable to Economic Opportunity (EO) Cooperative Loans. (a) Withdrawal of member and transfer to and assumption by new members of Unincorporated Cooperatives. (i) Form RD 1951-15 executed by the proposed new member; (ii) Statement of the current amount of the indebtedness involved; (iii) A description and statement of the value of the security property; (iv) A memorandum to justify the transaction; (v) Form RD 440-2, “County Committee Certification or Recommendation;” (vi) Exhibit B of this subpart, “Agreement for New Member (With or Without Withdrawing Member),” (available in any Rural Development office), executed by the remaining members of the association, the proposed new member, and the withdrawing member; and (vii) Form RD 450-12, “Bill of Sale (Transfer by Withdrawing Member),” executed by the withdrawing member. (2) If the State Director determines after review of the above information that the proposed new member is eligible and the transfer is justified, the State Director may approve the transfer and assumption by executing Form RD 1951-15. (3) Upon completion of the above actions, the State Director may release the outgoing member from personal liability using Form RD 1965-8. (4) If Finance Office records must be changed due to changes in borrower name, address and/or case number, necessary documents, including Form RD 1951-15 and, if applicable, Form RD 1965-8, will be forwarded to the Finance Office immediately with a memorandum indicating that the purpose of the submission is only to establish liability for a new member and release an old member from liability. (b) Withdrawal of members from Unincorporated Cooperatives when new member not available. (1) The State Director determines that the remaining members have sufficient need for the property, and that the withdrawal of the member will not adversely affect collection of the loan; and (2) The remaining members obtain from the outgoing member an agreement conveying his or her interest in the cooperative property to them. They may also wish to agree to protect the outgoing member against liability on the debt owed to Rural Development as well as any other debts. Exhibit C of this subpart, “Agreement for Withdrawal of Member (Without New Member),” (available in any Rural Development office), may be used by the cooperative. Rural Development will not be a party to the agreement. (c) Addition of new members (no withdrawing member or transfer involved) for both Incorporated and Unincorporated Cooperatives. (i) The members of the association agree to accept the proposed new member, and (ii) The State Director determines that the association owns adequate facilities to provide service to the new member. (2) The servicing office will submit to the State Office the case file and items (i) through (vi) of § 1951.231(a)(1). (3) If the State Director determines after the review of the above information that the proposed new member is eligible and the transaction is justified, the State Director may approve the transaction by executing Form RD 1951-15. (4) Form RD 1951-15 will be forwarded immediately to the Finance Office with a memorandum indicating that the form is intended only to establish liability for a new member. (d) Deceased members of Unincorporated Cooperatives. (1) If the heirs or personal representative do not wish to continue membership in the association, the remaining members may be permitted to continue to operate the property if Rural Development's financial interest will not be jeopardized. The remaining members should obtain from the deceased member's estate an agreement conveying the estate's interest in the cooperative property to them. The remaining members may wish to agree to protect the estate against liability on the debt to Rural Development as well as any other debts of the cooperative. (2) The requirement of § 1962.46(h) of subpart A of part 1962 will also be followed. (e) Action which affects individual members of Unincorporated EO Cooperative security. (f) Debt Settlement. § 1951.232 Water and waste disposal systems which have become part of an urban area. A water and/or waste disposal system serving an area which was formerly a rural area as defined in § 1942.17(b)(2)(iii) and (iv) of subpart A of part 1942 of this chapter, but which has become in its entirety part of an urban area, will be serviced in accordance with this section. (a) Curtailment or limitation of service. (b) Sale or transfer and assumption. (2) The urban community or another entity may accept a transfer of the Rural Development debt on an ineligible applicant basis. (3) When a grant is involved, the entity will agree in writing to assume all rights and obligations of the original grantee. See § 1951.215 for additional guidance on grant agreements. (c) Lease-purchase arrangement. (1) The urban community will: (i) Assume responsibility for operation and maintenance of the facility, subject to nondiscrimination and all other requirements which are applicable to the borrower, which are to be specified in the agreement between the parties; and (ii) Pay the association annually an amount sufficient to enable it to meet all its obligations, including reserve account requirements. (2) The Rural Development borrower will: (i) Meet its debt service and reserve account requirements to Rural Development; (ii) Retain its corporate existence until Rural Development has been paid in full; and (iii) If agreed upon by both parties, convey title to the facility to the urban community when the Rural Development debt has been paid in full. (d) Processing. (2) Transfer and assumption of a borrower's assets and indebtedness will be handled in accordance with § 1951.230 of this subpart. (3) Lease-operation-to-purchase arrangements are not permitted. (4) When a lease-purchase arrangement is proposed, the State Director will obtain a proposed agreement drafted by either the borrower or the urban community. The following will be forwarded to the Administrator, Attention: Water and Waste Disposal Division, for review and approval authorization: (i) A copy of the proposed agreement; (ii) Exhibit A of this subpart (available in any Rural Development office), appropriately completed; (iii) OGC comments; (iv) The case file, including all documentation appropriate for the type of servicing action involved. