NRS: CHAPTER 645B - MORTGAGE COMPANIES AND MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS

NRS 645B.0145 Statutory and common-law rights, remedies and punishments unaffected; limitation on actions against State and its officers and employees.

NRS 645B.0147 Fiduciary obligation of licensee to client.

APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER: EXEMPTIONS

NRS 645B.0149 Inapplicability to wholesale lender who only funds or purchases commercial mortgage loans.

NRS 645B.015 Exemptions for certain persons and entities.

NRS 645B.016 Certificate of exemption: Application; fee; automatic expiration; prohibitions; administrative fine; authority to file application for purposes of complying with requirements of Registry; applicability.

NRS 645B.017 Certificate of exemption: Expiration; procedure for renewal; cancellation and reinstatement; fees; duplicate copy; deposit of fees; regulations.

NRS 645B.018 Exemptions for certain loans: Grounds for granting; revocation; issuance of statement by Commissioner of reasons for granting, denying or revoking.

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS AND MORTGAGE LENDING

NRS 645B.019 Creation; members; appointment; terms and vacancies; no compensation or per diem allowance; protections afforded members who are public officers or employees.

NRS 645B.0191 Chair and Vice Chair; meetings; quorum; subcommittees.

NRS 645B.0192 Purpose.

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

NRS 645B.020 Application for license; application for branch offices; requirements for issuance of license; license for office outside Nevada which conducts business in Nevada.

NRS 645B.021 Mortgage company who is not natural person to designate natural person as qualified employee; regulations.

NRS 645B.023 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Commissioner. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 645B.023 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Commissioner. [Effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date.]

NRS 645B.0243 Grounds for denial of license: Employing or associating with certain persons who are ineligible to be mortgage loan originators.

NRS 645B.0245 Grounds for denial of license: Control by relative who would be ineligible to be licensed; act or omission of partner, officer or director.

NRS 645B.0247 Grounds for denial of license: Authority of Commissioner not limited.

NRS 645B.025 Posting of license; restrictions on transfer or assignment of license.

NRS 645B.042 Duty of mortgage company to deposit surety bond with Commissioner; mortgage company and mortgage loan originators must be named as principals on bond; amount of bond; Commissioner to determine amount of initial deposit.

NRS 645B.046 Cancellation of surety bond: Notices required; revocation of license unless equivalent bond furnished.

NRS 645B.048 Action on surety bond: Procedure; limitation of time; duties of Commissioner; preliminary payment by surety; action for interpleader; payment.

NRS 645B.050 Expiration of license; procedure for renewal; cancellation and reinstatement; fees; duplicate copy; deposit of fees; regulations. [Parts of this section were replaced in revision in 2015 by NRS 645B.017.]

NRS 645B.051 Continuing education required for renewal of license.

NRS 645B.058 Remote locations: Authority for employees to work remotely; requirements; records; regulations.

SUPERVISION BY COMMISSIONER

General Provisions

NRS 645B.060 Duties of Commissioner: General supervision and control over mortgage companies and mortgage loan originators; regulations; investigations; examinations; periodic and special audits; hearings; related fees; classification of certain records and information as confidential.

NRS 645B.070 Subpoenas; oaths; examination of witnesses; penalty; assessment of costs.

NRS 645B.075 Payment of statutory assessment by mortgage company; duty of mortgage company and loan originators to cooperate fully with audits and examinations.

Records and Financial Statements

NRS 645B.080 Records relating to mortgage transactions, financial condition and trust accounts; monthly report to Commissioner; accounting procedures for trust accounts; regulations; reports.

NRS 645B.085 Annual financial statement; audit of trust accounts; regulations.

NRS 645B.090 Records of Commissioner: General provisions governing public inspection, confidentiality and disclosure of information relating to investigations, examinations, disciplinary actions and certain investments in promissory notes secured by liens on real property.

NRS 645B.092 Records of Commissioner: Certain records relating to complaint or investigation deemed confidential; certain records relating to disciplinary action and orders imposing discipline deemed public records; disclosure by Commissioner.

Commingling Money

NRS 645B.093 Commingling certain money prohibited.

Transfer of Stock

NRS 645B.095 Notification of certain transfers required; application to Commissioner for approval of change of control; investigation; waiver.

Net Worth

NRS 645B.115 Minimum net worth required for certain mortgage companies; initial and annual determination of net worth; examination by Commissioner; regulations.

ESCROW AND TRUST ACCOUNTS

NRS 645B.165 Escrow account required for fee, salary, deposit or money paid in advance; release from escrow; exceptions; refunds; penalty.

NRS 645B.170 Trust account required for money deposited to pay taxes or insurance premiums; fiduciary duty of mortgage company; accounting to debtor and Commissioner; additional duties and prohibitions.

NRS 645B.175 Trust or escrow account required for money received from investor to fund loan; trust or escrow account required for money received from debtor to repay loan; release of money; accounting to investor, debtor and Commissioner; additional conditions, limitations and prohibitions; duties of mortgage company not delegable or transferable; immunity from liability.

NRS 645B.180 Limitations on execution or attachment of money in trust account; commingling of money prohibited.

DISCLOSURES AND ADVERTISING

NRS 645B.185 Use of disclosure forms required; release of financial statements; duties of mortgage company and loan originators; prohibitions; powers of Commissioner; regulations.

NRS 645B.186 Disclosure of certain business and personal relationships required.

NRS 645B.187 Prohibition on making certain guarantees in advertisements and solicitations; limitations on payment of premium interest; penalty.

NRS 645B.189 Statements of disclosure required in certain advertisements; review of advertisements by Commissioner; advertisements must comply with state and federal laws concerning deceptive trade practices and deceptive advertising; regulations.

NRS 645B.196 Liability of advertising spokesperson for mortgage company for certain damages.

LOAN PAYMENTS AND DEFAULTS

NRS 645B.240 Limitations on charging late fee, additional amount of interest or other penalty.

NRS 645B.250 Prohibition on advancing payments to investor on behalf of debtor in default; exceptions.

NRS 645B.260 Monthly report to Commissioner on delinquencies in payments and defaults; monthly notice to investors; regulations.

CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN MORTGAGE TRANSACTIONS

NRS 645B.300 Written appraisal of real property required; persons authorized to perform appraisal; retention and inspection of appraisal; exceptions.

NRS 645B.305 Requirement that loan include disclosure concerning fees.

NRS 645B.307 Mortgage company required to include his or her license number or identifying number with loan.

NRS 645B.310 Requirements for mortgage company to assign interest in loan.

NRS 645B.320 Copy of recorded deed of trust must be mailed to each investor.

NRS 645B.330 Limitations on use of power of attorney.

NRS 645B.340 Multiple holders of beneficial interest in loan: Holders of majority of outstanding principal balance may act on behalf of all holders for certain matters; notice; exception.

NRS 645B.350 Mortgage company required to provide investors certain options before acquiring ownership or beneficial interest in loan.

NRS 645B.351 Mortgage company prohibited from including in loan document provision which requires participation in binding arbitration in event of dispute.

NRS 645B.352 Written servicing agreement required before servicing loan.

NRS 645B.353 Mortgage company prohibited from releasing borrower or guarantor from personal liability without certain approval.

NRS 645B.354 Restrictions on withholding money from certain investors; loan servicing agreement may contain provision which provides written consent to withhold money.

NRS 645B.355 Mortgage company prohibited from acting as construction control.

NRS 645B.356 Restrictions on placing private investor into certain entities before foreclosure of real property securing loan.

NRS 645B.357 Restriction on collection of fees by mortgage company; application of fees.

MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS

NRS 645B.400 Requirements to provide services of or engage in activities of mortgage loan originator.

NRS 645B.410 Qualifications and procedure for issuance of license; fees.

NRS 645B.420 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Commissioner. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 645B.420 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of license; duty of Commissioner. [Effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date.]

NRS 645B.430 Annual expiration of license; procedure for renewal; continuing education; fees.

NRS 645B.450 Conditions and limitations regarding employment of or association with mortgage loan originator; duties of mortgage company or certain exempt persons upon termination of mortgage loan originator.

NRS 645B.460 Supervision by mortgage company; requirements; regulations.

RIGHTS OF COMPANIES AND LOAN ORIGINATORS DURING MILITARY SERVICE

NRS 645B.490 Right to be placed on inactive status; procedure for reinstatement.

INVESTIGATION OF VIOLATIONS AND UNSAFE PRACTICES; REMEDIAL ACTION

NRS 645B.600 Person may file complaint alleging violation; requirements.

NRS 645B.610 Duties of Commissioner when complaint is filed.

NRS 645B.620 Duties of Commissioner when violation is suspected; referral of violations to Attorney General for criminal prosecution; civil action for injunctive relief.

NRS 645B.630 Duties of Commissioner when unsafe condition or practice is suspected; seizure of property and assets of mortgage company; duties of Attorney General.

NRS 645B.640 Persons entitled to correct unsafe conditions and practices; effect of failure to correct; receivership and liquidation of assets.

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 645B.670 Authorized disciplinary or other action; grounds for disciplinary action.

NRS 645B.680 Suspension of license for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of license. [Effective until 2 years after the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]

NRS 645B.690 Duty of Commissioner to take disciplinary action for certain violations.

NRS 645B.700 Categorization of major and minor violations; regulations.

