reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1018 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1018 - Civil Penalties

    (a)    (1)    In this subsection, “notice” means the first to occur of the following:            (i)    When the credit grantor receives a written notice from the borrower notifying the credit grantor of an error or violation;            (ii)    When the credit grantor receives a written notice from the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or the appropriate regulatory authority notifying the credit grantor of an error or violation; or            (iii)    When the credit grantor receives service of process in a civil action for an error or violation instituted by the borrower in a court of competent jurisdiction.        (2)    Except for a bona fide error of computation, if a credit grantor violates any provision of this subtitle the credit grantor may collect only the principal amount of the loan and may not collect any interest, costs, fees, or other charges with respect to the loan.        (3)    The penalty provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection does not apply where a credit grantor:            (i)    Unintentionally and in good faith fails to comply with § 12-1003, § 12-1004, § 12-1005, § 12-1008, § 12-1011, § 12-1013.2, § 12-1023(d), § 12-1024, § 12-1025, § 12-1026, § 12-1027, or § 12-1028 of this subtitle; and            (ii)    Corrects the error or violation and makes the borrower whole for all losses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and interests, where appropriate, within 10 days after the credit grantor receives notice of the error or violation.        (4)    The burden shall be on the credit grantor to show that the credit grantor’s failure to comply with § 12-1003, § 12-1004, § 12-1005, § 12-1008, § 12-1011, § 12-1013.2, § 12-1023(d), § 12-1024, § 12-1025, § 12-1026, § 12-1027, or § 12-1028 of this subtitle was unintentional and in good faith.    (b)    In addition, a credit grantor who knowingly violates any provision of this subtitle shall forfeit to the borrower 3 times the amount of interest, fees, and charges collected in excess of that authorized by this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1018.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1018.1 - Civil Penalties -- Exception

    (a)    In this section, “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the penalty provided under § 12–1018(a)(2) of this subtitle does not apply if a credit grantor:        (1)    Performed or omitted to perform an act in conformity with or in reliance upon:            (i)    A written opinion of the Attorney General of Maryland or a regulation adopted by the Commissioner;            (ii)    A written opinion by the Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner; or            (iii)    An interpretation by the Commissioner in a written notice or examination report; or        (2)    Used a form or procedure that has been approved in writing by the Commissioner and the Attorney General.    (c)    The provisions of subsection (b) of this section do not apply to an act or omission to act that occurs after:        (1)    The opinion, regulation, or interpretation relied on is amended, repealed, or determined to be invalid for any reason by any judicial or other authority; or        (2)    Approval for a form or procedure is amended, rescinded, or determined to be invalid for any reason by any judicial or other authority.    (d)    This section may not be construed to:        (1)    Limit the imposition of any civil or criminal penalty for a knowing or willful violation of this subtitle; or        (2)    Limit the power of the Commissioner or the courts to order a refund to a borrower of moneys collected in violation of this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1019 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1019 - Limitation of Actions

    An action for violation of this subtitle may not be brought more than 6 months after the loan is satisfied.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1020 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1020 - Limitation on Credit Grantor's Liability

    A credit grantor is not liable for any failure to comply with a provision of this subtitle if, within 60 days after discovering an error and prior to institution of an action under this subtitle or the receipt of written notice from the borrower, the credit grantor notifies the borrower of the error and makes whatever adjustments are necessary to correct the error.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1023 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1023 - Agreement or Other Evidence of Loan