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1992, as amended at 57 FR 21199, May 19, 1992] §§ 1951.233-1951.239 [Reserved] § 1951.240 State Director's additional authorizations and guidance. (a) Promote financing purposes and improve or maintain collectibility. (1) Approve requests for permission to modify bylaws, articles of incorporation, or other rules and regulations of recipients, including changes in rate or fee schedules. Changes affecting the recipient's legal organizational structure must be approved by OGC. (2) Consent to requests by the recipient to incur additional indebtedness, subject to applicable Rural Development instructions and covenants in the loan or grant agreement. (3) Renew existing security instruments. (4) Approve the extension or expansion of facilities and services. (5) Require additional security when: (i) Existing security is inadequate and the loan or security instruments obligate the borrower to give additional security; or (ii) The loan is in default and additional security is acceptable in lieu of other servicing actions. (6) Release properties being sold by the borrower from mortgages securing Rural Renewal loans if the amount of the notes and mortgages given by the purchaser to the borrower equal the present market value and are assigned and pledged to Rural Development, and any money payable to the borrower is applied as an extra payment on the Rural Renewal loan. (7) Approve requests for rights-of-way and easements and any subordination necessary in connection with such requests. (b) Referrals to National Office. (c) Defeasance of Rural Development indebtedness. § 1951.241 Special provision for interest rate change. (a) General. (b) Notification to borrower and borrower selection of interest rate. (2) Borrowers must notify Rural Development within 90 calendar days of the date of Rural Development notification indicating their election to retain the rate in effect at loan approval or to change the rate to the rate in effect at the time of loan closing. If the borrower does not respond within the 90-day period, Rural Development will not consider a future request for a lower interest rate under the provisions of this subpart. (3) The borrower is responsible for assuring that the official executing the letter requesting the change of interest rate is duly authorized and any action(s) necessary for this authorization have been taken as required. Any costs associated with a change of interest rate will be the responsibility of the borrower. (c) Processing loan interest rate change. (1) All loan payments already applied to the account(s) will be reversed and reapplied by Rural Development utilizing the changed interest rate. The balance remaining after the completion of the reversal and reapplication procedures will be applied first to any delinquency on the account and then to principal. (2) For paid-in-full accounts which meet the criteria of § 1951.241(a) of this subpart, the balance of loan payments after completion of the reversal and reapplication procedures will be returned to the borrower unless the borrower is delinquent on another Rural Development loan of the same type. In those cases the amount will be applied to the delinquent amount owed, with any balance refunded to the borrower. (3) The Finance Office will administratively change the interest rate on a borrower's account in accordance with notification from the servicing official. The installment schedule set forth in each borrower's debt instrument will not change. The original principal schedule for principal-plus-interest accounts where principal only (4) When Rural Development has processed a change of interest rate for an amortized loan and a reduction in installment amounts is needed to provide for a sound operation, the borrower may request reamortization in accordance with § 1951.223 of this subpart. (5) The borrower will be notified in writing of the new interest rate as changed. § 1951.242 Servicing delinquent Community Facility loans. (a) For the purpose of this section, a loan is delinquent when a borrower fails to make all or part of a payment by the due date. (b) The delinquent loan borrower and the Agency, at its discretion, may enter into a written workout agreement. (c) For loans that are delinquent, the borrower must provide, monthly comparative financial statements in a format that is acceptable to the Agency by the 15th day of the following month. The Agency may waive this requirement if it would cause a hardship for the borrower or the borrower is actively marketing the security property. [69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] §§ 1951.243-1951.249 [Reserved] § 1951.250 OMB control number. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and have been assigned OMB Control Number 0575-0066. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to vary from fifteen minutes to three hours per response including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. [55 FR 4399, Feb. 8, 1990, as amended at 69 FR 70884, Dec. 8, 2004] Exhibits to Subpart E of Part 1951, Note Editorial Note: Exhibits A through H are not published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Exhibit A—Report on Servicing Action Exhibit B—Agreement for New Member (With or Without Withdrawing Member) Exhibit C—Agreement for Withdrawal of Member (Without New Member) Exhibit D—Items to be Included in Transfer and Assumption Dockets (if applicable) Exhibit E—Interest Rate Requirements and Effective Dates Exhibit F—Instruction to FmHA or Its Successor Agency Under Public Law 103-354 Personnel To Implement Public Law 100-233 Exhibit G—Letter to Borrower Notifying of Choice of Interest Rate Exhibit H—Rescheduling Agreement—Public Bodies Subpart F—Analyzing Credit Needs and Graduation of Borrowers Source: 61 FR 35927, July 9, 1996, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.251 Purpose. This subpart prescribes the policies to be followed when analyzing a direct borrower's need for continued Agency supervision, further credit, and graduation. All loan accounts will be reviewed for graduation in accordance with this subpart, with the exception of