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The Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2009
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Contents
- Preamble
- Section 1 — Interpretation.
- Section 2 — Scope of application .
- Section 3 — Application of Act.
- Section 4 — Application of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, 1881.
- Section 5 — Security for loan.
- Section 6 — Mortgage evidenced in writing.
- Section 7 — Disclosure requirements.
- Section 8 — Stamping and registration.
- Section 9 — Default in payment.
- Section 10 — Remedies of Mortgagees on default.
- Section 11 — Appointment of Receiver upon default.
- Section 12 — Mortgagee’s Right to Possession.
- Section 13 — Sale of Mortgaged Property upon default.
- Section 14 — Price of property not to be less than 85% of market value.
- Section 15 — Insurance.
- Section 16 — Rates.
- Section 17 — Mortgagor’s right to transfer restricted.
- Section 18 — Mortgagor’s right to create further charges restricted.
- Section 19 — Penalty for using loan for unauthorized purpose.
- Section 20 — Offences by bodies of persons.
- Section 21 — Action to be brought by way of originating notice of motions.
- Section 22 — Rules.
- First Schedule
- Second Schedule
- Third Schedule
- Fourth Schedule
- Fifth Schedule
Short title.
No. 4 2009
Sierra Leone
THE HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE ACT, 2009
Being an Act to regulate home mortgage financing and
institutions, which carry on home mortgage financing and to provide
for other related matters.
[ ]
E NACTED by the President and Members of Parliament in this
present Parliament assembled.
Date of commencement.
THE HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE ACT, 2009
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section No.
PART I–PRELIMINARY
PART II – GENERAL PROVISIONS
PART III – EFFECT OF A MORTGAGE
PART IV – MISCELLANEOUS
Schedules
ACT
Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol. CXL, No. 26
dated 11th June, 2009
S IGNED this 4th day of June, 2009
DR. ERNEST BAI KOROMA,
President.
LS
Interpretation.
PART I–PRELIMINARY
1. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires –
“Annual Percentage Rate (APR)” means the total cost
of credit that the borrower pays, expressed as a
simple annual percentage;
“Banking Institution” or “Bank” means a financial
institution licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone
under the Banking Act, 2000 to carry on the business
of banking;
“Borrower” means a person who has taken a loan under
this Act and includes any person from time to time
deriving title through the original Borrower;
“Certified Valuer” means a member in good standing
of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers;
“default” means failure to perform or breach of such
terms, conditions, covenants or obligation in the
mortgage Agreement;
“Demand Note” means a notice to the Mortgagor
demanding arrears due;
“dwelling house” means a building that is used mainly
for residential purposes;
“Good Faith Estimate” means a good faith estimate of
all anticipated costs that will be borne by the
Mortgagor in a mortgage transaction;
“loan” includes any credit or other financing granted
by a Banking Institution or Non-Banking Financial
Institution under this Act;
“mortgage” means an encumbrance on the property
charged, and does not, except as provided by this
Act, operate so as to change the ownership, right to
possession or any other interest, whether present
or future in the property charged;
“Mortgage Agreement” means an agreement in writing
between a Mortgagor and a Mortgagee granting the
Mortgagee a charge over the mortgaged property
as security for the loan and setting forth the terms
and condition of the loan;
“Mortgagor” means a person who in consideration
for a loan granted to him or to a third party or for the
performance of an obligation secures the repayment
of the loan or the performance of the obligation under
this Act with an immovable property and includes
any person from time to time deriving title through
the original Mortgagor or entitled to redeem a
mortgage according to his interest in the mortgaged
property;
“Mortgagee” or “Lender” means an institution that
grants loans for the purposes specified in section 2
of this Act and includes any person from time to
time deriving title through the original Mortgagee;
“Non-Banking Financial Institution” means a financial
institution, licensed by the Bank of Sierra Leone
under the Other Financial Services Act, 2001;
“purchaser” means a purchaser in good faith for
valuable consideration and includes a lessee or
Mortgagee who acquires an interest for valuable
consideration;
“reasonable force” means only that minimum amount
of force necessary to evict the Mortgagor or any
other person occupying the mortgaged property or
force that is reasonable and without undue or
excessive violence;
2 3
Act No. 11
of 2000.
(Act No. 7
of 2001)
“unauthorized purpose” means any purpose other
than the purpose stated in section 2.
PART II – GENERAL PROVISIONS
2. (1) This Act applies to all Banking Institutions and Non-
Banking Financial Institutions engaged in the business of–
(a) providing mortgage financing for the
construction and purchase of dwelling
houses by individuals and institutions
including the financing of the completion of
uncompleted houses and extensions and
renovations or improvements to dwelling
houses for ownership, sale or rental;
(b) financing the construction of dwelling
houses by organizations engaged in the
business of building dwelling houses for sale
or rental as well as for the financing of fixtures
and chattels relating to dwelling houses; or
(c) providing loans, advances or bonds and
other guarantees to individuals for a specified
purpose agreed between the Borrower and
the Lender provided the repayment of the
loans, advances or bonds and other
guarantees is secured by a legal mortgage.
.
3. (1) Except where otherwise provided, this Act shall apply
only to home finance mortgages created after the commencement of
this Act.
(2) Nothing contained in this Act shall affect the validity,
rights or obligations of parties to any home mortgage finance created
before the commencement of this Act.
4. (1) This Act shall be in addition to the Conveyancing
and Law of Property Act 1881and shall not, except as otherwise
provided in this Act, derogate from the provisions of the
Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881.
