Us Code § 1709 - –2. Equity skimming; penalty; persons liable; one dwelling exemption

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1709 — –2. Equity skimming; penalty; persons liable; one dwelling exemption, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1709. –2. Equity skimming; penalty; persons liable; one dwelling exemption

Whoever, with intent to defraud, willfully engages in a pattern or practice of—

(1) purchasing one- to four-family dwellings (including condominiums and cooperatives) which are subject to a loan in default at time of purchase or in default within one year subsequent to the purchase and the loan is secured by a mortgage or deed of trust insured or held by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the loan is made by the Department of Veterans Affairs,

(2) failing to make payments under the mortgage or deed of trust as the payments become due, regardless of whether the purchaser is obligated on the loan, and

(3) applying or authorizing the application of rents from such dwellings for his own use,


shall be fined not more than $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. This section shall apply to a purchaser of such a dwelling, or a beneficial owner under any business organization or trust purchasing such dwelling, or to an officer, director, or agent of any such purchaser. Nothing in this section shall apply to the purchaser of only one such dwelling.

(Pub. L. 91–609, title IX, §912, Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1814; Pub. L. 100–242, title IV, §416(a), Feb. 5, 1988, 101 Stat. 1907; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(d)(1), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 274.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, and not as part of the National Housing Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1991—Par. (1). Pub. L. 102–54 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration" in two places.

1988—Pub. L. 100–242 inserted parenthetical reference to condominiums and cooperatives in par. (1), substituted "due, regardless of whether the purchaser is obligated on the loan" for "due" in par. (2), and substituted "$250,000" for "$5,000" and "5" for "three" in closing provisions.

About This Section

12 U.S.C. § 1709 is part of Title 12 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 12 U.S.C. § 1709. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1709

What does United States Code § 1709 cover?

Section 1709 ("–2. Equity skimming; penalty; persons liable; one dwelling exemption") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1709?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1709" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1709 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.