NRS 645B.710 Act or omission of partner, officer or director deemed act or omission of partnership, corporation or unincorporated association.

NRS 645B.720 Authority of Commissioner to order summary suspension of license and take other action to protect public before conducting hearing.

NRS 645B.740 Investigations, actions, disciplinary proceedings, fines and penalties not affected by expiration, revocation or voluntary surrender of license.

NRS 645B.750 Duty of Commissioner to provide written notice of disciplinary action or denial of license; right to administrative hearing; entry of final order; appeals.

NRS 645B.760 Effect of failure to appear at hearing; penalty.

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 645B.800 Attorney General has primary criminal jurisdiction; duty to provide Attorney General with information to assist prosecution; penalty.

NRS 645B.810 Attorney General may bring civil action; recovery of costs in civil action.

NRS 645B.820 Exercise of jurisdiction over party to civil action; service of summons to confer jurisdiction.

NRS 645B.900 Unlawful to conduct business of mortgage company or mortgage loan originator without being licensed or exempt from licensing.

NRS 645B.910 Unlawful for foreign corporation, association or business trust to conduct business of mortgage company without meeting certain requirements.

NRS 645B.920 Contracts for mortgage transaction voidable for certain violations.

NRS 645B.930 Civil action authorized for certain violations.

NRS 645B.950 Penalties for general violations.

NRS 645B.955 Commissioner may require licensee to pay restitution.

NRS 645B.960 Penalties for violations relating to escrow or trust accounts.

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GENERAL PROVISIONS

NRS 645B.010 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 645B.0102 to 645B.01356, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1536; A 1975, 961; 1977, 1635; 1981, 1785; 1983, 1378, 1700; 1985, 2186; 1987, 498, 1876; 1989, 965; 1995, 1097; 1999, 3779; 2001, 2464; 2003, 3546; 2009, 2677; 2011, 3605; 2013, 113; 2015, 2797; 2017, 3036)

NRS 645B.0102 “Applicant” defined. “Applicant” means a person who applies for licensure as a mortgage company pursuant to this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 3035)

NRS 645B.0104 “Clerical or ministerial tasks” defined. “Clerical or ministerial tasks” means communication with a person to obtain, and the receipt, collection and distribution of, information necessary for the processing or underwriting of a mortgage loan.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2676)

NRS 645B.01043 “Commercial mortgage loan” defined. “Commercial mortgage loan” means a loan primarily for a business, commercial or agricultural purpose that:

1. Directly or indirectly, is secured by a lien on commercial property; and

2. Is created with the consent of the owner of the commercial property.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 3035)

NRS 645B.01047 “Commercial property” defined. “Commercial property” means any real property which is located in this State and which is neither used as a dwelling nor upon which a dwelling is constructed or intended to be constructed. For the purposes of this section, “dwelling” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 103(v) of the federal Truth in Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1602(w).

(Added to NRS by 2017, 3035)

NRS 645B.0105 “Commissioner” defined. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Mortgage Lending.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2003, 3546)

NRS 645B.0107 “Construction control” defined. “Construction control” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 627.050.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0109 “Depository financial institution” defined. “Depository financial institution” means a bank, savings and loan association, savings bank, thrift company or credit union.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0111 “Division” defined. “Division” means the Division of Mortgage Lending of the Department of Business and Industry.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2003, 3546)

NRS 645B.0112 “Dwelling” defined. “Dwelling” has the meaning ascribed to it in section 103(v) of the federal Truth in Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1602(v).

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603)

NRS 645B.01125 “Employee” defined. “Employee” means a natural person:

1. Whose manner and means of performance of work are subject to the right of control of, or are controlled by, another person; and

2. Whose compensation for federal income tax purposes is reported, or required to be reported, on Form W-2 issued by the controlling person.

(Added to NRS by 2013, 113)

NRS 645B.0113 “Escrow agency” defined. “Escrow agency” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645A.010.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0115 “Escrow agent” defined. “Escrow agent” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645A.010.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0117 “Escrow officer” defined. “Escrow officer” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 692A.028.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0119 “Financial services license or registration” defined. “Financial services license or registration” means any license or registration issued in this State or any other state, district or territory of the United States that authorizes the person who holds the license or registration to engage in any business or activity described in the provisions of this chapter, title 55 of NRS or chapter 604A, 645, 645A, 645C, 645G or 649 of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2005, 1712; 2017, 3036)

NRS 645B.012 “Institutional investor” defined. “Institutional investor” means a person who, in the regular course of business, makes commercial mortgage loans of more than $250,000 that are funded exclusively from one or more of the following sources:

1. The person’s cash, corporate capital or warehouse credit lines at a depository financial institution or other sources that are liability items on the person’s financial statements.

2. Correspondent contracts between the person and another institutional investor or between the person and a depository financial institution, trust company, profit-sharing or pension trust, installment lender or insurance company.

3. An affiliate’s cash, corporate capital or warehouse credit lines at a depository financial institution or other sources that are liability items on the affiliate’s financial statements for which the affiliate’s assets are pledged. As used in this subsection, “affiliate” means another person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the person who is the institutional investor.

(Added to NRS by 2017, 3035)

NRS 645B.0121 “Investor” defined. “Investor” means a person who wants to acquire or who acquires ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765)

NRS 645B.0123 “Licensee” defined. “Licensee” means a person who is licensed or required to be licensed as a mortgage company pursuant to this chapter. The term does not include a person issued a license as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to NRS 645B.410 who is acting properly within the scope of that license.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2003, 3546; 2013, 114; 2017, 3036)

NRS 645B.0124 “Loan processor” defined.

1. “Loan processor” means a natural person who:

(a) Receives, collects, distributes or analyzes information that is commonly used for the processing of a residential mortgage loan; and

(b) Communicates with a consumer to obtain the information necessary for the activities described in paragraph (a).

2. The communication described in paragraph (b) of subsection 1 does not include communication offering or negotiating loan rates or terms or counseling consumers about residential mortgage loan rates or terms.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603)

NRS 645B.01245 “Majority of the investors” defined. “Majority of the investors” means the investors holding 51 percent or more of the beneficial interests in a loan.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603)

NRS 645B.0125 “Mortgage loan originator” defined.

1. “Mortgage loan originator” means:

(a) A natural person who:

(1) Is an employee of a mortgage company who is required to be licensed pursuant to this chapter; and

(2) Is authorized by the mortgage company to engage in, on behalf of the mortgage company, any activity that would require the person, if the person were not an employee of the mortgage company, to be licensed as a mortgage company pursuant to this chapter;

(b) A mortgage company or qualified employee who is required by NRS 645B.405 to be licensed as a mortgage loan originator; or

(c) A loan processor who is an independent contractor and who is associated with a mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016.

2. The term includes, but is not limited to, a residential mortgage loan originator.

3. The term does not include a person who:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of subsection 1, is licensed as a mortgage company;

(b) Is an owner, general partner, officer or director of a mortgage company who does not engage in any activity that would otherwise require a license as a mortgage company;

(c) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of subsection 1, performs only clerical or ministerial tasks for a mortgage company; or

(d) Collects payments and performs related services, including, without limitation, the modification of an existing loan, in connection with a loan secured by a lien on real property and who does not undertake any other activity that would otherwise require a license pursuant to this chapter or chapter 645F of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2009, 2677; 2011, 3605; 2017, 3036)

NRS 645B.0127 “Mortgage company” defined.

1. “Mortgage company” means a person who, directly or indirectly:

(a) Holds himself or herself out for hire to serve as an agent for any person in an attempt to obtain a loan which will be secured by a lien on real property;

(b) Holds himself or herself out for hire to serve as an agent for any person who has money to lend, if the loan is or will be secured by a lien on real property;

(d) Holds himself or herself out as being able to buy or sell notes secured by liens on real property; or

(e) Offers for sale in this State any security which is exempt from registration under state or federal law and purports to make investments in promissory notes secured by liens on real property.

2. The term includes a wholesale lender.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3765; A 2003, 3546; 2015, 2797; 2017, 3037)

NRS 645B.0128 “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry” and “Registry” defined. “Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry” or “Registry” means the mortgage licensing system developed and maintained by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators for licensing and registration of residential mortgage loan originators.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2676)

NRS 645B.0129 “Policy of title insurance” defined. “Policy of title insurance” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 692A.035.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3766)

NRS 645B.01305 “Private investor” defined. “Private investor” means:

1. An investor who is a natural person and who provides his or her own money for investment in a loan secured by a lien on real property; and

2. Two or more investors who are relatives and who jointly provide their own money for investment in a loan secured by a lien on real property, unless the investors are acting on behalf of a partnership, a corporation or some other separate legal entity.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2463)

NRS 645B.0131 “Relative” defined. “Relative” means a spouse or any other person who is related within the second degree by blood or marriage.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3766)

NRS 645B.0132 “Residential mortgage loan” defined. “Residential mortgage loan” means any loan primarily for personal, family or household use that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling or residential real estate upon which is constructed or intended to be constructed a dwelling.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2677; A 2011, 3606)

NRS 645B.01325 “Residential mortgage loan originator” defined. “Residential mortgage loan originator” means a natural person who takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan for compensation or other pecuniary gain. The term does not include:

1. A loan processor, underwriter or other natural person who performs clerical or ministerial tasks as an employee at the direction of and subject to the supervision and instruction of a person licensed or exempt from licensing under this chapter, unless the person who performs such clerical or ministerial tasks is an independent contractor; or

2. A person solely involved in extensions of credit relating to timeshare plans, as that term is defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101(53D).