(2) Where there is a conflict or inconsistency between
the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881 and this Act, the
provisions of this Act shall prevail in so far as the particular mortgage
falls within the scope of this Act.
PART III – EFFECT OF A MORTGAGE
5. (1) Where a financial institution grants a loan under this
Act security for the loan shall include a mortgage over the property
in respect of which the loan is granted; and
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the Mortagee or the
Lender, the title deeds, documents of title or mortgage deeds relating
to the property, duly stamped and registered shall be deposited with
the financial institution unless the financial institution in its absolute
discretion decides otherwise or demands another security in place of
the title documents.
6. (1) A mortgage under this Act shall not be enforceable
unless it is evidenced in writing and provides for the–
(a) name and address of each Mortgagor and
Mortgagee;
(b) full description of mortgaged property;
(c) names of persons whose consent is required if any;
(d) date of creation of Mortgagor;
(e) nature of Mortgagor’s interest in the mortgaged
property;
(f) the extent to which the Mortgagor’s interest is
subject to the mortgage;
(g) the nature of the charge created; in case of a floating
charge the nature of the restriction on the power of
the Mortgagor’s right to grant further charges
ranking in priority or pari passu with the charge
thereby created;
4 5
Scope of
application.
Application
of Act .
Application
of Conveyancing, etc.
Act.
Security for
loan.
Mortgage
evidenced in
writing.
(h) consideration stating the exact amount in words
and figures unless the agreement provides for
further advances;
(i) acknowledgement of receipt of consideration by
Mortgagor;
(j) rights of redemption;
(k) insurance of property;
(l) interest on principal amount;
(m) date on which payment is due;
(n) terms and conditions of renewal;
(o) covenants and conditions;
(p) events of default;
(q) signatures of parties; and
(r) signatures of witnesses.
(2) A mortgage agreement shall be sufficient and shall be
enforcable with regard to form and expression, if it is in the form
contained in the First Schedule or in similar form or using expressions
to a similar effect.
7. (1) A Mortgagee under this Act shall, at least fourteen
days before granting a loan to a Mortgagor, provide to the prospective
Borrower in writing–
(a) the estimated Annual Percentage Rate
(APR); and
(b) a good faith estimate of all the charges, fees
and costs of the mortgage transaction.
(2) The disclosures required under subsection (1), shall
be in the form provided in the Second Schedule and shall be delivered
to, and acknowledged in writing by the prospective Borrower.
(3) The Mortgagee shall allow a minimum period of
fourteen days from the date of offer of the loan to the day when the
mortgage agreement is executed in order to enable a prospective
Borrower to seek legal and financial advice on all the documents
relating to the loan.
(4) Any Mortgagee who makes inaccurate disclosures
under subsection (1) or fails to comply with the provisions of this
section shall be liable to the Mortgagor for the total of all of the
following damages–
(a) any actual damages a Mortgagor or Borrower
sustained as a result of the violation; and
(b) court costs and legal fees.
(5) Without prejudice to subsection (4), a Mortgagee who
fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be liable to a
fine not less than five million Leones.
(6) A Mortgagee shall not be liable under subsection (4)
and (5), if upon discovery of an error made in a disclosure required
under subsection (1) he notifies the Mortgagor of the error and makes
the necessary adjustments to the Mortgagor’s account within sixty
days of discovery, so that the Mortgagor or Borrower pays no more
than the lesser of the finance charge or the APR actually disclosed.
(7) The Bank of Sierra Leone shall issue such notices as
it considers necessary for the purpose of implementing the provisions
of this section including guidelines relating to the determination of
accuracy tolerance margins for the purposes of subsections (4) and
(5).
6 7
Disclosure
requirements.
8. Without prejudice to the provisions of section 14 of the
Stamp Duty Act, and section 24 of the Registration of Instruments
Act, a mortgage created under this Act shall not be void or avoided
by reason that it has not been registered or stamped and shall be
valid as between the parties to the mortgage:
Provided any interest in the mortgaged property acquired by
a third party for valuable consideration and acting in good faith shall
not be valid unless that third party registers his interest or the
instrument creating the interest under the Stamp Duty Act and the
Registration of Instruments Act.
9. (1) Where the Mortgagor fails to make an installment
payment within fourteen days after the due date for such payment,
the Mortgagee shall notify the Mortgagor in writing of this fact and
demand urgent steps to be taken to remedy such default by the
Mortgagor.
(2) If no payment is made and the immediately following
month’s installment also falls into arrears, the Mortgagee shall send
to the Mortgagor a Demand Note for the immediate payment of the
total amount that has fallen into arrears.
(3) The notice required under subsection (1), and the
Demand Note required under subsection (2) shall be delivered either–
(a) by hand and a receipt acknowledged in
writing by the Mortgagor; or
(b) by leaving it for the Mortgagor with any
person apparently over the age of eighteen
years at such address and receipt
acknowledged in writing by that person; or
(c) by pasting the notice on a reasonably
noticeable part of the mortgaged property;
or
(d) be sent by registered mail or by courier to the
address provided by the Mortgagor.
(4) Where registered mail or courier service is used the
Demand Note shall be deemed to have been received by the
Mortgagor at the time at which it would have been delivered in the
ordinary course of post or the courier service.
(5) If a settlement of the arrears is not made after the date
of issue of the Demand Note and the Mortgagor does not make a
satisfactory arrangement with the Mortgagee for the settlement of
the amount outstanding, the Mortgagor shall be deemed to be in
default as soon as the third succeeding month’s installment also falls
into arrears.