    (a)    This section applies only to a loan made by a credit grantor under this subtitle to a consumer borrower.    (b)    (1)    Paragraph (2) of this subsection applies only to a loan or an extension of credit primarily for personal, household, or family purposes.        (2)    An agreement, note, or other evidence of a loan may not contain:            (i)    An assignment or order for the payment of wages, whether earned or to be earned, or of any chose in action covering lost wages;            (ii)    An acceleration clause under which any part or all of the unpaid balance of the loan not yet matured may be declared due and payable because the credit grantor deems itself insecure;            (iii)    A confession of judgment or any power of attorney authorizing the credit grantor to appear in court to confess judgment against the borrower or a surety or guarantor of the borrower, or any other waiver of the right to notice and an opportunity to be heard in the event of suit or process thereon; or            (iv)    A provision by which a person acting on behalf of a holder of the agreement, note, or other evidence of the loan is treated as an agent of the borrower in connection with its formation or execution.        (3)    Except as expressly allowed by law, an agreement, note, or other evidence of a loan may not contain a provision by which the borrower waives any right accruing to the borrower under this subtitle.        (4)    (i)    Any clause or provision in an agreement, note, or other evidence of a loan that is in violation of this subsection shall be unenforceable.            (ii)    Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the penalties set out under §§ 12-1017 and 12-1018 of this subtitle do not apply unless the credit grantor attempts to enforce a provision prohibited under this subsection.            (iii)    The penalties set out under §§ 12-1017 and 12-1018 of this subtitle do not apply to the enforcement by a credit grantor of a provision otherwise prohibited under this subsection where the enforcement was initiated by the credit grantor prior to October 1, 1993.    (c)    Unless a borrower has notice of an assignment of an agreement, note, or other evidence of a loan, any payments made by the borrower to the last known holder of the agreement, note, or other evidence of the loan shall discharge the borrower’s obligation to the extent of the payments.    (d)    Upon receipt of a cash payment from a borrower, a credit grantor shall give the borrower a written receipt for the payment.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1023.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1023.1 - Obtaining Loan to Acquire Interest in or to Carry on a Business or Commercial Enterprise

    (a)    Any statement or characterization that indicates the borrower intends to obtain a loan solely to acquire an interest in or to carry on a business or commercial enterprise may be relied upon by a credit grantor in making the loan, unless the credit grantor knows or should know that the statement or characterization is false or misleading.    (b)    As a condition to making a loan, a credit grantor may not require a borrower to make any false or misleading statement or characterization that the loan is a commercial loan or for a commercial purpose if the credit grantor knows or should know it is not a commercial loan or for a commercial purpose.    (c)    The borrower has the burden of proving that a credit grantor knew or should have known that a statement or characterization described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section was false or misleading when made and that the loan was not a commercial loan or for a commercial purpose.    (d)    Unless a credit grantor knew or should have known that a statement or characterization described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section was false or misleading when made, a credit grantor shall have no liability under this subtitle if a loan is actually used by the borrower other than as a commercial loan or for a commercial purpose.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1024 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1024 - Requirements Upon Loan Repayment

    (a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section applies only to a loan made by a credit grantor to a consumer borrower.        (2)    This section does not apply to a loan to which § 3–105.1 of the Real Property Article applies.    (b)    Within a reasonable time after a loan to a consumer borrower has been repaid in full and all other obligations under the agreement, note, or other evidence of the loan have been fulfilled, a credit grantor shall:        (1)    (i)    Indelibly mark with the word “paid” or “canceled” and return to the consumer borrower each agreement, note, or other evidence of the loan; or            (ii)    Furnish the consumer borrower with a written statement that identifies the loan transaction and states that the loan has been paid in full; and        (2)    Release any recorded mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, or other lien securing the loan.    (c)    (1)    The release shall be:            (i)    In writing; and            (ii)    Prepared at the expense of the credit grantor.        (2)    If the release required by this section pertains to a motor vehicle, the release shall be filed electronically with the Motor Vehicle Administration in accordance with § 13–108.1 of the Transportation Article within 5 business days after the credit grantor has received full payment.    (d)    (1)    If the credit grantor does not record the release, the credit grantor shall furnish the consumer borrower with the release in a recordable form.        (2)    If the credit grantor records the release, the credit grantor shall furnish the consumer borrower with a copy of the release.    (e)    (1)    If a fee is collected by a credit grantor for the recording of a release:            (i)    The release shall be recorded by the credit grantor; and            (ii)    Any portion of the fee not paid to a governmental entity for recording the release shall be refunded to the borrower.        (2)    If a fee is not collected by a credit grantor for the recording of a release, the credit grantor is not obligated to record the release.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1025 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1025 - Written Statement Informing Consumer Borrower of Interest and Charges