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2677; A 2013, 114)

NRS 645B.0133 “Title agent” defined. “Title agent” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 692A.060.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3766)

NRS 645B.0135 “Title insurer” defined. “Title insurer” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 692A.070.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3766)

NRS 645B.01356 “Wholesale lender” defined. “Wholesale lender” means a person who:

1. Holds himself or herself out:

(a) For hire to serve as an agent for any person who has money to lend, if the loan is or will be secured by a lien on real property;

(b) As being able to make loans secured by liens on real property; or

2. Does not directly:

(a) Take or receive an application from a borrower for a loan which will be secured by a lien on real property; or

(b) Negotiate any terms with a borrower relating to a loan which will be secured by a lien on real property.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 2797)

NRS 645B.0137 Requirements for initial licensing as mortgage company or mortgage loan originator; regulations.

1. In addition to any other requirements provided by this chapter, a person who wishes to receive an initial license as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator must:

(a) Complete education on mortgage lending as required by this chapter and any regulations adopted thereto; and

(b) Successfully pass a written examination as provided for by the Division.

2. If the applicant for an initial license as a mortgage company is not a natural person, the applicant must designate a natural person to be the qualified employee of the applicant and meet the requirements of subsection 1.

3. The Division may hire a testing organization to create, administer and score a written examination.

4. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section, including, without limitation:

(a) Regulations relating to the content of a written examination and the scoring of a written examination; and

(b) Regulations for compliance with the requirements for registration with the Registry and any other applicable federal law.

(Added to NRS by 2007, 950; A 2009, 2678; 2017, 3037)

NRS 645B.0138 Courses of continuing education; regulations.

1. A course of continuing education that is required pursuant to this chapter must meet the requirements set forth by the Commissioner by regulation.

2. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations:

(a) Relating to the requirements for courses of continuing education, including, without limitation, regulations relating to the providers and instructors of such courses, records kept for such courses, approval and revocation of approval of such courses, monitoring of such courses and disciplinary action taken regarding such courses.

(b) Allowing for the participation of representatives of the mortgage lending industry pertaining to the creation of regulations regarding such courses.

3. The regulations adopted by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection 2 must not require a mortgage loan originator or mortgage company or an employee of a mortgage company who, pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 645F.267, is not required to register or renew with the Registry and who has not voluntarily registered or renewed with the Registry to complete any continuing education relating to residential mortgage loans.

(Added to NRS by 2007, 951; A 2009, 2678; 2011, 1389; 2017, 3038)

NRS 645B.0145 Statutory and common-law rights, remedies and punishments unaffected; limitation on actions against State and its officers and employees. The provisions of this chapter do not:

1. Limit any statutory or common-law right of a person to bring a civil action against a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator for any act or omission involved in the transaction of business by or on behalf of the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator;

2. Limit the right of the State to punish a person for the violation of any law, ordinance or regulation; or

3. Establish a basis for a person to bring a civil action against the State or its officers or employees for any act or omission in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, including, without limitation, any act or omission relating to the disclosure of information or the failure to disclose information pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1543; A 1999, 3801; 2017, 3038)

NRS 645B.0147 Fiduciary obligation of licensee to client.

1. In addition to any other duties set forth in this chapter, any person licensed pursuant to this chapter has a fiduciary obligation to a client.

2. For the purposes of this section, a person’s fiduciary obligation does not impose a requirement to offer or obtain access to loan products or services for a client other than those that are offered by the person at the time of the transaction.

3. As used in this section, “fiduciary obligation” means a duty of good faith and fair dealing, including, without limitation, the duty to:

(a) Act in the client’s best interest;

(b) Conduct only those mortgage transactions which are suitable for the client’s needs;

(c) Disclose any financial, business, professional or personal interest the person has in conducting a mortgage transaction for the client;

(d) Disclose any material fact that the person knows or should know may affect the client’s rights or interests or the ability to obtain the intended benefit from the mortgage transaction;

(e) Provide an accounting to the client that lists all money and property received from the client;

(f) Not accept or collect any fee for services rendered unless the fee was disclosed to the client before the service is provided; and

(g) Exercise reasonable care in performing any other duty relating to a mortgage transaction.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 745)

APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER: EXEMPTIONS

NRS 645B.0149 Inapplicability to wholesale lender who only funds or purchases commercial mortgage loans. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to a wholesale lender who only funds or purchases commercial mortgage loans.

(Added to NRS by 2019, 875)

NRS 645B.015 Exemptions for certain persons and entities. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.016, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008, 12 U.S.C. §§ 5101 et seq., and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto and other applicable law, the provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

1. Any person doing business under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States relating to banks, savings banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations, industrial loan companies, credit unions, thrift companies or insurance companies, including, without limitation, a subsidiary or a holding company of such a bank, company, association or union.

2. A real estate investment trust, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 856, unless the business conducted in this State is not subject to supervision by the regulatory authority of the other jurisdiction, in which case licensing pursuant to this chapter is required.

3. An employee benefit plan, as defined in 29 U.S.C. § 1002(3), if the loan is made directly from money in the plan by the plan’s trustee.

4. An attorney at law rendering services in the performance of his or her duties as an attorney at law.

5. A real estate broker rendering services in the performance of his or her duties as a real estate broker.

6. Any person doing any act under an order of any court.

7. Any one natural person, or married couple, who provides money for investment in commercial loans secured by a lien on real property, on his or her own account, unless such a person makes a loan secured by a lien on real property using his or her own money and assigns all or a part of his or her interest in the loan to another person, other than his or her spouse or child, within 3 years after the date on which the loan is made or the deed of trust is recorded, whichever occurs later.

8. A natural person who only offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan:

(a) With or on behalf of an immediate family member of the person;

(b) Secured by a dwelling that served as the person’s residence; or

(1) The residential mortgage loan is for a manufactured home, as defined in NRS 118B.015;

(2) The residential mortgage loan is financed by the seller; and

(3) The seller has not engaged in more than five such loans in this State during the immediately preceding 12 consecutive months.

9. Agencies of the United States and of this State and its political subdivisions, including the Public Employees’ Retirement System.

10. A seller of real property who offers credit secured by a mortgage of the property sold.

11. A nonprofit agency or organization:

(a) Which provides self-help housing for a borrower who has provided part of the labor to construct the dwelling securing the borrower’s loan;

(b) Which does not charge or collect origination fees in connection with the origination of residential mortgage loans;

(d) Whose volunteers, if any, do not receive compensation for their services in the construction of a dwelling;

(e) Which does not profit from the sale of a dwelling to a borrower; and

(f) Which maintains tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

12. A housing counseling agency approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

13. Except as otherwise required by the Director of the Department of Business and Industry pursuant to NRS 657A.430 or 657A.620, a participant in the Regulatory Experimentation Program for Product Innovation established and administered pursuant to chapter 657A of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1542; A 1975, 962; 1977, 618; 1981, 1791; 1983, 1314, 1381; 1985, 2190; 1987, 499; 1989, 966, 1762; 1993, 494; 1995, 1098; 1999, 3779; 2003, 3546; 2007, 951; 2009, 1554; 2011, 3606; 2013, 114; 2015, 519; 2017, 797; 2019, 3995)

1. A person who claims an exemption from the provisions of this chapter pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 645B.015 must:

(a) File a written application for a certificate of exemption with the Office of the Commissioner;

(b) Pay the fee required pursuant to NRS 645B.017;

(c) Include with the written application satisfactory proof that the person meets the requirements of subsection 1 of NRS 645B.015; and

(d) Provide evidence to the Commissioner that the person is duly licensed to conduct his or her business, including, if applicable, the right to transact mortgage loans, and such license is in good standing pursuant to the laws of this State, any other state or the United States.

2. The provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to the extent preempted by federal law.

3. The Commissioner may require a person who claims an exemption from the provisions of this chapter pursuant to subsections 2 to 12, inclusive, of NRS 645B.015 to:

(a) File a written application for a certificate of exemption with the Office of the Commissioner;

(b) Pay the fee required pursuant to NRS 645B.017; and

(c) Include with the written application satisfactory proof that the person meets the requirements of at least one of those exemptions.

4. A certificate of exemption expires automatically if, at any time, the person who claims the exemption no longer meets the requirements of at least one exemption set forth in the provisions of NRS 645B.015.

5. If a certificate of exemption expires automatically pursuant to this section, the person shall not provide any of the services of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator or otherwise engage in, carry on or hold himself or herself out as engaging in or carrying on the business of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator unless the person applies for and is issued:

(a) A license as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator, as applicable, pursuant to this chapter; or

(b) Another certificate of exemption.

6. The Commissioner may impose upon a person who is required to apply for a certificate of exemption or who holds a certificate of exemption an administrative fine of not more than $10,000 for each violation that the person commits, if the person:

(a) Has knowingly made or caused to be made to the Commissioner any false representation of material fact;

(b) Has suppressed or withheld from the Commissioner any information which the person possesses and which, if submitted by the person, would have rendered the person ineligible to hold a certificate of exemption; or

(c) Has violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner that applies to a person who is required to apply for a certificate of exemption or who holds a certificate of exemption.

