(a) Need for repairs. Properties must meet the applicable property standards of the Secretary in order to be eligible. Properties which do not meet the property standards must be repaired in order to ensure that the repaired property will serve as adequate security for the insured mortgage.
(b) Assurance that repairs are made. The mortgage may be closed before the repair work is completed if the Secretary estimates that the cost of the remaining repair work will not exceed 15 percent of the maximum claim amount and the mortgage contains provisions approved by the Secretary concerning payment for the repairs.
(c) Role of mortgagee. The mortgagee shall cause one or more inspections of the property to be made by an inspector approved by the Secretary in order to ensure that the repair work is satisfactory, and prior to the release of funds for the repairs. The mortgagee shall hold back a portion of the contract price attributable to the work done before each interim release of funds, and the total of the hold backs will be released after the final inspection and approval of the release by the mortgagee. The mortgagee shall ensure that all mechanics' and materialmen's liens are released of record. (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 2528-0133) [54 FR 24833, June 9, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 42760, Aug. 16, 1995; 61 FR 49033, Sept. 17, 1996]