Guaranteed, Rural Development Loan Funds, and Rural Rental Housing loans made to build or acquire new units pursuant to contracts entered into on or after December 15, 1989, and Intermediary Relending Program loans. The term “Agency” used in this subpart refers to theRural Housing Service (RHS), or Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), depending upon the loan program discussed herein. This subpart does not apply to Farm Service Agency, Farm Loan Programs and to RHS direct single family housing (SFH) customers. In addition, this subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title. [72 FR 55018, Sept. 28, 2007, as amended at 72 FR 64123, Nov. 15, 2007] § 1951.252 Definitions. Commercial classified. Farm Credit Programs (FCP) loans. Graduation, FCP. Graduation, other programs. Prospectus, FCP. Reasonable rates and terms. Servicing official. Standard classified. § 1951.253 Objectives. (a) [Reserved] (b) Borrowers must graduate to other credit at reasonable rates and terms when they are able to do so. (c) If a borrower refuses to graduate, the account will be liquidated under the following conditions: (1) The borrower has the legal capacity and financial ability to obtain other credit. (2) Other credit is available from a commercial lender at reasonable rates and terms. In the case of Labor Housing (LH), Rural Rental Housing (RRH), and Rural Cooperative Housing (RCH) Programs, reasonable rates and terms must also permit the borrowers to continue providing housing for low and moderate income persons at rental rates tenants can afford considering the loss of any subsidy which will be canceled when the loan is paid in full. (d) The Agency will enforce borrower graduation. § 1951.254 [Reserved] § 1951.255 Nondiscrimination. All loan servicing actions described in this subpart will be conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, age, or physical or mental handicap. §§ 1951.256-1951.261 [Reserved] § 1951.262 Farm Credit Programs—graduation of borrowers. (a)-(d) [Reserved] (e) Graduation candidates. (f) Sending prospectus information to lenders. (2) The borrower is responsible for any application fees. The borrower has 30 days from the date the borrower is notified of lender interest in refinancing to make application, if required by the lender, and refinance the FLP loan. For good cause, the borrower may be granted a reasonable amount of additional time by the Agency. [61 FR 35927, July 9, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 10120, Mar. 5, 1997] § 1951.263 Graduation of non-Farm Credit programs borrowers. (a)-(b) [Reserved] (c) The thorough review. (d) [Reserved] (e) Requesting the borrower to graduate. (2) Borrowers must provide evidence of their ability or inability to graduate within 30 days for RH borrowers, and 90 days for group type borrowers, after the date of the request. The Agency may allow additional time for good cause, for example when a borrower expects to receive income in the near future for the payment of accounts which would substantially reduce the amount required for refinancing, or when a borrower is a public body and must issue bonds to accomplish graduation. (3) If a borrower is unable to graduate the full amount of the loan, the borrower must furnish evidence to the Agency, showing: (i) The names of other lenders contacted; (ii) The amount of loan requested by the borrower and the amount, if any, offered by the lenders; (iii) The rates and terms offered by the lenders or the specific reasons why other credit is not available; and (iv) The purpose of the loan request. (4) The difference in interest rates between the Agency and other lenders will not be sufficient reason for failure to graduate if the other credit is available at rates and terms which the borrower can reasonably be expected to pay. An exception is made where there is an interest rate ceiling imposed by Federal law or contained in the note or mortgage. (5) The Agency will notify the borrower in writing if it determines that the borrower can graduate. The borrower must take positive steps to graduate within 15 days for individual loans and 60 days for group loans from such notice to avoid legal action. The servicing official may grant a longer period where warranted. § 1951.264 Action when borrower fails to cooperate, respond or graduate. (a) When borrowers with other than FCP loans fail to: (1) Provide information following receipt of both FmHA Guide Letters 1951-1 and 1951-2 (available in any Agency office), or letters of similar format, they are in default of the terms of their security instruments. The approval official may, when appropriate, accelerate the account based on the borrower's failure to perform as required by this subpart and the loan and security instruments. (2) Apply for or accept other credit following receipt of both FmHA Guide Letters 1951- 5 and 1951-6 (available in any Agency office), or letters of similar format, they are in default under the graduation requirement of their security instruments. If the Agency determines the borrower is able to graduate, foreclosure action will be initiated in accordance with § 1955.15(d)(2)(ii). If the borrower's account is accelerated, the borrower may appeal the decision. (b) If an FCP borrower fails to cooperate after a lender expresses a willingness to consider refinancing the Agency loan, the account will be referred for legal action. § 1951.265 Application for subsequent loan, subordination, or consent to additional indebtedness from a borrower who has been requested to graduate. (a) Any borrower who appears to meet the local commercial lending standards, taking into consideration the Agency's loan guarantee program, will not be considered for a subsequent loan, subordination, or consent to additional indebtedness until the borrower's ability or inability to graduate has been confirmed. An exception may be made where the proposed action is needed to alleviate an emergency situation, such as meeting applicable health or sanitary standards which require immediate attention. (b) If the borrower has been requested to graduate and has also been denied a request for a subsequent loan, subordination, or consent to additional indebtedness, the borrower may appeal both