reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1108 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1108 - New Rental-Purchase Agreements

    (a)    When a rental-purchase agreement is satisfied and replaced by a new rental-purchase agreement between the lessor and consumer, the lessor and consumer shall negotiate a new rental-purchase agreement requiring new disclosures.    (b)    The following do not require the negotiation of a new rental-purchase agreement:        (1)    The addition or return of rental property under a multiple-item agreement or the substitution of the rental property, if in either case the average payment allocable to a payment period is not changed by more than 25 percent;        (2)    A deferral or extension of 1 or more rental payments, or portions of a rental payment;        (3)    A reduction in charges in the rental-purchase agreement; or        (4)    A rental-purchase agreement involved in a court proceeding.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1109 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1109 - Advertisements

    (a)    An advertisement for a rental-purchase agreement that refers to or states the dollar amount of any payment and the right to acquire ownership for any 1 specific item shall clearly and conspicuously state, as applicable:        (1)    That the transaction advertised is a rental-purchase agreement;        (2)    The total cost and the number of payments necessary to acquire ownership; and        (3)    That the consumer acquires no ownership right if the total amount necessary to acquire ownership is not paid.    (b)    Any owner, employee, or agent of any medium in which an advertisement appears or through which it is disseminated may not be liable for violations under this section.    (c)    The requirements under subsection (a) of this section do not apply to an advertisement that:        (1)    Does not refer to or state the amount of any payment; or        (2)    Is published in the yellow pages of a telephone directory or in any similar directory of business.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1110 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1110 - Penalties; Exceptions

    (a)    A person who willfully and intentionally violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $500 per violation.    (b)    For a violation of a provision of this subtitle, a consumer under a rental-purchase agreement may recover from the lessor committing the violation, or may set off by way of a counterclaim in an action brought by the lessor or its assignee, an amount equal to:        (1)    Actual damages; and        (2)    $500 plus reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.    (c)    A lessor or its assignee may not be held liable under this subtitle if the lessor or its assignee proves by a preponderance of the evidence:        (1)    That the violation was unintentional and resulted from a bona fide error, notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adopted to avoid that type of error; and        (2)    That the lessor or its assignee corrected the error and refunded any money excessively charged due to the error, within 30 days after discovering or receiving notice of the error.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1110.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1110.1 - Recovery of Property Subject to Rental-Purchase Agreement

    (a)    A lessor may not bring a court action to recover property subject to a rental–purchase agreement until 15 days after the consumer has been sent notice of a default.    (b)    Notice of default sent by certified mail to the consumer’s last known address constitutes notice.    (c)    The notice shall include any amount the consumer must pay to reinstate the rental–purchase agreement, if applicable.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1111 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1111 - Form for Disclosures

    (a)    The following is an example of a form which shall be used to satisfy the disclosure requirements of §§ 12–1103(c) and 12–1104(a) of this subtitle:
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1111.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1111.1 - Sample Forms on Web Site

    The Attorney General’s Web site shall include the sample forms in § 12–1111 of this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1112 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 11 - Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act|Section 12-1112 - Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Rental-Purchase Agreement Act.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1201 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Arranger of financing” means a person that:        (1)    For a fee or other valuable consideration, whether received directly or indirectly, aids or assists a borrower in obtaining a reverse mortgage loan; and        (2)    Is not named as the lender in the reverse mortgage loan agreement.    (c)    “Borrower” means an individual who makes a loan application for or receives a reverse mortgage loan.    (d)    “Counseling agency” means an entity approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide counseling regarding reverse mortgage loans.    (e)    “Dwelling” has the meaning stated in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article.    (f)    “Lender” means a person who makes a reverse mortgage loan.    (g)    “Person” includes an individual, corporation, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.    (h)    “Reverse mortgage loan” means a nonrecourse loan that:        (1)    Is secured by the borrower’s principal dwelling;        (2)    Provides the borrower with purchase money proceeds, a lump sum payment, periodic cash advances, a line of credit, or any combination of those payment plans based on the equity in or value of the borrower’s principal dwelling; and        (3)    Requires no payment of principal or interest until the full loan becomes due and payable.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1202 - Scope of Subtitle

    (a)    The provisions of this subtitle:        (1)    Apply to a reverse mortgage loan secured by a borrower’s principal dwelling in the State; and        (2)    Are in addition to any other applicable provisions of law.    (b)    If a provision of this subtitle conflicts with any provision of this title, the provision of this subtitle applies.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1203 - Specific Payment Plan or Loans to Borrowers Not Holding Fee Simple Interest Not Required

    This subtitle does not require a lender that offers to make a reverse mortgage loan to offer a reverse mortgage loan:        (1)    With any one or more particular payment plans; or        (2)    To a prospective borrower who holds title to a dwelling in other than fee simple interest.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1204 - Conformance to Requirements of Federal Law