7. A person who is exempt from the requirements of this chapter may file a written application for a certificate of exemption with the Office of the Commissioner for the purposes of complying with the requirements of the Registry or enabling a mortgage loan originator to comply with the requirements of the Registry.

8. The Commissioner may require an applicant or person described in subsection 7 to submit the information or pay the fee directly to the Division or, if the applicant or person is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry, to the Division through the Registry.

9. An application filed pursuant to subsection 7 does not affect the applicability of this chapter to such an applicant or person.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3767; A 2003, 3547; 2007, 952; 2009, 1554; 2011, 3607; 2017, 3038)

NRS 645B.017 Certificate of exemption: Expiration; procedure for renewal; cancellation and reinstatement; fees; duplicate copy; deposit of fees; regulations.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.016, a certificate of exemption issued pursuant to this chapter expires each year on December 31, unless it is renewed. To renew a certificate of exemption, a person must submit to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of each year or on a date otherwise specified by the Commissioner by regulation:

(a) An application for renewal that includes satisfactory proof that the person meets the requirements for an exemption from the provisions of this chapter; and

(b) The fee required to renew the certificate of exemption.

2. If the person fails to submit any item required pursuant to subsection 1 to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of any year, unless a different date is specified by the Commissioner by regulation, the certificate of exemption is cancelled as of December 31 of that year. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.016, the Commissioner may reinstate a cancelled certificate of exemption if the person submits to the Commissioner on or before February 28 of the following year:

(a) An application for renewal that includes satisfactory proof that the person meets the requirements for an exemption from the provisions of this chapter;

(b) The fee required to renew the certificate of exemption; and

3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person must pay the following fees to apply for or to renew a certificate of exemption pursuant to this chapter:

(a) To file an application for a certificate of exemption, not more than $200.

(b) To renew a certificate of exemption, not more than $100.

4. To be issued a duplicate copy of any certificate of exemption, a person must make a satisfactory showing of its loss and pay a fee of not more than $10.

5. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all fees received pursuant to this chapter are in addition to any fee required to be paid to the Registry and must be deposited in the Account for Mortgage Lending created by NRS 645F.270.

6. The Commissioner may, by regulation, adjust any fee or date set forth in this section if the Commissioner determines that such an adjustment is necessary for the Commissioner to carry out his or her duties pursuant to this chapter. The amount of any adjustment in a fee pursuant to this subsection must not exceed the amount determined to be necessary for the Commissioner to carry out his or her duties pursuant to this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1538; A 1975, 814; 1977, 1636; 1979, 120, 1094; 1981, 1788; 1983, 1320, 1379, 1702; 1985, 2187; 1987, 86, 1878; 1989, 1764; 1991, 177, 1803, 1825; 1993, 496; 1997, 2172; 1999, 3782; 2001, 2465; 2003, 3229, 3548; 2003, 20th Special Session, 265; 2005, 2784, 2807, 2817; 2007, 953; 2009, 2680; 2011, 3612; 2015, 2799)

NRS 645B.018 Exemptions for certain loans: Grounds for granting; revocation; issuance of statement by Commissioner of reasons for granting, denying or revoking.

1. A person may apply to the Commissioner for an exemption from the provisions of this chapter governing the making of a loan of money, except that an exemption may not be issued for the making of a residential mortgage loan.

2. The Commissioner may grant the exemption if the Commissioner finds that:

(a) The making of the loan would not be detrimental to the financial condition of the lender, the debtor or the person who is providing the money for the loan;

(b) The lender, the debtor or the person who is providing the money for the loan has established a record of sound performance, efficient management, financial responsibility and integrity;

(d) The making of the loan is not detrimental to the public interest.

3. The Commissioner:

(a) May revoke an exemption unless the loan for which the exemption was granted has been made; and

(b) Shall issue a written statement setting forth the reasons for his or her decision to grant, deny or revoke an exemption.

(Added to NRS by 1989, 965; A 1999, 3800; 2009, 2678)

ADVISORY COUNCIL ON MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS AND MORTGAGE LENDING

NRS 645B.019 Creation; members; appointment; terms and vacancies; no compensation or per diem allowance; protections afforded members who are public officers or employees.

1. The Advisory Council on Mortgage Investments and Mortgage Lending is hereby created.

2. The Advisory Council consists of five members appointed by the Legislative Commission from a list of persons provided by the Commissioner.

3. The members of the Advisory Council:

(a) Must be persons who have experience with, an interest in or a knowledge of issues relating to mortgage investments or mortgage lending. Such persons may include, without limitation, investors, public officers and employees, licensees and persons who have engaged in or been involved with any business, profession or occupation relating to mortgage investments or mortgage lending.

(b) Serve terms of 2 years and at the pleasure of the Legislative Commission.

(d) Serve without compensation and may not receive a per diem allowance or travel expenses.

4. Any vacancy in the membership of the Advisory Council must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

5. A member of the Advisory Council who is an officer or employee of this State or a political subdivision of this State must be relieved from his or her duties without loss of his or her regular compensation so that the member may prepare for and attend meetings of the Advisory Council and perform any work necessary to carry out the duties of the Advisory Council in the most timely manner practicable. A state agency or political subdivision of this State shall not require an officer or employee who is a member of the Advisory Council to make up the time the officer or employee is absent from work to carry out his or her duties as a member of the Advisory Council or use annual vacation or compensatory time for the absence.

6. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a member of the Advisory Council:

(a) Is not disqualified from public employment or holding a public office because of his or her membership on the Advisory Council; and

(b) Does not forfeit his or her public office or public employment because of his or her membership on the Advisory Council.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3766)

NRS 645B.0191 Chair and Vice Chair; meetings; quorum; subcommittees.

1. The members of the Advisory Council on Mortgage Investments and Mortgage Lending shall elect a Chair and a Vice Chair from among their membership. The Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair during any absence of the Chair.

2. The Advisory Council may meet at least once each calendar quarter and at other times on the call of the Chair or a majority of its members.

3. The meetings of the Advisory Council may be held at any location designated by the Chair or a majority of its members.

4. A majority of the members of the Advisory Council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of all business.

5. The Chair may appoint subcommittees of the members of the Advisory Council to consider specific problems relating to mortgage investments or mortgage lending.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3767)

NRS 645B.0192 Purpose. The purpose of the Advisory Council on Mortgage Investments and Mortgage Lending is to:

1. Consult with, advise and make recommendations to the Commissioner in all matters relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

2. Make recommendations to the Legislature concerning the enactment of any legislation relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

3. Make recommendations to the Legislature and the Commissioner concerning educational requirements and other qualifications for persons who are engaged in any business, profession or occupation relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

4. Conduct hearings, conferences and special studies on all matters relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

5. Provide a forum for the consideration and discussion of all matters relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

6. Gather and disseminate information relating to mortgage investments and mortgage lending.

7. Engage in other activities that are designed to promote, improve and protect the reliability and stability of mortgage investments and mortgage lending in this State.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3767)

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

NRS 645B.020 Application for license; application for branch offices; requirements for issuance of license; license for office outside Nevada which conducts business in Nevada.

1. A person who wishes to be licensed as a mortgage company must file a written application for a license with the Office of the Commissioner and pay the fee required pursuant to NRS 645B.050. The Commissioner may require the applicant or person to submit the information or pay the fee directly to the Division or, if the applicant or person is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry, to the Division through the Registry. An application for a license as a mortgage company must:

(a) State the name, residence address and business address of the applicant and, if the applicant is a mortgage company other than a wholesale lender, the location of each principal office and branch office at which the mortgage company will conduct business within this State.

(b) State the location of any principal office, office or other place of business located outside this State from which the mortgage company will conduct business in this State and any office or other place of business which the applicant maintains as a corporate or home office.

(d) List the name, residence address and business address of each person who will:

(1) If the applicant is not a natural person, have an interest in the mortgage company as a principal, partner, officer, director or trustee, specifying the capacity and title of each such person.

(2) Be associated with or employed by the mortgage company as a mortgage loan originator.

(e) Include a general business plan and a description of the policies and procedures that the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators will follow to arrange and service loans and to conduct business pursuant to this chapter.

(f) State the length of time the applicant has been engaged in the business of a mortgage company.

(g) Include a financial statement of the applicant and, if applicable, satisfactory proof that the applicant will be able to maintain continuously the net worth required pursuant to NRS 645B.115.

(h) Include all information required to complete the application.

(i) Unless fingerprints were submitted to the Registry for the person, include a complete set of fingerprints for each natural person who is a principal, partner, officer, director or trustee of the applicant which the Division may forward to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report.

(j) Include any other information required pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner or an order of the Commissioner.

2. If a mortgage company will conduct business in this State at one or more branch offices, the mortgage company must apply for a license for each such branch office.

3. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Commissioner shall issue a license to an applicant as a mortgage company if:

(a) The application is verified by the Commissioner and complies with the requirements of this chapter; and

(b) The applicant and each general partner, officer or director of the applicant, if the applicant is a partnership, corporation or unincorporated association:

(1) Has demonstrated financial responsibility, character and general fitness so as to command the confidence of the community and warrant a determination that the applicant will operate honestly, fairly and efficiently for the purposes of this chapter.

(2) Has not been convicted of, or entered or agreed to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application, or at any time if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of trust, moral turpitude or money laundering.

(3) Has not made a false statement of material fact on the application.

