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Under which theories may a mortgagee take possession of a property and begin receiving rents before foreclosure?

Bar Exam Prep Real Property Security Interests in Real Estate Under which theories may a mortgagee take possession of a property and begin receiving rents before foreclosure?
😀 Real Property • Security Interests in Real Estate PROP#215

Legal Definition

A mortgagee may take possession of a property and begin receiving rents before foreclosure in title theory or intermediate theory states, but not in lien theory states.

Plain English Explanation

A mortgagee (the lender) can take possession of a property and start collecting rents before foreclosure under certain legal theories, depending on the state. Here's how it breaks down:

(1) Title theory: In title theory states, the mortgage gives the lender legal ownership of the property, while the borrower only has possession until they default. So, if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can take possession of the property and start collecting rents before foreclosure because they technically already hold the title.

(2) Intermediate theory: In these states, the lender gets the title to the property when the borrower defaults, but they don’t have ownership until that happens. So, if the borrower misses payments, the lender can step in, take possession, and collect rents before going through the full foreclosure process.

(3) Lien theory: In lien theory states, the mortgage is treated as a lien on the property rather than giving the lender ownership. The borrower keeps title and possession of the property unless and until foreclosure happens. So, the lender cannot take possession or collect rents before foreclosure in these states.

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