issues. § 1951.266 Special requirements for MFH borrowers. All requirements of 7 CFR part 3560, subpart K must be met prior to graduation and acceptance of the full payment from an MFH borrower. [69 FR 69105, Nov. 26, 2004] §§ 1951.267-1951.299 [Reserved] § 1951.300 OMB control number. The reporting requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 0575-0093. Exhibit A to Subpart F of Part 1951 [Reserved] Exhibit B to Subpart F of Part 1951—Suggested Outline for Seeking Information From Lenders on Credit Criteria for Graduation of Single Family Housing Loans Date: Name of Lender: Title: Address: Name of County Supervisor: Service Area: 1. Is the lender interested in making loans to refinance rural housing borrowers? Yes:____; No:____. If later, when? How much credit does the lender expect to have available in the next three to four months for making such loans? $____________ In the next twelve (12) months? $____________ 2. What are the loan terms? ____________ 3. What is the current interest rate? ____________ □ Variable rate. □ Fixed rate. If variable, how is it determined? ____________ 4. Is a risk differential used in establishing interest rates charged for new customers? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, explain: 5. What can a typical loan applicant be expected to pay for: Dollars Or percent a. Filing an application b. Real estate appraisal c. Credit report d. Loan orgination fee e. Loan closing costs 6. Is mortgage guarantee insurance required? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, how many years? ____. Cost? ____________. 7. Is there a minimum or maximum loan size policy? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, explain: 8. Is there a minimum and maximum home value the lender will loan on? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, minimum: $____________; maximum: $____________. 9. Does the lender use a loan to market value ratio? ____________ 10. Is there a minimum net and gross income criteria? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, net: $____________; gross: $____________. 11. Does the lender use a minimum loan or home value to income ratio? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, loan to income ratio: ____________ Value to income ratio: ____________ 12. Is there a percentage of gross income a typical applicant should have available to pay housing costs? ____________ a. To pay for principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI)? ____%. b. To pay for the total housing costs and other credit obligations? ____%. 13. Are there any age of home, housing type, site size, and/or geographic restriction policies? Yes: ____; No: ____. If yes, List: 14. Other Comments: 15. For the purpose of reducing the number of inappropriate referrals, would the lender like the opportunity to review specific borrower financial information prior to the borrower being asked to file a formal application? Yes: ____; No: ____. If the answer is yes, only [48 FR 40203, Sept. 6, 1983; 48 FR 41142, Sept. 14, 1983] Subparts G-N [Reserved] Subpart O—Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan(s) or Other Financial Assistance Was Received—Community and Insured Business Programs Source: 71 FR 75852, Dec. 19, 2006, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.701 Purpose. This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures for servicing Community and Business Program loans and/or grants made by Rural Development when it is determined that the borrower or grantee was not eligible for all or part of the financial assistance received in the form of a loan, grant, or subsidy granted, or any other direct financial assistance. It does not apply to guaranteed loans. Loans sold without insurance by Rural Development to the private sector will be serviced in the private sector and will not be serviced under this subpart. The provisions of this subpart are not applicable to such loans. Future changes to this subpart will not be made applicable to such loans. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation and Development Loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title. [72 FR 55018, Sept. 28, 2007] § 1951.702 Definitions. As used in this subpart, the following definitions apply: Active borrower. Assistance. Debt instrument. False information. Inaccurate information. Inactive borrower. Recipient. Rural Development. Unauthorized assistance. § 1951.703 Policy. When unauthorized assistance has been received, an expeditious effort must be made to collect from the recipient the sum which is determined to be unauthorized, regardless of amount. §§ 1951.704-1951.705 [Reserved] § 1951.706 Initial determination that unauthorized assistance was received. Unauthorized assistance may be identified through audits conducted by the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG), through reviews made by Rural Development personnel, or through other means such as information provided by a private citizen who documents that unauthorized assistance has been received by a recipient of Rural Development assistance. § 1951.707 Determination of the amount of unauthorized assistance. (a) Unauthorized loan amount. (b) Unauthorized grant amount. § 1951.708 Notification to recipient. (a) Upon determination that unauthorized assistance was received, Rural Development will send a demand letter to the recipient that: (1) Specifies the amount of unauthorized assistance, including any accrued interest to be repaid, and the standards for imposing accrued interest; (2) States the amount of penalties and administrative costs to be paid, the standards for imposing them, and the date on which they will begin to accrue; (3) Provides detailed reason(s) why the assistance was determined to be unauthorized; (4) States the amount is immediately due and payable to Rural Development; (5) Describes the rights the recipient has for seeking review of Rural Development's determination pursuant to 7 CFR part 11; (6) Describes the Agency's available remedies regarding enforced collection, including referral of debt delinquent more than 180 days for Federal salary, benefit, and tax offset under the Department of Treasury Offset Program (TOP); and (7) Provides an opportunity for