(6) Where the Mortgagor is a body corporate or a
partnership, the notification required under subsection (1) and the
Demand Note shall, when hand delivered, be delivered to the
registered or principal place of business and acknowledged in writing
by an officer of the company or partnership.
10. Upon the failure of performance of an act or acts secured
by the mortgage to which this Act applies, the Mortgagee may do
either or both of the following–
(a) sue the Mortgagor or Borrower on any
personal covenant to perform;
(b) realise the Mortgagor’s security in the
mortgaged property in any or all of the ways
provided in this Act.
8 9
Default in
payment.
Remedies of
Mortgagees
on Default.
Stamping and
registration.
Cap 274.
Cap256.
Cap 274.
Cap256.
11. (1) Upon failure of performance of an act or acts secured
by a mortgage to which this Act applies, the Mortgagee may appoint
a receiver for the purposes of this section.
(2) In the exercise of his right of appointment of receiver
under subsection (1), the Mortgagee under a mortgage to which this
Act applies, shall not be obliged to take any court proceedings.
(3) A receiver appointed under subsection (1), may take
possession of the mortgaged property in the manner stated in this
section, and collect by demand or action in the name of the Mortgagor
or the Mortgagee or otherwise, all income including arrears accruing
from the mortgaged property, give valid receipts for all income
collected and do any other act necessary or proper to manage the
property including making reasonable repairs and improvements to
the property to protect its value or to maintain or increase the income
from the property.
(4) A receiver appointed under subsection (1), shall be
deemed to be the agent of the Mortgagee and the Mortgagee shall be
responsible for the receiver’s acts or omissions.
(5) A person paying money to the receiver shall not be
concerned to enquire whether any event had happened to authorise
the receiver to act.
(6) The receiver may at any time be removed and a new
one appointed by the Mortgagee in writing.
(7) For the removal of doubt, the fact that a Mortgagee
has taken possession of the mortgaged property shall not prevent
him from appointing a receiver under this section in respect of that
property.
(8) A receiver shall be entitled to retain out of any money
received by him for his remuneration, and in satisfaction of all costs,
charges and expenses incurred by him as a receiver a commission at
a rate not exceeding five per centum on the gross amount of all money
received, as is specified in his appointment and where no rate is so
specified then at the rate of two and a half per centum of that gross
amount.
(9) The receiver shall, if so directed in writing by the
Mortgagee, insure the mortgaged property and any property of an
insurable nature being part of the mortgage property, to the extent to
which the Mortgagor ought to have insured against risks specified
in the mortgage agreement.
(10) A receiver appointed under subsection (1), shall apply
all money received by him as follows—
(a) in discharge of all rents, taxes, rates and other
outgoings affecting the mortgaged property;
(b) in payment of all annual sums or interest on
all principal sums, due and having priority to
the mortgage;
(c) in payment of his commission and of the
premium payable in accordance with the
mortgage and cost of effecting necessary
repairs;
(d) in payment of all interest accruing in respect
of any principal money due under the
mortgage;
(e) in or towards the discharge of any principal
money due under the mortgage if so directed
in writing by the Mortgagee,
and shall pay the residue if any, or the moneys received by him to the
person who but for the possession of the receiver would have been
entitled to receive the income of which he is appointed receiver or
who is otherwise entitled to the mortgaged property.
10 11
Appointment
of receiver
upon default.
(11) Any person who obstructs a receiver in the discharge
of his functions commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction
to a fine not less than five million Leones or to imprisonment not
exceeding six months or to both fine and imprisonment; and in the
case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand Leones for each day on which the offence
continues.
(12) Paragraph (iii) of subsection (1) of section 19 of the
Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, 1881 shall not apply to any
mortgage to which this Act applies.
12. (1) Upon failure of performance of an act or acts secured
by the mortgage, the Mortgagee shall be entitled, as against the
Mortgagor and any person deriving an interest in the mortgaged
property through him whose interest is subsequent to that of the
Mortgagee, to possession of the mortgaged property.
(2) In the exercise of his right of possession under this
section the Mortgagee under a mortgage to which this Act applies
shall make an ex-parte application to the High court for an order to
take possession of the mortgage property.
(3) An order made by the High court under section (2)
shall be enforceable by writ of possession.
13. (1) Upon failure of performance of an act or acts secured
by the mortgage the Mortgagee may sell or cause the mortgaged
property to be sold.
(2) In the exercise of his right of sale under this section
the Mortgagee under a mortgage to which this Act applies shall not
be required to take any court proceedings.
(3) A sale of any mortgaged property under this section
may be by public auction or private contract and shall be subject to
such conditions as the Mortgagee may determine.
(4) Where a sale is conducted by a public auction the
Auctioneers Act, shall apply except that the auctioneer’s fees shall
not exceed three per centum of the gross amount of the sale.
(5) Except where a sale is conducted by public auction, a
Mortgagee who wishes to exercise his power of sale under this
section shall give fourteen days notice of the sale to the Mortgagor
and every encumbrancer of whom he has notice.
(6) A notice required under subsection 5 shall be deemed
to be served on all such encumbrancers if published in a public local
newspaper on the fourteenth and seventh day respectively preceding
the date of sale.
