Us Code § 3702 - Definitions

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3702 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3702. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(1) "mortgage" means a deed of trust, mortgage, deed to secure debt, security agreement, or any other form of instrument under which any interest in property, real, personal or mixed, or any interest in property including leaseholds, life estates, reversionary interests, and any other estates under applicable State law, is conveyed in trust, mortgaged, encumbered, pledged, or otherwise rendered subject to a lien, for the purpose of securing the payment of money or the performance of an obligation;

(2) "multifamily mortgage" means a mortgage held by the Secretary pursuant to—

(A) section 608 or 801, or title II or X, of the National Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1743, 1748, 1707 et seq., 1749aa et seq.];

(B) section 312 of the Housing Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 1452b], as it existed immediately before its repeal by section 289 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act;

(C) section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 [12 U.S.C. 1701q], as it existed immediately before its amendment by section 801 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act;

(D) section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 [12 U.S.C. 1701q], as amended by section 801 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; and

(E) section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 8013].


(3) "mortgage agreement" means the note or debt instrument and the mortgage instrument, deed of trust instrument, trust deed, or instrument or instruments creating the mortgage, including any instrument incorporated by reference therein (including any applicable regulatory agreement), and any instrument or agreement amending or modifying any of the foregoing;

(4) "mortgagor" means the obligor, grantor, or trustor named in the mortgage agreement and, unless the context otherwise indicates, includes the current owner of record of the security property whether or not personally liable on the mortgage debt;

(5) "person" includes any individual, group of individuals, association, partnership, corporation, or organization;

(6) "record" and "recorded" include "register" and "registered" in the instance of registered land;

(7) "security property" means the property, real, personal or mixed, or an interest in property, including leaseholds, life estates, reversionary interests, and any other estates under applicable State law, together with fixtures and other interests subject to the lien of the mortgage under applicable State law;

(8) "State" means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and Indian tribes as defined by the Secretary;

(9) "county" means county as defined in section 2 of title 1; and

(10) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(Pub. L. 97–35, title III, §363, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 422; Pub. L. 102–550, title V, §517(b), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3792.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Housing Act, referred to in par. (2)(A), is act June 27, 1934, ch. 847, 48 Stat. 1246. Title II of the Act is classified principally to subchapter II (§1707 et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title. Title X of the Act, which was classified principally to subchapter IX–A (§1749aa et seq.) of chapter 13 of this title, was repealed by Pub. L. 101–235, title I, §133(a), Dec. 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 2027. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1701 of this title and Tables.

Section 312 of the Housing Act of 1964, referred to in par. (2)(B), is section 312 of Pub. L. 88–560, which was classified to section 1452b of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and was repealed by Pub. L. 101–625, title II, §289(b)(1), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4128.

Section 801 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, referred to in par. (2)(C), (D), is section 801 of Pub. L. 101–625.

Amendments

1992—Par. (2). Pub. L. 102–550 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: " 'multifamily mortgage' means a mortgage held by the Secretary pursuant to title II of the National Housing Act or section 312 of the House Act of 1964 covering any property, except a property on which there is located a one- to four-family residence;".


Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

About This Section

12 U.S.C. § 3702 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. § 3702. 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.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3702

What does United States Code § 3702 cover?

Section 3702 ("Definitions") 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 § 3702?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3702" (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 § 3702 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.