(4) Has never had a license or registration as a mortgage agent, mortgage banker, mortgage broker, mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or residential mortgage loan originator revoked in this State or any other jurisdiction or had a financial services license revoked within the immediately preceding 10 years.

(5) Has not violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant thereto or an order of the Commissioner.

4. A person may apply for a license for an office or other place of business located outside this State from which the applicant will conduct business in this State if the applicant has a license issued pursuant to this chapter for an office or other place of business located in this State or if the applicant will conduct business in this State only as a wholesale lender, and the applicant submits with the application for a license a statement signed by the applicant which states that the applicant agrees to:

(a) Make available electronically or at a location within this State the books, accounts, papers, records and files of the office or place of business located outside this State to the Commissioner or a representative of the Commissioner; or

(b) Pay the reasonable expenses for travel, meals and lodging of the Commissioner or a representative of the Commissioner incurred during any investigation or examination made at the office or place of business located outside this State.

Ê The applicant must be allowed to choose between paragraph (a) or (b) in complying with the provisions of this subsection.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1536; A 1981, 1786; 1983, 1701; 1985, 2186; 1987, 1877; 1989, 1763; 1993, 495; 1997, 2171; 1999, 3780; 2001, 2464; 2003, 2721; 2005, 2781, 2807, 2816; 2007, 2852; 2009, 2679; 2011, 3608; 2015, 2797; 2017, 3039)

NRS 645B.021 Mortgage company who is not natural person to designate natural person as qualified employee; regulations.

1. If a mortgage company is not a natural person, the mortgage company must designate a natural person as a qualified employee to act on behalf of the mortgage company.

2. The Division shall adopt regulations regarding a qualified employee, including, without limitation, regulations that establish:

(a) A definition for the term “qualified employee”;

(b) Any duties of a qualified employee; and

(Added to NRS by 2007, 950; A 2017, 3041)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter:

(a) A natural person who applies for the issuance of a license as a mortgage company shall include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the Commissioner.

(b) A natural person who applies for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage company shall submit to the Commissioner the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Commissioner shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Commissioner.

3. A license as a mortgage company may not be issued or renewed by the Commissioner if the applicant is a natural person who:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.

4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the Commissioner shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2170; A 1999, 3782; 2005, 2783, 2807, 2810; 2017, 3041)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, a natural person who applies for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage company shall submit to the Commissioner the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Commissioner shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the license; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Commissioner.

3. A license as a mortgage company may not be issued or renewed by the Commissioner if the applicant is a natural person who:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2170; A 1999, 3782; 2005, 2783, 2807, 2810; 2017, 3041, effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date)

NRS 645B.0243 Grounds for denial of license: Employing or associating with certain persons who are ineligible to be mortgage loan originators. The Commissioner may refuse to issue a license to an applicant if the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant or any general partner, officer or director of the applicant has, after October 1, 1999, employed or proposed to employ a person as a mortgage loan originator or authorized or proposed to authorize a person to be associated with a mortgage company as a mortgage loan originator at a time when the applicant or the general partner, officer or director knew or, in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances, reasonably should have known that the person has committed any act or omission that would be cause for refusing to issue a license to a mortgage loan originator.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3768; A 2003, 2723; 2009, 2680; 2017, 3042)

NRS 645B.0245 Grounds for denial of license: Control by relative who would be ineligible to be licensed; act or omission of partner, officer or director.

1. If an applicant is a natural person, the Commissioner may refuse to issue a license to the applicant if the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant would be subject to control by a relative who would be ineligible to be licensed pursuant to this chapter.

2. If an applicant is a partnership, corporation or unincorporated association, the Commissioner may refuse to issue a license to the applicant if:

(a) Any member of the partnership or any officer or director of the corporation or unincorporated association has committed any act or omission that would be cause for refusing to issue a license to a natural person; or

(b) The Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that any member of the partnership or any officer or director of the corporation or unincorporated association would be subject to control by a relative who would be ineligible to be licensed pursuant to this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3769)

NRS 645B.0247 Grounds for denial of license: Authority of Commissioner not limited. The provisions of NRS 645B.0243 and 645B.0245 do not limit the authority of the Commissioner to refuse to issue a license to an applicant for any other lawful reason or pursuant to any other provision of law.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3769)

NRS 645B.025 Posting of license; restrictions on transfer or assignment of license.

1. A mortgage company shall post each license in a conspicuous place in the office to which it pertains.

2. A mortgage company may not transfer or assign a license to another person, unless the Commissioner gives written approval.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1376; A 1983, 1843; 1987, 1877; 1999, 3782; 2017, 3042)

1. As a condition to doing business in this State, each mortgage company shall deposit with the Commissioner and keep in full force and effect a corporate surety bond payable to the State of Nevada, in the amount set forth in subsection 4, which is executed by a corporate surety satisfactory to the Commissioner and which names as principals the mortgage company and all mortgage loan originators employed by or associated with the mortgage company.

2. At the time of filing an application for a license as a mortgage loan originator and at the time of filing an application for the renewal of a license as a mortgage loan originator, the applicant shall file with the Commissioner proof that the applicant is named as a principal on the corporate surety bond deposited with the Commissioner by the mortgage company with whom the applicant is associated or employed.

3. The bond must be in a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

4. Each mortgage company shall deposit a corporate surety bond that complies with the provisions of this section in the following amounts:

(a) For an annual loan production of $20,000,000 or less, $50,000.

(b) For an annual loan production of more than $20,000,000, $75,000.

5. Except as otherwise required by federal law or regulation, for the purposes of subsection 4, the Commissioner shall determine the appropriate amount of the surety bond that must be deposited initially by a mortgage company based upon the expected annual loan production amount and shall determine the appropriate amount of the surety bond annually based upon the actual annual loan production.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 743; A 2011, 3610; 2017, 3042, 3044)

NRS 645B.046 Cancellation of surety bond: Notices required; revocation of license unless equivalent bond furnished.

1. The surety may cancel a bond upon giving 60 days’ notice to the Commissioner by certified mail. Upon receipt by the Commissioner of such a notice, the Commissioner immediately shall notify the licensee who is the principal on the bond of the effective date of cancellation of the bond, and that his or her license will be revoked unless the licensee furnishes an equivalent bond before the effective date of the cancellation. The notice must be sent to the licensee by certified mail to his or her last address of record filed in the office of the Division.

2. If the licensee does not comply with the requirements set out in the notice from the Commissioner, the license must be revoked on the date the bond is cancelled.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 745; A 2011, 3611)

NRS 645B.048 Action on surety bond: Procedure; limitation of time; duties of Commissioner; preliminary payment by surety; action for interpleader; payment.

1. Any person claiming against a bond may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction on the bond for damages to the extent covered by the bond. A person who brings an action on a bond shall notify the Commissioner in writing upon filing the action. An action may not be commenced after the expiration of 3 years following the commission of the act on which the action is based.

2. Upon receiving a request from a person for whose benefit a bond is required, the Commissioner shall notify the person:

(a) That a bond is in effect and of the amount of the bond; and

(b) If there is an action against the bond, the title, court and case number of the action and the amount sought by the plaintiff.

3. If a surety wishes to make payment without awaiting action by a court, the amount of the bond must be reduced to the extent of any payment made by the surety in good faith under the bond. Any payment must be based on written claims received by the surety before any action is taken by a court.

4. The surety may bring an action for interpleader against all claimants upon the bond. If it does so, it shall publish notice of the action at least once each week for 2 weeks in every issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the mortgage company has its principal place of business. The surety may deduct its costs of the action, including attorney’s fees and publication, from its liability under the bond.

5. Claims against a bond have equal priority, and if the bond is insufficient to pay all claims in full, they must be paid on a pro rata basis. Partial payment of claims is not full payment, and any claimant may bring an action against the mortgage company for the unpaid balance.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 745; A 2017, 3044)

1. A license as a mortgage company issued pursuant to this chapter expires each year on December 31, unless it is renewed. To renew such a license, the licensee must submit to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of each year, or on a date otherwise specified by the Commissioner by regulation:

(a) An application for renewal;

(b) The fee required to renew the license pursuant to this section;

(d) All information required by the Commissioner or, if applicable, required by the Registry to complete the renewal.

2. If the licensee fails to submit any item required pursuant to subsection 1 to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of any year, unless a different date is specified by the Commissioner by regulation, the license is cancelled as of December 31 of that year. The Commissioner may reinstate a cancelled license if the licensee submits to the Commissioner on or before February 28 of the following year:

(a) An application for renewal;

(b) The fee required to renew the license pursuant to this section;

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a reinstatement fee of not more than $200; and

(e) All information required to complete the reinstatement.

3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person must pay the following fees to apply for, to be issued or to renew a license as a mortgage company pursuant to this chapter:

(a) To file an original application for a license, not more than $1,500 for the principal office and not more than $400 for each branch office. The person must also pay such additional expenses incurred in the process of investigation as the Commissioner deems necessary.

(b) To be issued a license, not more than $1,000 for the principal office and not more than $100 for each branch office.

4. To be issued a duplicate copy of any license, a person must make a satisfactory showing of its loss and pay a fee of not more than $10.

7. The Commissioner may require a licensee to submit an item or pay a fee required by this section directly to the Commissioner or, if the licensee is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry, to the Commissioner through the Registry.