(7) Where a Mortgagee has in exercise of his power of
sale under this section sold or caused to be sold the mortgaged
property to another person the title of the purchaser shall not be
defeated on the ground that —
(a) no case has arisen to authorise the sale; or
(b) the notice required under subsection (5) has
not been given; or
(c) the power of sale was otherwise improperly
or irregularly exercised,
but the Mortgagee shall be personally liable for any loss caused by
that sale if the sale is carried out in violation of this Act.
(8) Neither the Mortgagor nor any encumbrancer is
precluded from purchasing the mortgaged property at a sale under
this section subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (3)
provided that a Mortgagee at whose instance the sale was made
shall not have the right to purchase the mortgaged property except
where the sale is carried out at a public auction or subject to the
approval of the Mortgagor and all the encumbrancers of whom he
has notice where the sale is carried out by private contract.
(9) The Mortgagee exercising his right of sale under this
section may convey to the purchaser the whole of the interest of the
Mortgagor in the mortgaged property.
12 13
Mortgagee’s
right to
possession.
Sale of
mortgaged
property
upon default.
(Cap 224)
(10) The purchaser of the mortgaged property shall take
title to the mortgaged property free of all interests to which the
mortgage of the Mortgagee who requested the sale has priority, and
free of that mortgage, but subject to all interests which have priority
to that mortgage, and shall be entitled as against any person to all
title documents relating exclusively to the mortgaged property other
than those title documents held by a person with an interest having
priority to the mortgage of the Mortgagee who requested the sale.
(11) Without prejudice to section 14 of the Registration of
Instruments Act–
(a) a certificate of purchase executed by the
Mortgagor, the auctioneer and the purchaser
pursuant to an auction sale of the mortgaged
property; or
(b) where the sale is by private contract, a
statutory declaration by a Mortgagee
evidencing the fact of a mortgage, default by
the Mortgagor under the terms and
conditions of the mortgage and a sale of the
mortgaged property pursuant to such default,
shall be sufficient for the purposes of establishing the title of the
purchaser to the mortgaged property and for registration under the
Registration of Instruments Act.
(12) The proceeds from a sale under this section shall be
held in trust for distribution by the Mortgagee who caused the sale.
(13) Proceeds from a sale under this section shall be
distributed as follows:
(a) in payment of all expenses properly incurred
as incident to the sale or any prior attempted
sale;
(b) in payment of all sums secured by the
mortgage or with the same priority as the
mortgage; and
(c) in payment in the order of priority of any
encumbrances subsequent to that of the
mortgagee who requested th sale and the
render to the mortgaee or his succeesors in
title.
(14) For the removal of doubt it is hereby declared that a
Mortgagee on whom a right of sale is conferred by this section shall
not be deemed to be a trustee of the Mortgagor in respect of that
right.
14. (1) Before the sale of the mortgaged property, the
mortgaged property shall be valued by a Certified Valuer agreed upon
by the parties and where the parties are unable to reach an agreement,
the Mortgagee shall appoint the valuer.
(2) Where there is a dispute over the valuation of the
mortgaged property, the party disputing the valuation shall apply to
the Sierra Leone Institute of Surveyors for an appointment of an
independent Valuer and the decision of the Valuer appointed by the
Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers shall be final.
(3) The price obtained from the sale of a mortgaged
property under this Act shall not be less than eighty five per cent of
the appraised market value of the property.
(4) Where there is no sale at eighty five per cent of the
appraised market value as provided under subsection (3) after two
attempts at sale, the property may be sold at a price less than eighty
five percent of the appraised market value and neither the Mortgagee
nor an affiliated party of the Mortgagee shall be precluded from
purchasing the mortgaged property at such subsequent sale.
14 15
Cap 256
Price of
property not
to be less than
85% of
market value.
Cap 256
(5) A Mortgagee who contravenes subsections (3) and
(4) shall not be entitled to bring an action against the Mortgagor to
claim the remainder of any amounts still owed.
(6) Failure of the Mortgagee to comply with subsections
(3) and (4) shall however not render a sale under this Act invalid.
15. (1) Both the Mortgagor and the Mortgagee have an
insurable interest in the mortgaged property.
(2) Unless a contrary intention appears expressly or by
necessary implication, where the Mortgagor has covenanted to insure
all or any part of the mortgaged property and fails to do so as required
by the terms of the mortgage, the Mortgagee shall be entitled, after
giving notice in writing to the Mortgagor, to insure and keep insured
the mortgaged property against loss or damage by theft, fire,
earthquake or other natural disaster; and the premiums paid by the
Mortgagee for any such insurance shall be secured with the same
priority as the mortgage and, where the mortgage secures payment
of money, shall be added to the principal sum with interest at the
same rate as on the principal sum.
(3) Unless a contrary intention appears expressly or by
necessary implication, where the Mortgagor has covenanted to insure
all or any part of the mortgaged property and the insurance has been
effected by the Mortgagor, or on behalf of the Mortgagor by the
Mortgagee, all money received on such insurance shall be applied in
making good the loss or damage in respect of which the money is
received unless the Mortgagor elects to apply all or part of it toward
the performance of the act or acts secured by the mortgage.
16. Where any Mortgagor under a mortgage to which this Act
applies fails to pay any property rates due in respect of the mortgaged
property the Mortgagee may pay the rates and moneys so paid shall
be secured with the same priority as the mortgage and shall be added
to the principal sum with interest at the same rate as on the principal
sum.
17. A Mortgagor under a mortgage to which this Act applies
shall not transfer any interest in the mortgaged property without
the consent in writing of the Mortgagee.
18. (1) A Mortgagor under a mortgage to which this Act
applies shall not create further charges on any interest in the
mortgaged property without the consent in writing of the Mortgagee.