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a lender that offers or makes a reverse mortgage loan secured by a dwelling in the State shall conform to the requirements of 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, and any regulations and guidance adopted under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, regardless of whether the reverse mortgage loan is insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20.    (b)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an arranger of financing that aids or assists, or offers to aid or assist, a borrower in obtaining a reverse mortgage loan secured by a dwelling in the State shall conform to the requirements of 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, and any regulations and guidance adopted under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, regardless of whether the reverse mortgage loan is insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1205 - Inapplicability of Federal Provisions -- Uninsured Loans

    (a)    A reverse mortgage loan that is not insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20 is not subject to the provisions in 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, or in any regulations or guidance adopted under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, that:        (1)    Limit origination fees to $6,000 as adjusted under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20(r);        (2)    Impose maximum claim amounts or other loan limit restrictions; or        (3)    Require government insurance for the loan.    (b)    A lender or an arranger of financing is not subject to the federal regulatory approval requirements of 24 C.F.R., Part 202 when making or arranging a reverse mortgage loan that is not insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1206 - Requirements for Purchasers

    (a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a lender or an arranger of financing may not require a borrower to purchase an annuity, a long–term care policy, or other financial or insurance product as a condition to obtaining a reverse mortgage loan.        (2)    A lender or an arranger of financing may require a borrower to purchase title insurance, hazard, flood, or other peril insurance, and any other financial or insurance product that is required for reverse mortgage loans insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20.    (b)    A lender or an arranger of financing may not refer a borrower to any person for the purchase of an annuity or any other financial or insurance product before the later of:        (1)    The closing of the reverse mortgage loan; or        (2)    The expiration of the borrower’s right to rescind the reverse mortgage loan agreement.    (c)    This section does not prohibit a lender or an arranger of financing from offering to a borrower, or referring a borrower to a person for the purchase of:        (1)    Title insurance;        (2)    Hazard, flood, or other peril insurance; or        (3)    Other products that are customary under a reverse mortgage loan.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1207 - Counseling Agency Checklists

    (a)    On receiving an application for a reverse mortgage loan, a lender or an arranger of financing shall provide a prospective borrower with a written checklist, written in 12 point type or larger, advising the borrower to discuss the following issues with a counseling agency counselor:        (1)    How unexpected medical or other events that cause the borrower to move out of the borrower’s home earlier than anticipated will impact the total annual cost of the reverse mortgage loan;        (2)    The extent to which the borrower’s financial needs would be better met by options other than a reverse mortgage loan, including less costly home equity lines of credit, property tax deferral programs, or governmental aid programs;        (3)    Whether the borrower intends to use the proceeds of the reverse mortgage loan to purchase an annuity or other financial or insurance product and the consequences of doing so;        (4)    The effect of repayment of the reverse mortgage loan on other residents of the home securing the reverse mortgage loan after all borrowers have died or permanently left the home;        (5)    The borrower’s ability to finance routine or catastrophic home repairs, especially if maintenance is a factor that may determine when the reverse mortgage loan becomes payable;        (6)    The impact that the reverse mortgage loan may have on the borrower’s tax obligations and eligibility for government assistance programs, and the effect that losing equity in the home securing the reverse mortgage loan will have on the borrower’s estate and heirs; and        (7)    The ability of the borrower to finance alternative living accommodations, such as assisted living or long–term care, after the borrower’s equity is depleted.    (b)    If an individual obtains counseling on reverse mortgage loans from a counseling agency before applying for a reverse mortgage loan, the counseling agency shall provide the individual with the written checklist required under subsection (a) of this section.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 12 - Reverse Mortgage Loans Act|Section 12-1208 - Violations; Penalties

    (a)    Except as otherwise provided in this section:        (1)    A lender or arranger of financing for a reverse mortgage loan insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20 that violates this subtitle is subject to the penalties provided in 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20, and in any regulations and guidance adopted under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20; and        (2)    A lender or arranger of financing for a reverse mortgage loan not insured under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–20 that violates this subtitle:            (i)    Engages in an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of this article; and            (ii)    Is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of this article, except § 13–411.    (b)    A violation of this subtitle does not constitute a violation of any other subtitle of this title.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 13 - Mortgage Loans -- Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services|Section 12-1301 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Borrower” has the meaning stated in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article.    (c)    “Home buyer education or housing counseling” means instruction on preparing for home ownership, shopping for a home, obtaining a mortgage, loan closing, and life as a homeowner.    (d)    “Lender” means a person that makes a mortgage loan.    (e)    “Mortgage loan” has the meaning stated in § 11–501 of the Financial Institutions Article.    (f)    “Secondary mortgage loan” means a mortgage loan secured by residential real property that is subject to the lien of one or more prior mortgage loans.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 13 - Mortgage Loans -- Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services|Section 12-1302 - Applicability of Subtitle