the recipient to meet with Rural Development to provide facts, figures, written records, or other information which might refute Rural Development's determination. (b) If the recipient meets with Rural Development, Rural Development will outline to the recipient why the assistance was determined to be unauthorized. The recipient will be given an opportunity to provide information to refute Rural Development's findings. When requested by the recipient, Rural Development may grant additional time for the recipient to assemble documentation. Such extension of time for payment will be valid only if Rural Development documents the extension in writing and specifies the period in days during which period the payment obligation created by the demand letter (but not the ongoing accrual of interest) will be suspended. Interest and other charges will continue to accrue pursuant to the demand letter during any extension period unless the terms of the demand letter are modified in writing by Rural Development. (c) Unless Rural Development modifies the original demand, it will remain in full force and effect. § 1951.709 Decision on servicing actions. (a) Payment in full. (b) Continuation with recipient. (1) The recipient did not provide false information as defined in § 1951.702. (2) It would be highly inequitable to require prompt repayment of the unauthorized assistance. (3) Failure to collect the unauthorized assistance in full will not adversely affect Rural Development's financial interest. (c) Appeals. (d) Liquidation of loan(s) or legal action to enforce collection. (1) Active borrower with a secured loan. (A) The amount of unauthorized assistance outstanding, including principal, accrued interest, and any recoverable costs charged to the account, is less than $1,000; or (B) It would not be in the best financial interest of the Government to force liquidation. (ii) When all of the conditions of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section are met, but the recipient does not repay or refuses to execute documents to effect necessary account adjustments according of the provisions of § 1951.711, forced liquidation action will be initiated as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section. (iii) When forced liquidation would be initiated, except that the loan is being handled in accordance with paragraph (d)(1)(i)(A) or (d)(1)(i)(B) of this section, continuation with the loan on existing terms may be provided. (iv) If the debt is not otherwise resolved, Rural Development will take appropriate debt collection actions in accordance with 7 CFR Part 3, subparts B and C, and the Federal Claims Collection Standards at 31 CFR Chapter IX, Parts 900-904. (2) Grantee, inactive borrower, or active borrower with unsecured loan (such as collection-only, or unsatisfied balance after liquidation). § 1951.710 [Reserved] § 1951.711 Servicing options in lieu of liquidation or legal action to collect. When the conditions outlined in § 1951.709(b) are met, the servicing options outlined in this section will be considered. (a) Continuation on modified terms. (1) Unauthorized loan. (2) Unauthorized grant. (3) Unauthorized subsidy benefits received. (i) The recipient will be given the option to submit a written request that the interest rate be corrected to the lower of the rate for which they were eligible that was in effect at the date of loan approval or loan closing. (ii) Any accrued unauthorized subsidy will be handled in accordance with § 1951.709. (b) Continuation on existing terms. §§ 1951.712-1951.716 [Reserved] § 1951.717 Exception authority. The Administrator may, in individual cases, make an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart, provided that any such exception is not inconsistent with any applicable law or opinion of the Comptroller General, and provided further, the Administrator determines that the application of the requirement or provision would adversely affect the Government's interest. §§ 1951.718-1951.750 [Reserved] Subparts P-Q [Reserved] Subpart R—Rural Development Loan Servicing Source: 53 FR 30656, Aug. 15, 1988, unless otherwise noted. § 1951.851 Introduction. (a) This subpart contains regulations for servicing or liquidating loans or other assistance made by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service or its successor agency under the IRP and the RMAP. All debt settlement cases under this subpart will be settled in accordance with the debt settlement provisions set forth in 7 CFR part 1956, subpart C. The provisions of this subpart supersede conflicting provisions of any other subpart. (b) This subpart also contains regulations for servicing the existing Rural Development Loan Fund (RDLF) loans previously approved and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 45 CFR part 1076. This action is needed to implement the provisions of Section 1323 of the Food Security Act of 1985, Pub. L. 99-198, which provides for the transfer of the loan servicing authority for those loans from the HHS to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (c) These regulations do not negate contractual arrangements that were previously made by the HHS, Office of Community Services (OCS), or the intermediaries operating relending programs that have already been entered into with ultimate recipients under previous regulations. (d) The loan program is administered by the Rural Development National Office. The Director, Business and Industry Division, is the point of contact for servicing activities unless otherwise delegated by the Administrator. [53 FR 30656, Aug. 15, 1988, as amended at 79 FR 31847, June 3, 2014; 80 FR 13201, Mar. 13, 2015] § 1951.852 Definitions and abbreviations. (a) General definitions. (1) Intermediary (2) Loan Agreement. (3) Low-income. (4) Market value. (5) Principals of intermediary. (6) Ultimate recipient. (7) Rural area. (8) State. (9) Technical assistance or service. (10) Working capital. (b) Abbreviations. B&I CSA EIS HHS IRP OCS OIG OGC RDLF USDA [53 FR 30656, Aug. 15, 1988, as amended at 63 FR 6052, Feb. 6, 1998] §§ 1951.853-1951.858 [Reserved] § 1951.859 Term of loans. (a) No loans shall be extended for a period exceeding 30 years. Principal payments on loans will be made at