(2) A charge created in contravention of subsection (1)
shall be void in so far as the Mortgagor’s obligation under the prior
mortgage agreement has not been fully discharged.
PART IV – MISCELLANEOUS
19. Subject to paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of Section 2,
any person who, being a person to whom a loan is granted under this
Act, uses the whole or part of the proceeds of the loan for any purpose
other than the purpose for which the loan is granted, the loan and
any interest thereon shall immediately become payable and that
person commits an offence and shall, on summary conviction, be
liable to a fine not exceeding two million Leones or to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding twelve months or both fine and
imprisonment.
20. Where an offence under this Act or under any rules made
thereunder is committed by a body of persons then–
(a) in the case of a body corporate, every director
and officer of the body corporate shall be
deemed to have committed the offence; and
(b) in the case of a partnership, every partner or
officer of the body shall be deemed to have
committed the offence:
Provided that no such person shall be deemed to have
committed the offence if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent
the commission of the offence having regard to all the circumstances.
16 17
Insurance.
Rates.
Mortgagor’s
right to
transfer
restricted.
Mortgagor’s
right to create
further
charges
restricted.
Penalty for
using loan for
unauthorised
purpose.
Offences by
bodies of
persons.
21. An action brought under this Act shall be by way of
Originating Notice of Motion, and the proceedings shall be governed
by Order 8 of the High Court Rules, 2007.
22. The Minister may, by statutory instrument, make rules
necessary for the efficient implementation of, and otherwise for giving
full effect to, the provisions of this Act.
SCHEDULES
Section 6
Form of Mortgage Agreement
This Mortgage is made the ……day of ………………….Two
Thousand and ………..
(200…) BETWEEN (name and address of Mortgagor) (hereinafter
referred to as the “Mortgagor”)
which expression shall where the context so admits or requires include
his heirs personal representatives successors and assigns) of the
one part
And
(name of financial institution) a company incorporated under the
laws of Sierra Leone and having its registered office at (address )
(hereinafter referred to as the Mortgagee”) of the other part.
W HEREAS :
(Recitals)
root of Title
persons whose consent and/or concurrence is required.
Mortgagor’s need for the loan and
Mortgagees willingness to grant the Loan
1 Consideration and Personal Covenant to Pay
In consideration of the loan of (amount) which the Mortgagee has
given to the Mortgagor (receipt of which the Mortgagor
acknowledges), the Mortgagor covenants with the Mortgagee to
duly and punctually repay the said loan together with interest at (percentage of
interest) within (term of loan) and (additional charges under disclosure
requirements) (according to the payment schedule in Schedule 2 hereto) or (Clause
3 of this Agreement).
2 Mortgage
The Mortgagor as Beneficial Owner hereby mortgages the (description of property)
which property is particularly described in Schedule 1 hereto (hereinafter referred
to as the “Property”) together with all fittings and fixtures attached thereto now or
to be attached hereafter to the Mortgagee to secure the repayment of the loan,
interest and other money hereby covenanted to be paid by the Mortgagor.
3. Payment of principal, interests and other costs
3.1 The Mortgagor covenants with the Mortgagee to repay the Loans as follows:
(a) The Loan shall be repaid at the interest rate in [No. of installments] equal
monthly installments of …………………(amount) each within [term of loan] years,
the first installment to be made on ……………..(date) and the subsequent payments
to be made not later than the first day each month in arrears.
(b) In the event that the 1st day of the month falls on a weekend or a public
holiday, the payment shall be made not later that the next business day.
(c) In the event of a delay on the payment of any installment, the delayed
installment shall attract an interest of ( )%per annum.
3.2 Where the Mortgagor makes a payment over and above the required monthly
installment, such payment would be treated as an advance payment and applied to
future repayments of any payments payable under this Agreement unless the
Mortgagor indicates that the extra amount should be regarded as a prepayment.
3. Where the Mortgagor makes a prepayment of ( )% or more of the Loan at
any time during the mortgage, such a prepayment shall attract a penalty of ( ) of the
amount prepaid.
3.4 In the event of any prepayment, the monthly installment of the Loan shall
be adjusted accordingly to take effect from the second month following the month
in which the prepayment was made.
18 19
Action by
Originating
Notice of
Motion.
Rules.
3.5 The Mortgagor shall pay an estimated Annual Percentage Rate of ( ) in
addition to the principal and interest payable[mode of payment)
3.6 The Mortgagor shall also pay the additional charges provided in Schedule
2 hereto as Good Faith Estimates of the charges, fees and costs of this mortgage
agreement.
4 Insurance
4.1 The Mortgagor shall insure and keep insured, at his own expense during
the subsistence of this mortgage, the Property together with all fittings and fixtures
attached thereto now or to be attached hereafter, against loss or damage by burglary,
fire, earthquake, flooding or other natural disaster (and such other risks as the
Mortgagee may from time to time in writing direct) with a reputable insurance
company to be mutually agreed on between the parties, (in the names of both the
Mortgagor and the Mortgagee) (and shall name the Mortgagee as the sole
beneficiary and in accordance with the Mortgagee’s right to assign its rights under
clause ( ) of this
Agreement).
4.2 The Mortgagor shall be required to pay yearly insurance premiums in full
prior at the commencement of the Mortgage and thereafter not later than fourteen
(14) days before the expiry of such insurance cover.