NRS 645B.051 Continuing education required for renewal of license.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, in addition to the requirements set forth in NRS 645B.050, to renew a license as a mortgage company:

(a) If the licensee is a natural person, the licensee must submit to the Commissioner satisfactory proof that the licensee attended at least 8 hours of certified courses of continuing education during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires.

(b) If the licensee is not a natural person, the licensee must submit to the Commissioner satisfactory proof that each natural person who supervises the daily business of the licensee attended at least 8 hours of certified courses of continuing education during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires.

2. In lieu of the continuing education requirements set forth in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection 1, a licensee or any natural person who supervises the daily business of the licensee who, pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 645F.267, is not required to register or renew with the Registry and who has not voluntarily registered or renewed with the Registry must submit to the Commissioner satisfactory proof that he or she attended at least 5 hours of certified courses of continuing education during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires. The hours of continuing education required by this subsection must include at least 2 hours relating to ethics.

3. As used in this section, “certified course of continuing education” means a course of continuing education which relates to the mortgage industry or mortgage transactions and which meets the requirements set forth by the Commissioner by regulation pursuant to NRS 645B.0138.

(Added to NRS by 2001, 2464; A 2003, 3551; 2007, 954; 2009, 1852; 2011, 1389; 2017, 3046, 3592)

NRS 645B.058 Remote locations: Authority for employees to work remotely; requirements; records; regulations.

1. An employee of a mortgage company may conduct the business of the mortgage company at a remote location if authorized by the mortgage company.

2. A mortgage company may authorize an employee to conduct the business of the mortgage company at a remote location if the mortgage company:

(a) Has adopted written policies and procedures for the supervision of employees working at a remote location to ensure that:

(1) Each employee working from a remote location complies with the provisions of this section and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto; and

(2) The mortgage company exercises reasonable supervision and control over the activities of his or her mortgage loan originators pursuant to NRS 645B.460;

(b) Has adopted a comprehensive written plan for the security of the information systems of the mortgage company and any customer information collected and maintained by the mortgage company, which must contain specific provisions regarding cybersecurity and the use of a virtual private network or other secure connection at the remote location that requires:

(1) Multifactor authentication;

(2) A backup system and data recovery system; and

(3) Protocols in the event of a cybersecurity incident; and

(c) Ensures that the information systems of the mortgage company and any customer information collected and maintained by the mortgage company are accessed by employees working at a remote location only in accordance with the security plan adopted pursuant to paragraph (b).

3. An employee of a mortgage company shall not interact with a customer of the mortgage company in person at the residence of the employee unless a license has been issued for that residence pursuant to NRS 645B.020.

4. Any physical records of a mortgage company must not be maintained at a remote location. Any underlying origination records obtained through the conduct of the business of a mortgage company at a remote location must be maintained at the principal office or a branch office of the mortgage company.

5. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations governing the conducting of the business of a mortgage company at a remote location. The regulations:

(a) Must include, without limitation, requirements for the keeping and maintenance of complete and suitable records of all mortgage transactions made by an employee of a mortgage company at a remote location; and

(b) May include, without limitation, any additional requirements for an employee of a mortgage company to conduct the business of a mortgage company from a remote location.

6. As used in this section:

(a) “Business of a mortgage company” includes, without limitation, any activity for which a license is required pursuant to this chapter that is conducted by an employee who is a mortgage loan originator employed by or associated with a mortgage company.

(b) “Employee” includes, without limitation, a mortgage loan originator who is employed by or associated with a mortgage company.

(c) “Remote location” means a location, other than a principal office, branch office or other office or place of business for which a license has been issued pursuant to NRS 645B.020, at which an employee of a mortgage company conducts the business of the mortgage company pursuant to this section. The term includes, without limitation, the residence of an employee.

(Added to NRS by 2023, 3484)

SUPERVISION BY COMMISSIONER

General Provisions

1. Subject to the administrative control of the Director of the Department of Business and Industry, the Commissioner shall exercise general supervision and control over mortgage companies and mortgage loan originators doing business in this State.

2. In addition to the other duties imposed upon him or her by law, the Commissioner shall:

(a) Adopt regulations:

(1) Setting forth the requirements for an investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property. The regulations must include, without limitation, the minimum financial conditions that the investor must comply with before becoming an investor.

(2) Establishing reasonable limitations and guidelines on loans made by a mortgage company to a director, officer, mortgage loan originator or employee of the mortgage company.

(b) Adopt any other regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, except as to loan fees.

(c) Conduct such investigations as may be necessary to determine whether any person has violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner.

(d) Conduct, at his or her discretion, periodic standard examinations of each mortgage company doing business in this State which must include, without limitation, a formal exit review with the mortgage company. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations prescribing:

(1) Standards for determining the rating of each mortgage company based upon the results of a periodic standard examination; and

(2) Procedures for resolving any objections made by the mortgage company to the results of a periodic standard examination. The results of a periodic standard examination may not be opened to public inspection pursuant to NRS 645B.090 until after a period of time set by the Commissioner to determine any objections made by the mortgage company.

(e) Conduct such other examinations, periodic or special audits, investigations and hearings as may be necessary for the efficient administration of the laws of this State regarding mortgage companies and mortgage loan originators. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations specifying the general guidelines that will be followed when a periodic or special audit of a mortgage company is conducted pursuant to this chapter.

(f) Classify as confidential certain records and information obtained by the Division when those matters are obtained from a governmental agency upon the express condition that they remain confidential. This paragraph does not limit examination by:

(1) The Legislative Auditor; or

(2) The Department of Taxation if necessary to carry out the provisions of chapters 363A and 363C of NRS.

(g) Conduct such examinations and investigations as are necessary to ensure that mortgage companies and mortgage loan originators meet the requirements of this chapter for obtaining a license, both at the time of the application for a license and thereafter on a continuing basis.

3. For each special audit, investigation or examination, a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall pay a fee based on the rate established pursuant to NRS 645F.280.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1538; A 1973, 1669; 1981, 1789; 1983, 1380, 1703; 1987, 1878, 2224; 1993, 497, 1893; 1995, 526; 1999, 3784; 2001, 2467; 2003, 3552; 2003, 20th Special Session, 220; 2007, 955; 2009, 1448; 2015, 2938; 2017, 3046, 3592)

NRS 645B.070 Subpoenas; oaths; examination of witnesses; penalty; assessment of costs.

1. In the conduct of any examination, periodic or special audit, investigation or hearing, the Commissioner may:

(a) Compel the attendance of any person by subpoena.

(b) Compel the production of any document by subpoena.

(d) Examine any person under oath concerning the business and conduct of affairs of any person subject to the provisions of this chapter and in connection therewith require the production of any books, records or papers relevant to the inquiry.

2. Any person subpoenaed under the provisions of this section who willfully refuses or willfully neglects to appear at the time and place named in the subpoena or to produce books, records or papers required by the Commissioner, or who refuses to be sworn or answer as a witness, is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in NRS 645B.950.

3. In addition to the authority to recover attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to any other statute, the Commissioner may assess against and collect from a person all costs, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees, that are attributable to any examination, periodic or special audit, investigation or hearing that is conducted to examine or investigate the conduct, activities or business of the person pursuant to this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1538; A 1981, 1789; 1983, 1703; 1987, 1879; 1999, 3785; 2003, 3468; 2009, 1555)

NRS 645B.075 Payment of statutory assessment by mortgage company; duty of mortgage company and loan originators to cooperate fully with audits and examinations. Each mortgage company shall pay the assessment levied pursuant to NRS 645F.180. Each mortgage company and mortgage loan originator shall cooperate fully with the audits and examinations performed pursuant thereto.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 826; A 1999, 3799; 2003, 3552; 2017, 3047)

Records and Financial Statements

NRS 645B.080 Records relating to mortgage transactions, financial condition and trust accounts; monthly report to Commissioner; accounting procedures for trust accounts; regulations; reports.

1. Each mortgage company shall keep and maintain at all times at each location, other than a remote location, where the mortgage company conducts business in this state complete and suitable records of all mortgage transactions made by the mortgage company at that location. Each mortgage company shall also keep and maintain at all times at each such location all original books, papers and data, or copies thereof, clearly reflecting the financial condition of the business of the mortgage company. Each mortgage company shall keep and maintain complete and suitable records of all mortgage transactions made by an employee of the mortgage company at a remote location in accordance with the requirements established by the Commissioner by regulation pursuant to NRS 645B.058.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, each mortgage company shall submit to the Commissioner each month a report of the mortgage company’s activity for the previous month. The report must:

(a) Specify the volume of loans arranged and loans made by the mortgage company for the month or state that no loans were arranged or made in that month;

(b) Include any information required pursuant to NRS 645B.260 or pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner; and

3. The Commissioner may waive the requirement to submit a report pursuant to subsection 2 if substantially similar information is available to the Commissioner from another source.

4. The Commissioner may adopt regulations prescribing accounting procedures for mortgage companies handling trust accounts and the requirements for keeping records relating to such accounts.

5. Each mortgage company who is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry shall submit to the Registry and the Commissioner a report of condition or any other report required by the Registry in the form and at the time required by the Registry.