    (a)    This subtitle applies to any lender that makes a mortgage loan secured by owner–occupied residential real property located in the State.    (b)    This subtitle does not apply to:        (1)    A secondary mortgage loan;        (2)    An open–end or revolving home equity line of credit;        (3)    A construction loan;        (4)    An individual who takes back a deferred purchase money mortgage in connection with the sale of residential real property owned by, and titled in the name of, the individual; or        (5)    An individual who makes a mortgage loan to a borrower who is the individual’s spouse, child, child’s spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or grandchild’s spouse.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 13 - Mortgage Loans -- Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services|Section 12-1303 - Home Buyer Education or Housing Counseling

    (a)    Unless the lender is otherwise required by federal or State law to refer the borrower to housing counseling, a lender shall provide to a borrower a written notice, in the form specified in regulations adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development, in consultation with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, that includes:        (1)    A statement recommending that the borrower complete home buyer education or housing counseling; and        (2)    Information about home buyer education and housing counseling programs and services provided by nonprofit and government organizations certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that are available to residents of the State.    (b)    The Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide and maintain the information required under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 13 - Mortgage Loans -- Notice of Housing Counseling Programs and Services|Section 12-1304 - Closing on Mortgage Loan Without Notice Prohibited

    A lender may not close on a mortgage loan unless the lender has provided to the borrower the notice required under § 12–1303 of this subtitle.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1401 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 14 - Credit Card Processors|Section 12-1401 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    “Credit card processor” means a person that processes credit card or electronic commerce transactions on behalf of a business entity for a fee.        (2)    “Credit card processor” includes:            (i)    A merchant services provider;            (ii)    A financial institution;            (iii)    An independent sales organization; and            (iv)    Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed in items (i) through (iii) of this paragraph.    (c)    “Merchant processing agreement” means a contract between a credit card processor and a business entity under which the business entity agrees to pay the credit card processor for processing credit card or electronic commerce transactions on behalf of the business entity.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1402 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 14 - Credit Card Processors|Section 12-1402 - Subtitle Not Applicable to Merchant Processing Agreement Between Credit Card Processor and Business Entity Under Certain Conditions

    This subtitle does not apply to a merchant processing agreement between a credit card processor and a business entity:        (1)    That may be terminated without assessment of fees, fines, penalties, or liquidated damages; or        (2)    If at the time of entry into the merchant processing agreement, the business entity employs 50 or more employees or reasonably estimates that it will generate more than $2,000,000 in credit card or electronic commerce transactions each year.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1403 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 14 - Credit Card Processors|Section 12-1403 - Merchant Processing Agreement

    (a)    If a business entity cancels a merchant processing agreement before the expiration of the initial term agreed on by the credit card processor and the business entity, the credit card processor may not assess or charge a fee, fine, or penalty that exceeds $500.    (b)    If a business entity terminates the merchant processing agreement after the expiration of the initial term agreed on by a credit card processor and a business entity, the credit card processor may not assess a fee, fine, or penalty, unless a credit card processor and a business entity have entered into a separate renewal merchant processing agreement.    (c)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a merchant processing agreement shall disclose clearly and conspicuously in bold, 12 point font the following information:        (1)    The amount of any early termination fee, fine, penalty, or liquidated damages that may be assessed by the credit card processor for termination of a merchant processing agreement before the expiration of the initial term;        (2)    The expiration date of the merchant processing agreement;        (3)    The renewal date of the merchant processing agreement; and        (4)    The customer service contact information of the credit card processor, including telephone number, mailing address, and e–mail address.    (d)    The information required under subsection (c) of this section shall be:        (1)    Provided on the signature page of a merchant  processing agreement; and        (2)    Initialed separately by the business entity.    (e)    The credit card processor shall provide a copy of the merchant processing agreement in electronic or paper form to the business entity at the time the business entity signs the merchant processing agreement.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  12-1404 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 12 - Credit Regulations|Subtitle 14 - Credit Card Processors|Section 12-1404 - Investigation of Complaint of Violation of 12-1403

    If a complaint about a violation of § 12–1403 of this subtitle is filed with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the Commissioner may investigate the complaint and use any of the investigative and enforcement powers provided under Title 2, Subtitle 1 of the Financial Institutions Article.
MD. Commercial Law Code Ann. §  13-101.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Commercial Law|Title 13 - Consumer Protection Act|Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions|Section 13-101.1 - Applicability of Title to Consumer Contracts

    The provisions of this title apply to the subject matter of a consumer contract as defined in § 22-102 of this article in the same manner they apply to consumer goods and consumer services.