4.3 The Mortgagor shall duly and punctually pay all premiums and money
necessary for effecting and maintaining that insurance and the Mortgagor shall
deposit evidence of such payments with the Mortgagee and at any time at the
request of the Mortgagee produce the insurance policy and the premium payment
receipts for the inspection of the Mortgagee or its duly authorised agent.
4.4 Where the Mortgagor fails to insure all or any part of the Property according
to clause 4.1 of this Agreement, the Mortgagee shall be entitled to insure and keep
insured the mortgaged property.
4.5 Where premiums are paid by the Mortgagee on behalf of the Mortgagor
under clause 4.4 of this Agreement such premiums shall attract an annual interest
rate of ( ) % and a default interest ( ) % and shall be payable as additional loan in
[No. of installments] equal monthly installments from the date of payment of such
premiums.
4.6 Any money received under any policy of insurance effected or maintained
by the Mortgagor or on behalf of the Mortgagor by the Mortgagee, whether or not
pursuant to the Mortgagor’s obligation under clause 3.4 shall be applied in making
good the loss or damage in respect of which the money is received.
5 Restriction on transfer
The Mortgagor shall not without the prior written consent of the Mortgagee at any
time during the subsistence of this mortgage sell, lease let, part with possession or
transfer all or any part of his interest in the property.
6 Mortgagor’s covenants
The Mortgagor covenants with the Mortgagee as follows:
(a) That the Mortgagor alone, or with the consent or concurrence of all other
persons whose consent or concurrence is required, has full power to mortgage the
property expressed to be mortgaged by him in the manner in which it is expressed
to be mortgaged;
(b) That if either or both the Mortgagee and persons deriving title through the
Mortgagee enter into possession of the mortgaged property, the Mortgagor and
every person concurring in the mortgage by his direction and every person deriving
title through the Mortgagor (other than a person having an interest to which the
mortgage is expressly made subject) shall not interfere with, interrupt or disturb the
possession of such person in possession;
(c) That the mortgaged property is freed and discharged from, or otherwise by
the Mortgagor sufficiently indemnified against, all interests, encumbrances, claims
and demands whatsoever, other than those to which the mortgage is expressly
made subject;
(d) That the Mortgagor and every person concurring in the mortgage by his
direction, and every person deriving title through any of them, and every other
person having or rightfully claiming any interest in the mortgaged property other
than an interest to which the mortgage is expressly made subject will, from time to
time and at all times on the request of the Mortgagee or any person deriving title
through him, execute and do all such assurances and things for further or more
perfectly assuring the title to the security interest as such person may reasonably
request, the expenses in respect of this covenant to be borne by the Mortgagor
during the life of the mortgage and thereafter by the person making the request;
20 21
(e) That the Mortgagor and every person deriving an interest through the
Mortgagor, other than a person having an interest to which the mortgage is expressly
made subject, will at all times during the life of the mortgage preserve, protect,
repair and maintain the mortgaged property so as not to diminish its value below
what is reasonably required as security for the performance of any act secured by
the mortgage but which has yet to be performed;
(f) That the lease is at the date of the mortgage a good, valid and effectual
lease of the mortgaged property and is in full force, unforfeited and unsurrendered,
and has not become void or voidable. (1 Ibid as provided in Schedule 2 (f-h only
applicable when the mortgaged property includes a leasehold.);
(g) That all the rents reserved by, and all the covenants, conditions and
agreements contained in, the lease and to be paid, observed or performed by the
Mortgagor and persons deriving title through him have been paid, observed and
performed up to the time of the mortgage;
(h) That the Mortgagor, or the person deriving title through him, will at all times
during the continuance in force of the mortgage pay, observe and perform or cause
to be paid, observed and performed, all rents reserved by the lease and all covenants,
conditions and agreements contained in the lease, which he or they are bound to
pay, observe and perform.
7 Mortgagee’s covenants
7.1 The Mortgagee covenants with the Mortgagor that:
The Security hereby made shall be discharged when the Mortgagor performs all
his obligations under this Agreement and undertakes to issue a written discharge
to the Mortgagor in in the Form set out in Schedule 5 to the Home mortgage
Finance Act, 2007, as soon as the Mortgagor has duly fulfilled all his obligations
under this mortgage.
7.2 The Mortgagee shall furnish or deliver to the Mortgagor a (monthly/
quarterly/ annual) Statement of Account on the Loan payments on or before the [
] day of (Month) of (period) and the Mortgagor may raise any queries on the
statement if any and in the event that the Mortgagor raises any queries the Parties
shall reconcile the accounts.
8 Mortgagee’s rights and powers
8.1 The Mortgagee shall hold all title documents relating exclusively to the
Property and shall keep same whole, uncancelled and undefaced.
8.2 The Mortgagee acknowledges the right of the Mortgagor to the production
of the tile documents and to the supply of copies of same.
8.3 The Mortgagee shall upon receiving a (duration of notice) notice permit the
Mortgagor or its representative to inspect the title documents.
8.4 The parties agree that the Mortgagee has the right to irrevocably assign
any of its rights under this Agreement to any third party without prior notice to the
Mortgagor.
9 Events of default
9.1 Any breach of this Agreement shall amount to an Event of Default in addition
to the following:
(a) Where the Mortgagee is deemed to be in default under section 9 of the
Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2007;
(b) Where the Mortgagor dies, becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement
with his creditors generally or takes or suffers any similar action as a result
of the debt;
(c) Where any execution is levied upon the Mortgagor’s property;
(d) Where the Mortgagor becomes of unsound mind;
(e) Where the Mortgagor fails to comply with any of the terms, conditions
covenants or obligations under this Agreement; or
(f) Where any representation or warranty given by the Mortgagor to the
Mortgagee is found out to be false.