6. As used in this section, “remote location” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645B.058.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1538; A 1981, 1789; 1985, 2187; 1987, 1879; 1989, 1765; 1995, 136; 1999, 3786; 2011, 3613; 2017, 3048, 3594; 2023, 3485)

NRS 645B.085 Annual financial statement; audit of trust accounts; regulations.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, not later than 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year for a mortgage company, the mortgage company shall submit to the Commissioner a financial statement that:

(a) Is dated not earlier than the last day of the fiscal year; and

(b) Has been prepared from the books and records of the mortgage company by an independent certified public accountant who holds a license to practice in this State or in any other state that has not been revoked or suspended.

2. Unless otherwise prohibited by the Registry, the Commissioner may grant a reasonable extension for the submission of a financial statement pursuant to this section if a mortgage company requests such an extension before the date on which the financial statement is due.

3. If a mortgage company maintains any accounts described in subsection 1 of NRS 645B.175, the financial statement submitted pursuant to this section must be audited. If a mortgage company maintains any accounts described in subsection 1 or 4 of NRS 645B.175, those accounts must be audited.

4. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations prescribing the scope of an audit conducted pursuant to subsection 3.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3772; A 2001, 2467; 2007, 956; 2011, 3614; 2017, 3048)

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section or by specific statute, all papers, documents, reports and other written instruments filed with the Commissioner pursuant to this chapter are open to public inspection.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the Commissioner may withhold from public inspection or refuse to disclose to a person, for such time as the Commissioner considers necessary, any information that, in the Commissioner’s judgment, would:

(a) Impede or otherwise interfere with an investigation or examination that is currently pending against a mortgage company;

(b) Have an undesirable effect on the welfare of the public; or

3. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.092, the Commissioner shall disclose the following information concerning a mortgage company to any person who requests it:

(a) The findings and results of any investigation which has been completed during the immediately preceding 5 years against the mortgage company pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and which has resulted in a finding by the Commissioner that the mortgage company committed a violation of a provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner;

(b) The nature of any disciplinary action that has been taken during the immediately preceding 5 years against the mortgage company pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; and

(c) If the mortgage company makes or offers for sale in this State any investments in promissory notes secured by liens on real property:

(1) Any information in the possession of the Commissioner regarding the present and past ownership and management structure of the mortgage company; and

(2) The findings and results of:

(I) All examinations or investigations of the mortgage company conducted pursuant to NRS 645B.060 during the immediately preceding 5 years, including, without limitation, any periodic standard examination of the mortgage company conducted pursuant to NRS 645B.060, including, without limitation, the rating for each annual or biennial examination and an explanation of the standards for determining that rating; and

(II) Any other examination or audit, investigation or hearing which has been completed during the immediately preceding 3 years against the mortgage company pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1543; A 1983, 1704; 1987, 1880; 1999, 3786; 2003, 3469; 2009, 1450; 2017, 3048, 3594)

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 239.0115, a complaint filed with the Commissioner, all documents and other information filed with the complaint and all documents and other information compiled as a result of an investigation conducted to determine whether to initiate disciplinary action are confidential.

2. The complaint or other document filed by the Commissioner to initiate disciplinary action and all documents and information considered by the Commissioner when determining whether to impose discipline are public records.

3. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records.

4. The Commissioner may disclose any document or information made confidential under subsection 1 to the party against whom the complaint is made, a licensing board or agency, the Registry or any other governmental agency, including, without limitation, a law enforcement agency.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3468; A 2007, 2147; 2011, 3614)

Commingling Money

NRS 645B.093 Commingling certain money prohibited.

1. A mortgage company who is a broker-dealer or a sales representative licensed pursuant to NRS 90.310 or who is exempt from licensure pursuant to NRS 90.320:

(a) Shall not commingle money received for mortgage transactions and money received for securities transactions; and

(b) Shall ensure that all money received for mortgage transactions is accounted for separately from all money received for securities transactions.

2. A mortgage company who is an investment adviser or a representative of an investment adviser licensed pursuant to NRS 90.330 or exempt from licensure pursuant to NRS 90.340 or 90.345:

(a) Shall not commingle money received for mortgage transactions and money received for securities transactions; and

(b) Shall ensure that all money received for mortgage transactions is accounted for separately from all money received for securities transactions.

(Added to NRS by 2007, 951; A 2017, 3049; 2021, 249)

Transfer of Stock

NRS 645B.095 Notification of certain transfers required; application to Commissioner for approval of change of control; investigation; waiver.

1. As used in this section, “change of control” means:

(a) A transfer of voting stock which results in giving a person, directly or indirectly, the power to direct the management and policy of a mortgage company; or

(b) A transfer of at least 25 percent of the outstanding voting stock of a mortgage company.

2. The Commissioner must be notified in writing of a transfer of 10 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of a mortgage company at least 15 days before such a transfer and must approve a transfer of voting stock of a mortgage company which constitutes a change of control.

3. The person who acquires stock resulting in a change of control of the mortgage company shall apply to the Commissioner for approval of the transfer. The application must contain information which shows that the requirements of this chapter and the Registry, if applicable, for obtaining a license will be satisfied after the change of control. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, the Commissioner shall conduct an investigation to determine whether those requirements will be satisfied. If, after the investigation, the Commissioner denies the application, the Commissioner may forbid the applicant from participating in the business of the mortgage company.

4. A mortgage company may submit a written request to the Commissioner to waive an investigation pursuant to subsection 3. The Commissioner may grant a waiver if the applicant has undergone a similar investigation by a state or federal agency in connection with the licensing of or his or her employment with a financial institution.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1376; A 1983, 1843; 1985, 1344; 1987, 1880; 1999, 3787; 2011, 3615; 2017, 3050)

Net Worth

NRS 645B.115 Minimum net worth required for certain mortgage companies; initial and annual determination of net worth; examination by Commissioner; regulations.

1. If a mortgage company maintains any accounts described in NRS 645B.175, the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators shall not engage in any activity that is authorized pursuant to this chapter, unless the mortgage company maintains continuously a minimum net worth in the following amount based upon the average monthly balance of the accounts maintained by the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.175:

AVERAGE MONTHLY BALANCE MINIMUM NET

WORTH REQUIRED

$100,000 or less.............................................................................................. $25,000

More than $100,000 but not more than $250,000....................................... 50,000

More than $250,000 but not more than $500,000..................................... 100,000

More than $500,000 but not more than $1,000,000................................. 200,000

More than $1,000,000.................................................................................... 250,000

The Commissioner shall determine the appropriate initial minimum net worth that must be maintained by the mortgage company pursuant to this section based upon the expected average monthly balance of the accounts maintained by the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.175. After determining the initial minimum net worth that must be maintained by the mortgage company, the Commissioner shall, on an annual basis, determine the appropriate minimum net worth that must be maintained by the mortgage company pursuant to this section based upon the average monthly balance of the accounts maintained by the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.175.

2. If requested by the Commissioner, a mortgage company who is subject to the provisions of this section and his or her mortgage loan originators shall submit to the Commissioner or allow the Commissioner to examine any documentation or other evidence that is related to determining the net worth of the mortgage company.

3. The Commissioner:

(a) Shall adopt regulations prescribing standards for determining the net worth of a mortgage company; and

(b) May adopt any other regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3771; A 2017, 3050)

ESCROW AND TRUST ACCOUNTS

NRS 645B.165 Escrow account required for fee, salary, deposit or money paid in advance; release from escrow; exceptions; refunds; penalty.

1. Except as otherwise permitted by law and as otherwise provided in subsection 3, the amount of any advance fee, salary, deposit or money paid to a mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators or any other person to obtain a loan which will be secured by a lien on real property must be placed in escrow pending completion of the loan or a commitment for the loan.

2. The amount held in escrow pursuant to subsection 1 must be released:

(a) Upon completion of the loan or commitment for the loan, to the mortgage company or other person to whom the advance fee, salary, deposit or money was paid.

(b) If the loan or commitment for the loan fails, to the person who made the payment.

3. Advance payments to cover reasonably estimated costs paid to third persons are excluded from the provisions of subsections 1 and 2 if the person making them first signs a written agreement which specifies the estimated costs by item and the estimated aggregate cost, and which recites that money advanced for costs will not be refunded. If an itemized service is not performed and the estimated cost thereof is not refunded, the recipient of the advance payment is subject to the penalties provided in NRS 645B.960.

(Added to NRS by 1977, 618; A 1979, 1397; 1989, 1442; 1991, 178; 1995, 1313; 1999, 3793; 2011, 3615; 2017, 3051)

1. All money paid to a mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators for payment of taxes or insurance premiums on real property which secures any loan arranged or loan made by the mortgage company must be deposited in an insured depository financial institution and kept separate, distinct and apart from money belonging to the mortgage company. Such money, when deposited, is to be designated as an “impound trust account” or under some other appropriate name indicating that the accounts are not the money of the mortgage company.

2. The mortgage company has a fiduciary duty to each debtor with respect to the money in an impound trust account.

3. The mortgage company shall, upon reasonable notice, account to any debtor whose real property secures a loan arranged or loan made by the mortgage company for any money which that person has paid to the mortgage company for the payment of taxes or insurance premiums on the real property.

4. The mortgage company shall, upon reasonable notice, account to the Commissioner for all money in an impound trust account.

5. A mortgage company shall:

(a) Require contributions to an impound trust account in an amount reasonably necessary to pay the obligations as they become due.

(b) Undertake an annual review of an impound trust account.