    (a)    A credit grantor who receives scheduled monthly periodic payments on more than five loans secured by any interest in residential real property or tangible personal property shall furnish to the consumer borrower a written statement informing the consumer borrower of the amount of:        (1)    If the interest and charges on the loan were precomputed:            (i)    Payments credited to reducing the outstanding unpaid balance of the loan, either in terms of a total dollar figure or individually itemized; and            (ii)    The remaining outstanding unpaid balance of the loan; or        (2)    If the interest and charges on the loan were not precomputed:            (i)    Payments credited to reducing the outstanding unpaid principal balance of the loan, either in terms of a total dollar figure or individually itemized;            (ii)    Payments credited to interest and fees, either in terms of a total dollar figure or individually itemized; and            (iii)    The remaining outstanding unpaid principal balance of the loan.    (b)    At the option of the credit grantor, each written statement shall contain the information required in subsection (a)(1)(i) and (2)(i) and (ii) of this section either from the date the loan was made or, if previous written statements have been furnished to the consumer borrower, from the date of the last written statement.    (c)    The written statement shall be furnished to the consumer borrower:        (1)    In the case of loans secured by any interest in residential real property, at least annually; and        (2)    In the case of loans secured by any interest in residential real property or tangible personal property, within a reasonable time after receipt of a written request of a consumer borrower provided the request is made at a reasonable time or interval since the furnishing of the last written statement.    (d)    A credit grantor may charge a fee of up to $5 for each written statement requested by a consumer borrower.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1027 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1027 - Lender's Inspection Fee

    (a)    In this section, “lender’s inspection fee” means a fee imposed by a credit grantor to pay for a visual inspection of residential real property.    (b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a credit grantor may not impose a lender’s inspection fee in connection with a loan made to a consumer borrower that is secured by residential real property.    (c)    A lender’s inspection fee may be imposed on a consumer borrower if the inspection is needed to ascertain completion of:        (1)    Construction of a new home; or        (2)    Repairs, alterations, or other work required by the credit grantor.    (d)    This section does not apply to an appraisal of the value of real property by a credit grantor or to fees imposed in connection with an appraisal.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1029 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 10 - Credit Grantor Closed End Credit Provisions|Section 12-1029 - Homeowner Equity Protection

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Fully indexed rate” means the index rate, as defined in the mortgage loan documents, prevailing at the time the mortgage loan is approved by the credit grantor, plus the margin that will apply after the expiration of an introductory interest rate.        (3)    (i)    “Mortgage loan” has the meaning stated in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article.            (ii)    “Mortgage loan” does not include a reverse mortgage loan.    (b)    A credit grantor may not make a mortgage loan without giving due regard to the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage loan in accordance with its terms, including the fully indexed rate of the mortgage loan, if applicable, and property taxes and homeowner’s insurance whether or not an escrow account is established for the collection and payment of these expenses.    (c)    (1)    Due regard to a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage loan must include:            (i)    Consideration of the borrower’s debt to income ratio, including existing debts and other obligations; and            (ii)    Verification of the borrower’s gross monthly income and assets by review of third–party written documentation reasonably believed by the credit grantor to be accurate and complete.        (2)    Acceptable third–party written documentation includes:            (i)    The borrower’s Internal Revenue Service form W–2;            (ii)    A copy of the borrower’s income tax return;            (iii)    Payroll receipts;            (iv)    The records of a financial institution; or            (v)    Other third–party documents that provide reasonably reliable evidence of the borrower’s income or assets.        (3)    This subsection does not apply to a mortgage loan:            (i)    Approved for government guaranty by the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, or the Community Development Administration; or            (ii)    That refinances an existing mortgage loan if the refinance mortgage loan is:                1.    Offered under the federal Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan; and                2.    Made available by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1101 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1101 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    “Advertisement” means a commercial message in any medium that aids, promotes, or assists, directly or indirectly, a rental–purchase agreement.        (2)    “Advertisement” does not include in–store merchandising ads.    (c)    “Cash price” means the price at which the lessor would have sold rental property covered by a rental–purchase agreement to the consumer unconditionally for cash on the date of consummation.    (d)    “Consumer” means an individual who rents personal property under a rental–purchase agreement primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.    (e)    “Consummation” means the time at which a consumer enters into a rental–purchase agreement.    (f)    “Cost of lease services” means the difference between the final purchase price of rental property and the cash price of rental property.    (g)    “Lessor” means a person who regularly provides the use of personal property through rental–purchase agreements to consumers and to whom rental payments are initially payable on the face of a rental–purchase agreement.    (h)    “Rental property” means personal property that is the subject of a rental–purchase agreement.    (i)    “Rental–purchase agreement” means an agreement that:        (1)    Is for the use of personal property by an individual primarily for personal, family, or household purposes;        (2)    Is for an initial period of 4 months or less;        (3)    Is automatically renewable for a weekly or monthly period with each rental payment after the initial period; and        (4)    Allows but does not obligate the consumer to become the owner of the property.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1102 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1102 - Effect and Applicability of Subtitle