least annually. The initial principal payment may be deferred not more than 3 years. (b) The terms of loan repayment will be those stipulated in the loan agreement and/or promissory note. §§ 1951.860-1951.865 [Reserved] § 1951.866 Security. (a) Loans from RDLF intermediaries to ultimate recipients. (b) Additional security. (c) Appraisals. §§ 1951.867-1951.871 [Reserved] § 1951.872 Other regulatory requirements. Intergovernmental consultation. [79 FR 76012, Dec. 19, 2014] §§ 1951.873-1951.880 [Reserved] § 1951.881 Loan servicing. (a) These regulations do not negate contractual arrangements that were previously made by the HHS, Office of Community Services (OCS), or the intermediaries operating relending programs that have already been entered into with ultimate recipients under previous regulations. Pre-existing documents control when in conflict with these regulations. The loan is governed by terms of existing legal documents of each intermediary. The RDLF/IRP intermediary is responsible for compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan agreement. Other than 7 CFR 1951.709(d)(1)(B)(iv), intermediaries receiving an unauthorized loan or using their revolving fund for unauthorized purposes will be serviced in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subpart O. (b) Each intermediary will be monitored by Rural Development based on progress reports submitted by the intermediary, audit findings, disbursement transactions, visitations, and other contract with the intermediary as necessary. (c) Loan servicing is intended to be preventive rather than a curative action. Prompt followup on delinquent accounts and early recognition of potential problems and pursuing a solution to them are keys to resolving many problem loan cases. (d) Written notices on payments coming due will be prepared and sent to the intermediary by the Rural Development Finance Office approximately 15 days in advance of the due date of the payments. A copy of the notice will be sent to the Rural Development Under Secretary or designee. (e) If the scheduled payment is not made by the intermediary within 30 days after the due date of the payment, the Finance Office will send a past due notice to the intermediary. The notice will show the late charge amount, if applicable, and the interest amount past due. The late charge amount, if applicable, and the interest past due amount will be capitalized as principal due 30 days after the due date of the monthly payment unless existing loan documents prior to this regulation state otherwise. If the loan documents state when late charge amounts or interest accruals are to be capitalized, the loan documents will prevail. (1) A per diem amount will be shown on the late notice sent to the intermediary. The Finance Office will send this notice to the Administrator or designee 30 days after the past due notice has been sent to the intermediary and the account remains delinquent. Thereafter, further notices by Rural Development designee will be sent to the intermediary on the late payments or any further payments until the account is in a current status. (2) The Finance Office will notify the Administrator or designee on any payments due from the delinquent intermediary. It will be the responsibility of the Administrator or designee to follow up on delinquent payments to bring the account to a current status. (3) A copy of any correspondence or notice generated by the Administrator or designee on any delinquent loan will be sent to the Finance Office. (4) Interest will be computed on a 365-day basis unless legal documents state otherwise. (f) It is the responsibility of the Finance Office to maintain complete accounting records for each intermediary. The Finance Office will: (1) Coordinate with the Administrator or designee to assure that interest and principal payments received are in accordance with the promissory notes and its companion documents, and the effective amortization schedule. If the payments received appear to be incorrect, the Finance Office will advise the Administrator or designee. The Administrator or designee will take the necessary action to clear the issue and promptly advise the Finance Office of the proper accounting procedure. (2) Send monthly statements to the National Office reflecting all payments received to date on each borrower. (3) Send to the Administrator or designee a monthly summary of all intermediary loans as follows: (i) Number and amount of all loans. (ii) Total advanced on all loans. (iii) Total interest and principal received on the loans. (iv) Total outstanding balance on all loans. (4) Prepare reamortization schedules needed as a result of restructuring any loans and send to the Administrator or designee. (5) Furnish in writing to the Administrator or designee a per diem amount on the actual interest amount due when requested by the Administrator. (g) It is the responsibility of the Administrator or designee to: (1) Review and analyze the semiannual report of the intermediaries and reconcile same to the annual audits. (2) Review the annual audits of intermediaries. (3) Review the semiannual reports of the intermediaries and take appropriate action when necessary. (4) Follow up on delinquent intermediaries to bring the account current. (5) Notify the Finance Office in writing when a loan is determined to be uncollectible in order for the Finance Office to make provisions for an appropriate timely entry to the loss account. (6) Furnish to the Finance Office the necessary information to produce reamortization schedules. (7) Provide the Finance Office a copy of any correspondence in regard to the restructuring of the loans. (8) Review reamortization schedules, the schedule will then be forwarded to the intermediary. (9) Confirm account balances. Payment history of loans and any other related matter will be furnished to the requesting party, (i.e. third party auditing firms) if warranted and proper. If there are discrepancies in any loan balances being confirmed, the Finance Office should be consulted before the Administrator or designee writes the requested parties. (10) Furnish upon request by the Finance Office, the information necessary to help reconcile account balances, obtain evidence of payments