As a resource for class action defense attorneys who defend against RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) class actions, we provide the text of Regulation X. Congress gave authority to the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promulgate regulations for RESPA, and the regulations are set forth in 24 CFR § 3500.1 et seq. The regulations concerning the reproduction of settlement statements are set forth in § 3500.9, which provides:
§ 3500.9. Reproduction of settlement statements
(a) Permissible changes–HUD-1. The following changes and insertions are permitted when the HUD-1 settlement statement is reproduced:
(1) The person reproducing the HUD-1 may insert its business name and logotype in Section A and may rearrange, but not delete, the other information that appears in Section A.
(2) The name, address, and other information regarding the lender and settlement agent may be printed in Sections F and H, respectively.
(3) Reproduction of the HUD-1 must conform to the terminology, sequence, and numbering of line items as presented in lines 100-1400. However, blank lines or items listed in lines 100-1400 that are not used locally or in connection with mortgages by the lender may be deleted, except for the following: Lines 100, 120, 200, 220, 300, 301, 302, 303, 400, 420, 500, 520, 600, 601, 602, 603, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400. The form may be shortened correspondingly. The number of a deleted item shall not be used for a substitute or new item, but the number of a blank space on the HUD-1 may be used for a substitute or new item.
(4) Charges not listed on the HUD-1, but that are customary locally or pursuant to the lender’s practice, may be inserted in blank spaces. Where existing blank spaces on the HUD-1 are insufficient, additional lines and spaces may be added and numbered in sequence with spaces on the HUD-1.
(5) The following variations in layout and format are within the discretion of persons reproducing the HUD-1 and do not require prior HUD approval: size of pages; tint or color of pages; size and style of type or print; vertical spacing between lines or provision for additional horizontal space on lines (for example, to provide sufficient space for recording time periods used in prorations); printing of the HUD-1 contents on separate pages, on the front and back of a single page, or on one continuous page; use of multicopy tear-out sets; printing on rolls for computer purposes; reorganization of Sections B through I, when necessary to accommodate computer printing; and manner of placement of the HUD number, but not the OMB approval number, neither of which may be deleted. The designation of the expiration date of the OMB number may be deleted. Any changes in the HUD number or OMB approval number may be announced by notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER, rather than by amendment of this part.
(6) The borrower’s information and the seller’s information may be provided on separate pages.
(7) Signature lines may be added.
(8) The HUD-1 may be translated into languages other than English.
(9) An additional page may be attached to the HUD-1 for the purpose of including customary recitals and information used locally in real estate settlements; for example, breakdown of payoff figures, a breakdown of the borrower’s total monthly mortgage payments, check disbursements, a statement indicating receipt of funds, applicable special stipulations between buyer and seller, and the date funds are transferred. If space permits, such information may be added at the end of the HUD-1.
(10) As required by HUD/FHA in FHA-insured loans.
(11) As allowed by § 3500.17, relating to an initial escrow account statement.
(b) Permissible changes–HUD-1A. The changes and insertions on the HUD-1 permitted under paragraph (a) of this section are also permitted when the HUD-1A settlement statement is reproduced, except the changes described in paragraphs (a)(3) and (6) of this section.
(c) Written approval. Any other deviation in the HUD-1 or HUD-1A forms is permissible only upon receipt of written approval of the Secretary. A request to the Secretary for approval shall be submitted in writing to the address indicated in § 3500.3 and shall state the reasons why the applicant believes such deviation is needed. The prescribed form(s) must be used until approval is received.
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