22 23
10 Rights of Mortgagee upon default
In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Mortgagee shall exercise
any one or more his rights in accordance with the Home Mortgage Finance Act,
2007.
10.2 The parties agree that the Mortgagee’s right upon default by the Mortgagor
may be exercised in the Mortgagee’s behalf by a trustee or any beneficiary to
whom the Mortgagee’s rights might have accrued.
11 Termination
This Agreement shall remain valid and may only terminate after the Mortgage is
discharged and the Mortgagee has issued the written discharge required under
clause ( ) of this Agreement.
12 Renewal of mortgage
If the Mortgagor shall duly and punctually repay the principal money, interest and
other money he has covenanted to pay to the Mortgagee in accordance with
clause 3 of this Agreement then, if he so desires, the security hereby made shall be
used to secure further advances not exceeding, in aggregate (amount) the
Mortgagee shall give him at the original interest rate and priority and that the
Mortgagor shall give at least (length of notice) months’ notice, in writing to the
Mortgagee of his intention to take advantage of this provision.
13 Notice
Any notice required to be served under this mortgage shall be sufficiently served
on the Mortgagee if delivered either by hand and a receipt acknowledged in writing
by the Mortgagor; or by leaving it for the Mortgagor with some person apparently
over the age of eighteen years at such address and acknowledged in writing by
such a person; or by pasting the notice on a reasonably noticeable part of the
mortgaged premises; or sent by registered mail or by courier or to last known the
address provided by the Mortgagor.
14 Stamping and registration
The Mortgagor shall immediately after the execution of this Agreement, Cap 274
Register this Agreement in accordance with section 21 of the Registration of
Instruments Act (cap 256).
15 Waiver
Failure or neglect by either party to enforce at any time any of the provisions
hereof shall not be construed or deemed to be a waiver of their rights under this
Agreement nor shall it prejudice either party’s right to take subsequent action.
16 Severability
If any provision of this agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or
other competent judicial authority, then such provision shall be deleted from this
Agreement and the remaining provisions shall continue to have full force and
effect.
17 Entire agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between the parties and
supersedes all previous understandings, commitments and agreements whether
oral or written relating to the Agreement.
18 Amendments
Any term condition or provision contained in this Agreement may be amended
upon the mutual consent of both parties and any such agreed amendment shall be
in writing, executed by both parties and annexed to this Agreement.
19 Governing Law
This Agreement is governed and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
Sierra Leone.
20 Jurat (applicable when Mortgagor is illiterate and/or blind)
I…………………………(name and position of employee or representative of
Mortgagee) declares that on…. day of……………..(month/year) I read and explained
the contents of this Agreement to the Mortgagor herein, who is illiterate and/or
blind in the…(language) language and he seemed perfectly to understand and
approve of the contents before executing it.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Mortgagor has set his hand and the Mortgagee has
caused its hand and seal to be hereunto affixed on the month and year first above
written.
24 25
Section 6
Disclosure Requirements
GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
Lender Sales Price
Address Base Loan Amount
Total Loan Amount
Applicant(s) Interest Rate:
Type of Loan:
Property Address Preparation Date
Loan Number
The Information provided below reflects estates of the charges, which you are
likely to incur at the settlement of your loan. The fees listed are estimates – actual
charges may be more or less. Your transaction may not involved a fee of every item
listed.
A. Items Payable In Connection with D. Title
Loan Charges
1. Origination Fee @ % + Le. Le. 1. Closing or Le.
Escrow Fee
2. Discount Fee @ % + Le Le 2. Abstract or Title Search Le
3. Appraisal Fee Le. 3. Title Examination Le
4. Credit Report Le. 4. Document Preparation Fee Le
5. Lender’s Inspection Fee Le. 5. Notary Fee Le
6. Mortgage Insurance
6. Application Fee Le.
Legal Fee Le
7. Assumption Fee Le. 7. Title Insurance Le
26 27
Schedule
(Detailed description of property and site plan)
Signed by the within named Mortgagor In the presence of
Signed on behalf of Mortgagee acting under the authority of the company In the
presence of
8. Mortgage Broker Fee Le. Le.
9. Tax Related Service Fee Le. Le.
10. Application Fee Le. Le.
11. Commitment Fee Le. Le.
12. Processing Fee Le. Le.
13. Underwriting Fee Le.
14. Wire Transfer Fee Le. E. STAMPING AND REGISTRATION
CHARGES:
1. Stamp Duty Le.
2. Deeds Registration Fee Le.
3. Land Title
Registration Fees Charge Le.
4. Registration Le.
B. Items Required By F. Additional Settlement
Lender to be Paid in Advance Charges
1. Interest for day @ Le /day Le 1. Survey Le
2. Mortgage Insurance Le Le.
Premium
3. Hazard Insurance Premium Le Le.
4. Property Taxes/Rates _________
5. Food Insurance Le Le.
Le. Le.
_____________
Le. Total Estimated Settlement
Charges Le.
______________ Le.
C. Reserves Deposited with Lender:
1. Hazard Ins. Mo. @ Le Per Mo. Le.
2. Mortgage Ins. Mo. @ Le Per Mo. Le.
3. Tax and Assmt. Mo. @ Le Per. Mo. Le
4. Flood Insurance Le
Le.