made by the borrower, and any other related data necessary to keep the financial records correct and in balance. (11) Answer Congressional and other correspondence. (12) Review intermediary's plans, cash flow projections, balance sheets, and operating statements. [53 FR 30656, Aug. 15, 1988, as amended at 79 FR 31847, June 3, 2014] § 1951.882 [Reserved] § 1951.883 Reporting requirements. (a) Intermediaries are to provide Rural Development with reports as required in their respective loan agreements, applicable statutes and as required by Rural Development. The report shall include the following: (1) An annual audit; dates of audit report period need not necessarily coincide with other reports on the RDLF/IRP. Audits shall be due 90 days following the audit period. Audits must cover all of the intermediary's activities. Audits will be performed by an independent certified public accountant or by an independent public accountant licensed and certified on or before December 31, 1970, by a regulatory authority of a State or other political subdivision of the United States. An acceptable audit will be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and include such tests of the accounting records as the auditor considers necessary in order to express an opinion on the financial condition of the intermediary. Rural Development does not require an unqualified audit opinion as a result of the audit. Compilations or reviews do not satisfy the audit requirement. (2) Quarterly or semiannual reports (due 30 days after the end of the period). (i) Reports will be required quarterly during the first year after loan closing and, if all loan funds are not utilized during the first year, quarterly reports will be continued until at least 90 percent of the Agency IRP loan funds have been advanced to ultimate recipients. Thereafter, reports will be required semiannually. Also, the Agency may require quarterly reports if the intermediary becomes delinquent in repayment of its loan or otherwise fails to fully comply with the provisions of its work plan or Loan Agreement, or the Agency determines that the intermediary's IRP revolving fund is not adequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the ultimate recipients. (ii) These reports shall contain only information on the IRP revolving loan fund, or if other funds are included, the IRP loan program portion shall be segregated from the others; and in the case where the intermediary has more than one IRP revolving fund from the Agency a separate report shall be made for each of the IRP revolving funds. (iii) The reports will include, on a form provided by the Agency, information on the intermediary's lending activity, income and expenses, financial condition, and a summary of names and characteristics of the ultimate recipients the intermediary has financed. (3) An annual report on the extent to which increased employment income and ownership opportunities are provided to low-income persons, farm families, and displaced farm families for each loan made by such intermediary. (4) Proposed budget for the following year. (5) Other reports as Rural Development may require from time to time. (b) Intermediaries shall report to Rural Development whenever an ultimate recipient is more than 90 days in arrears in the repayment of principal or interest. [53 FR 30656, Aug. 15, 1988, as amended at 63 FR 6053, Feb. 6, 1998] § 1951.884 Revolved funds. For ultimate recipients assisted by the intermediary with Rural Development, revolved funds derived from IRP funds shall be required to comply with the provisions of these regulations and/or loan agreement. § 1951.885 Loan classifications. All loans to intermediaries in the Rural Development portfolio will be classified by Rural Development at loan closing and again whenever there is a change in the loan which would impact on the original classification. No one classification should be viewed as more important than others. The uncollectibility aspect of Doubtful and Loss classifications is of obvious importance. However, the function of the Substandard classification is to indicate those loans that are unduly risky which may result in future losses. Substandard, Doubtful and Loss are adverse classifications. The special mention classification is for loans which are not adversely classified but which require the attention and followup of Rural Development. The loans will be classified as follows: (a) Seasoned loan classification. (1) Have a remaining principal loan balance of two-thirds or less of the original aggregate of all existing loans made to that intermediary. (2) Be in compliance with all loan conditions and Rural Development regulations. (3) Have been current on the loan(s) payments for 24 consecutive months. (4) Be secured by collateral which is determined to be adequate to ensure there will be no loss on the loan. (b) Current non-problem classification. (c) Special mention classification. (d) Substandard classification. (e) Doubtful classification. (f) Loss classification. §§ 1951.886-1951.888 [Reserved] § 1951.889 Transfer and assumption. (a) All transfers and assumptions must be approved in advance in writing by Rural Development. Such transfers and assumptions must be to an eligible intermediary. (b) Available transfer and assumption options to eligible intermediaries include the following: (1) The total indebtedness may be transferred to another eligible intermediary on the same terms. (2) The total indebtedness may be transferred to another eligible intermediary on different terms not to exceed those terms for which an initial loan can be made to an organization that would have been eligible originally. (3) Less than total indebtedness may be transferred to another eligible intermediary on the same terms. (4) Less than total indebtedness may be transferred to another eligible intermediary on different terms. (c) The transferor will prepare the transfer document for Rural Development's review prior to the transfer and assumption. (d) The transferee will provide Rural Development with a copy of its latest financial statement and a copy of its annual financial statement for the past 3 years if available; its Federal Tax Identification number; organizational charter; minutes