    (a)    A rental-purchase agreement that complies with this subtitle may not be deemed to be:        (1)    A “retail sale”, as defined in § 12-601(s) of this title;        (2)    An “installment sale agreement”, as defined in § 12-601(m) of this title; or        (3)    A “security interest”, as defined in § 1-201(37) of this article.    (b)    This subtitle does not apply to:        (1)    A rental-purchase agreement made primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes, or made with governmental agencies, instrumentalities, or organizations;        (2)    A rental of a safe deposit box;        (3)    A lease or bailment of personal property that:            (i)    Is incidental to the rental of real property; and            (ii)    Provides that the consumer has no option to purchase the rented real property; or        (4)    A lease of an automobile.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1103 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1103 - Disclosures -- in General

    (a)    (1)    A lessor shall disclose to a consumer the information required under this subtitle.        (2)    In a transaction involving more than 1 lessor, only 1 lessor need make the disclosures required under this subtitle, but all lessors shall be bound by the disclosures made.    (b)    A lessor shall make the disclosures required under this subtitle before consummation of the rental–purchase agreement.    (c)    A lessor shall:        (1)    Make the disclosures required under this subtitle in a written form that is simple and understandable and is written or typed in a size not less than 10 point type;        (2)    Make the disclosures required under this subtitle in English or in any other language used by the lessor in advertisements related to the rental–purchase transaction;        (3)    Make the disclosures required under this subtitle on the face of the rental–purchase agreement and summary of costs chart above the consumer’s signature lines; and        (4)    Deliver a copy of the rental–purchase agreement and the summary of costs chart to the consumer.    (d)    If a disclosure becomes inaccurate as a result of any act, occurrence, or agreement by the consumer after delivery of the rental property, the resulting inaccuracy is not a violation of this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1105 - Prohibited Provisions

    A rental-purchase agreement may not contain:         (1)    A confession of judgment;        (2)    A negotiable instrument;        (3)    A security interest or any other claim of a property interest in any goods except the rental property delivered by the lessor pursuant to the rental-purchase agreement;        (4)    A wage assignment;        (5)    A waiver by the consumer of claims or defenses; or        (6)    A provision authorizing the lessor or a person acting on the lessor’s behalf to enter upon the consumer’s premises or to commit any breach of the peace in the repossession of rental property.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1106.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1106.1 - Maintenance of Copy of Rental-Purchase Agreement

    A lessor shall maintain a copy of the rental–purchase agreement for 3 years after the final payment on a rental–purchase agreement.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1107 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1107 - Receipts

    (a)    A lessor shall provide the consumer with a written receipt for each payment under a rental–purchase agreement made in person by cash or money order, or, if the payment is made in any other form, on request.    (b)    The written receipt shall contain the:        (1)    Total amount paid;        (2)    Total amount due that week or month; and        (3)    Total remaining rental payments necessary to acquire ownership of the item.    (c)    The lessor shall provide the consumer with a written statement of account within 3 days after the consumer’s request.