‘S’/B” designates those costs
to be paid by Seller/Broker “A” designates those costs
affecting APR
Total Estimated Monthly Payment: Total Estimated Funds
Needed to Close
Principal and Interest Le. Benefit Payment Le
Estimated Closing Costs Le
Real Estate Taxes Le Estimated Prepared items/
Hazard Insurance Le. Reserves Le.
Flood Insurance Mortgage Le. Total Paid Items (Substract) Le
Insurance Le. Other
Other Le.
Total Monthly Payment Le. Cash from Borrower Le
THIS SECTION IS COMPLETED ONLY IF A PARTICULAR PROVIDER OF SERVIES
IS REQUIRED:
Listed below are providers of service which we required you to use. The charges indicated
in the Good Faith Estimate above are based upon the corresponding charge of the below
designated providers.
28 29
A. Items Payable In Connection with D. Title
Loan Charges
B. Items Required By F. Additional Settlement
Lender to be Paid in Advance Charges
Item No. Name and Telephone No. Nature of
Address of Provider Relationship
These estimates are provided to the Home Mortgage Finance Act.
Applicant Date Applicant Date
Applicant Date Applicant Date
Section 9
Demand Notice
(On Mortgagee’s Letterhead)
Dear Sir/Madam,
MORTGAGE DEMAND NOTE
We refer to:
1. The [Mortgage Agreement) dated ( )entered into between ( ) and the( )
for total amount of ( ) in respect of which there is a current outstanding
indebtedness of ( ) plus interest of ( )making a total of ( )
2. The notification of default dated [ ] Notwithstanding the above, as at [date]
the amount outstanding remains unpaid. We hereby issue this demand, in
accordance with section 9(1) of the Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2007 and
Clause ( ) of the Mortgage Agreement] for the immediate payment of the
amount outstanding plus interest, from you as primary obligor, within seven
(7) days of the date of this letter.
Please note that if a settlement of the arrears is not made within the stipulated
time and no arrangement is entered with (the financial institution] for the settlement
of the amount outstanding, we shall be entitled to exercise our rights against you
in accordance with sections 10-12 of the Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2007.
Please be advised accordingly.
Signed:
.................................................................................................
Date
Section 12
Statutory Declaration
IN THE HIGH COURT OF SIERRA LEONE
IN THE MATTER OF THE STATUTORY
DECLARATIONS ACT, 1835
STATUTORY DECLARATION
BY
(NAME OF DECLARANT)
I, (NAME) of (RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS), in the Republic of Sierra Leone Solemnly
and sincerely declare as follows:
1. That I am the declarant herein.
2. That I am a (position of declarant in mortgage institution) and have the
authority of the institution to make this declaration.
3. That on (date of mortgage) the (name of Mortgagor institution) granted the
(name of Morgagor) a loan of (amount)
4. installments) equal monthly installments of ……………...........……(amount)
each within (term of loan) years, the first installment to be made on the ( )
day of each month in arrears.
5. That on (date of 1st Default) the Mortgagor defaulted in the payments of
his monthly installments
6. That on (date) the mortgagee institution sent a demand notice pursuant to
section ( ) of the Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2007 demanding the
immediate payment of the outstanding amount
7. That the Mortgagor has failed to pay the said amount and is deemed to be
in default pursuant to section ( ) of the Home Mortgage Finance Act, 2007.
30 31
8. That the Mortgagee pursuant to section ( ) of the Home Mortgage Finance
Act intends to exercise its right to possession .
9. That the Mortgagor needs the services of the police to assist it in the
exercise of its rights under the Section ( ) of the Home Mortgage Finance
Act.
10. That the Mortgagee shall indemnify the Police Service from any liabilities
arising from the eviction in the absence the absence of fraud, willful
misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the Police.
AND I MAKE THIS SOLEMN DECLARATION CONSCIENTIOUSLY
BELIEVING IT TO BE TRUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATUTORY
DECLARATIONS 1835
Declared at .................................................)
this day of.................................................)
200 ) Name of Declarant
BEFORE ME
..............................................................
(Name)
NOTARY PUBLIC
32 33
FORM OF DISCHARGE OF MORTGAGE
THIS DISCHARGE OF MORTAGE is made the ….day of …........................……….., 200…
by (Name and address of financial institution)
1. This Discharge is supplemental to a mortgage made the … day of …………,
200.. between (name and address of Mortgagor) and (Name of financial
institution) (registered number ……..) upon the property known as
(description of mortgaged property), and to a transfer of the said mortgage
made the … day of ……….., 200… between the aforesaid (name and address
of Mortgagor) and (Name of financial institution) (registered number
…………..)
2. I, (Name of financial institution) hereby acknowledge that I have this … day
of ………, 200.. received the sum of (amount in words and figures)
representing the balance remaining owing in respect of the principal money
secured by the said mortgage together with all interest and cost.
3. The property is accordingly discharged from the said mortgagee.
Signed by (Name of financial institution)
In the presence of:
Passed in Parliament this 23rd day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand and Nine.
VICTOR A. KAMARA,
Clerk of Parliament.
T HIS P RINTED IMPRESSION has been carefully compared by me with the Bill
which has passed Parliament and found by me to be a true and correct printed copy
of the said Bill.
VICTOR A. KAMARA,
Clerk of Parliament.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE G OVERNMENT P RINTING D EPARTMENT , S IERRA LEONE.
GAZETTE NO . 26 OF 11TH J UNE , 2009.
Check the current official version before relying on this text. MiLAWYER shares legal information, not legal advice.