from the Board of Directors authorizing the transaction; certification of good standing from the Secretary of State or whatever regulatory agency oversees nonprofit corporations for that State or Commonwealth where the entity is headquartered; and any other information that Rural Development deems necessary for its review. (e) The assumption agreement will contain the Rural Development case nunber of the transferor and transferee. (f) When the transferee makes a cash downpayment in connection with the transfer and assumption, any proceeds received by the transferor will be credited on the transferor's loan debt in inverse order of maturity. (g) The Administrator or designee will approve or decline all transfers and assumptions. § 1951.890 Office of Inspector General and Office of General Counsel referrals. When facts or circumstances indicate that criminal violations, civil fraud, misrepresentations, or regulatory violations may have been committed by an applicant or an intermediary, Rural Development will refer the case to the appropriate Regional Inspector General for Investigations, OIG, USDA, in accordance with RD Instruction 2012-B (available in any Rural Development office) for criminal investigation. Any questions as to whether a matter should be referred will be resolved through consultation with OIG and Rural Development and confirmed in writing. In order to assure protection of the financial and other interests of the Government, a duplicate of the notification will be sent to the OGC. OGC will be consulted on legal questions. After OIG has accepted any matter for investigation, Rural Development staff must coordinate with OIG in advance regarding routine servicing actions on existing loans. § 1951.891 Liquidation; default. (a) In the event that Rural Development takes over the servicing of the ultimate recipient of an intermediary, those loans will be serviced by this regulation and in accordance with the contractual arrangement between the intermediary and the ultimate recipient. Should Rural Development determine that it is necessary or desirable to take action to protect or further the interests of Rural Development in connection with any default or breach of conditions under any loan made hereunder, the Rural Development may: (1) Declare that the loan is immediately due and payable. (2) Assign or sell at public or private sale, or otherwise dispose of for cash or credit at its discretion and upon such terms and conditions as Rural Development shall determine to be reasonable, any evidence of debt, contract, claim, personal or real property or security assigned to or held by the Rural Development in connection with financial assistance extended hereunder. (3) Adjust interest rates, use fixed or variable rates, grant moratoriums on repayment of principal and interest, collect or compromise any obligations held by Rural Development and take such actions in respect to such loans as are necessary or appropriate, consistent with the purpose of the program and this subpart. The Administrator will notify the Rural Development Finance Office of any change in payment terms, such as reamortizations or interest rate adjustments, and effective dates of any changes resulting from servicing actions. (b) Failure by an ultimate recipient to comply with the provisions of these regulations and/or loan agreement shall constitute grounds for a declaration of default and the demand for immediate and full repayment of its loan. (c) Failure by an intermediary to comply with the provisions of these regulations or to relend funds in accordance with an approved work plan or loan agreement shall constitute grounds for a declaration of default and the demand for immediate and full repayment of the loan. (d) In the event of default, the intermediary will promptly be informed in writing of the consequences of failing to comply with loan covenant(s). (e) Protective advances to the intermediary will not be made in lieu of additional loans, in particular working capital loans. Protective advances are advances made by Rural Development for the purpose of preserving and protecting the collateral where the intermediary has failed to and will not or cannot meet its obligations. The Administrator or designee must approve in writing all protective advances. (f) In the event of bankruptcy by the intermediary and/or ultimate recipient, Rural Development is responsible for protecting the interests of the Government. All bankruptcy cases should be reported immediately to the Regional Attorney. The Administrator must approve in advance and in writing the estimated liquidation expenses on loans in liquidation bankruptcy. These expenses must be considered by Rural Development to be reasonable and customary. (g) Liquidation, management, and disposal of inventory property will be handled in accordance with subparts A, B, and C of part 1955 of this chapter. §§ 1951.892-1951.893 [Reserved] § 1951.894 Debt settlement. Debt settlement of all claims will be handled in accordance with subpart C of part 1956 of this chapter. [80 FR 13201, Mar. 13, 2015] § 1951.895 [Reserved] § 1951.896 Appeals. Any appealable adverse decision made by FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 which affects the borrower may be appealed upon written request of the aggrieved party in accordance with subpart B of part 1900 of this chapter. § 1951.897 Exception authority. The Administrator may, in individual cases, grant an exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart which is not inconsistent with an applicable law or opinion of the Comptroller General, provided the Administrator determines that application of the requirement or provision would adversely affect the Government's interest. The basis for this exception will be fully documented. The documentation will: demonstrate the adverse impact; identify the particular requirement involved; and show how the adverse impact will be eliminated. §§ 1951.898-1951.899 [Reserved] § 1951.900 OMB control number. The information collection requirement obtained for this part is pending OMB approval at the time of this rule's publication in the Federal Register [81 FR 11032, Mar. 2, 2016]

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