(1) Of the amount by which the contributions exceed the amount reasonably necessary to pay the annual obligations due from the account; and

(2) That the debtor may specify the disposition of the excess money within 20 days after receipt of the notice. If the debtor fails to specify such a disposition within that time, the mortgage company shall maintain the excess money in the account.

Ê This subsection does not prohibit a mortgage company from requiring additional amounts to be paid into an impound trust account to recover a deficiency that exists in the account.

6. A mortgage company shall not make payments from an impound trust account in a manner that causes a policy of insurance to be cancelled or causes property taxes or similar payments to become delinquent.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1543; A 1983, 1708; 1987, 1884; 1989, 1765; 1999, 1539, 3793; 2011, 3616; 2017, 3051)

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all money received by a mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators from an investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property must:

(a) Be deposited in:

(1) An insured depository financial institution; or

(2) An escrow account which is controlled by a person who is independent of the parties and subject to instructions regarding the account which are approved by the parties.

(b) Be kept separate from money:

(1) Belonging to the mortgage company in an account appropriately named to indicate that the money does not belong to the mortgage company.

(2) Received pursuant to subsection 4.

2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amount held in trust pursuant to subsection 1 must be released:

(a) Upon completion of the loan, including proper recordation of the respective interests or release, or upon completion of the transfer of the ownership or beneficial interest therein, to the debtor or the debtor’s designee less the amount due the mortgage company for the payment of any fee or service charge;

(b) If the loan or the transfer thereof is not consummated, to each investor who furnished the money held in trust; or

3. The amount held in trust pursuant to subsection 1 must not be released to the debtor or the debtor’s designee unless:

(a) The amount released is equal to the total amount of money which is being loaned to the debtor for that loan, less the amount due the mortgage company for the payment of any fee or service charge; and

(b) The mortgage company has provided a written instruction to a title agent or title insurer requiring that a lender’s policy of title insurance or appropriate title endorsement, which names as an insured each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan, be issued for the real property securing the loan.

4. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all money paid to a mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators by a person in full or in partial payment of a loan secured by a lien on real property, must:

(a) Be deposited in:

(1) An insured depository financial institution; or

(2) An escrow account which is controlled by a person who is subject to instructions regarding the account which are approved by the parties.

(b) Be kept separate from money:

(1) Belonging to the mortgage company in an account appropriately named to indicate that it does not belong to the mortgage company.

(2) Received pursuant to subsection 1.

5. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amount held in trust pursuant to subsection 4:

(a) Must be released, upon the deduction and payment of any fee or service charge due the mortgage company, to each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan in exact proportion to the beneficial interest that the investor owns in the loan; and

(b) Must not be released, in any proportion, to an investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan, unless the amount described in paragraph (a) is also released to every other investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan.

6. An investor may waive, in writing, the right to receive one or more payments, or portions thereof, that are released to other investors in the manner set forth in subsection 5. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not act as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of an investor with respect to the giving of a written waiver pursuant to this subsection. Any such written waiver applies only to the payment or payments, or portions thereof, that are included in the written waiver and does not affect the right of the investor to:

(a) Receive the waived payment or payments, or portions thereof, at a later date; or

(b) Receive all other payments in full and in accordance with the provisions of subsection 5.

7. Upon reasonable notice, any mortgage company described in this section shall:

(a) Account to any investor or debtor who has paid to the mortgage company or his or her mortgage loan originators money that is required to be deposited in a trust account pursuant to this section; and

(b) Account to the Commissioner for all money which the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators have received from each investor or debtor and which the mortgage company is required to deposit in a trust account pursuant to this section.

8. Money received by a mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators pursuant to this section from a person who is not associated with the mortgage company may be held in trust for not more than 45 days before an escrow account must be opened in connection with the loan. If, within this 45-day period, the loan or the transfer therefor is not consummated, the money must be returned within 24 hours. If the money is so returned, it may not be reinvested with the mortgage company for at least 15 days.

9. If a mortgage company or a mortgage loan originator receives any money pursuant to this section, the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator, after the deduction and payment of any fee or service charge due the mortgage company, shall not release the money to:

(a) Any person who does not have a contractual or legal right to receive the money; or

(b) Any person who has a contractual right to receive the money if the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator knows or, in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances, reasonably should know that the person’s contractual right to receive the money violates any provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter.

10. If a mortgage company maintains any accounts described in subsection 1 or 4, the mortgage company shall, in addition to the annual financial statement audited pursuant to NRS 645B.085, submit to the Commissioner each 6 calendar months a financial statement concerning those trust accounts.

11. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations concerning the form and content required for financial statements submitted pursuant to subsection 10.

12. Any duty, responsibility or obligation of a mortgage company pursuant to this chapter is not delegable or transferable to an investor, and, if an investor only provides money to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property, no criminal or civil liability may be imposed on the investor for any act or omission of a mortgage company.

(Added to NRS by 1981, 1784; A 1983, 1708; 1985, 2189; 1987, 1885; 1999, 3794; 2007, 956; 2011, 1390; 2017, 3052)

NRS 645B.180 Limitations on execution or attachment of money in trust account; commingling of money prohibited.

1. Money in an impound trust account is not subject to execution or attachment on any claim against the mortgage company or his or her mortgage loan originators.

2. It is unlawful for a mortgage company or his or her mortgage loan originators knowingly to keep or cause to be kept any money in a depository financial institution under the heading of “impound trust account” or any other name designating such money as belonging to the investors or debtors of the mortgage company, unless the money has been paid to the mortgage company or his or her mortgage loan originators by an investor or debtor and is being held in trust by the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.170 or 645B.175.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1543; A 1989, 1766; 1999, 1540, 3796; 2017, 3054)

DISCLOSURES AND ADVERTISING

NRS 645B.185 Use of disclosure forms required; release of financial statements; duties of mortgage company and loan originators; prohibitions; powers of Commissioner; regulations.

1. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not accept money from a private investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property unless:

(a) The private investor and the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator sign and date a disclosure form that complies with the provisions of this section; and

(b) The mortgage company or mortgage loan originator gives the private investor the original disclosure form that has been signed and dated.

2. A private investor and a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator must sign and date a separate disclosure form pursuant to subsection 1 for each loan in which the private investor invests his or her money. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not act as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of a private investor with respect to the signing or dating of any disclosure form.

3. In addition to the requirements of subsections 1 and 2, a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not accept money from a private investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property, unless the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator gives the private investor a written form by which the private investor may request that the mortgage company authorize the Commissioner to release the mortgage company’s financial statement to the private investor. Such a form must be given to the private investor for each loan. If the private investor, before giving money to the mortgage company for the loan, requests that the mortgage company authorize the release of a financial statement pursuant to this subsection, the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators shall not accept money from the private investor for that loan until the mortgage company receives notice from the Commissioner that the financial statement has been released to the private investor.

4. A private investor and a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator may not agree to alter or waive the provisions of this section by contract or other agreement. Any such contract or agreement is void and must not be given effect to the extent that it violates the provisions of this section.

5. A mortgage company shall retain a copy of each disclosure form that is signed and dated pursuant to subsection 1 for the period that is prescribed in the regulations adopted by the Commissioner.

6. The standard provisions for each such disclosure form must include, without limitation, statements:

(a) Explaining the risks of investing through the mortgage company, including, without limitation:

(1) The possibility that the debtor may default on the loan;

(2) The nature of the losses that may result through foreclosure;

(3) The fact that payments of principal and interest are not guaranteed and that the private investor may lose the entire amount of principal that he or she has invested;

(4) The fact that the mortgage company is not a depository financial institution and that the investment is not insured by any depository insurance and is not otherwise insured or guaranteed by the Federal or State Government; and

(5) Any other information required pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner; and

(b) Disclosing to the private investor the following information if the information is known or, in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances, reasonably should be known to the mortgage company:

(1) Whether the real property that will secure the loan is encumbered by any other liens and, if so, the priority of each such lien, the amount of debt secured by each such lien and the current status of that debt, including, without limitation, whether the debt is being paid or is in default;

(2) Whether the mortgage company or any general partner, officer, director or mortgage loan originator of the mortgage company has any direct or indirect interest in the debtor;

(3) Whether any disciplinary action has been taken by the Commissioner against the mortgage company or any general partner, officer or director of the mortgage company within the immediately preceding 12 months, and the nature of any such disciplinary action;

(4) Whether the mortgage company or any general partner, officer or director of the mortgage company has been convicted within the immediately preceding 12 months for violating any law, ordinance or regulation that involves fraud, misrepresentation or a deceitful, fraudulent or dishonest business practice; and

(5) Any other information required pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner.

7. Whether or not a mortgage company is required to disclose any information to private investors through a disclosure form that complies with the provisions of this section, the Commissioner may order the mortgage company to disclose to private investors and other investors or to the general public any information concerning the mortgage company, any general partner, officer, director or mortgage loan originator of the mortgage company or any loan in which the mortgage company is or has been involved, if the Commissioner, in his or her judgment, believes that the information:

(a) Would be of material interest to a reasonable investor who is deciding whether to invest money with the mortgage company; or

(b) Is necessary to protect the welfare of the public.

8. In carrying out the provisions of subsection 7, the Commissioner may, without limitation, order a mortgage company to include statements of disclosure prescribed by the Commissioner:

(a) In the disclosure form that must be given to private investors pursuant to subsection 1;

(b) In additional disclosure forms that must be given to private investors and other investors before or after they have invested money through the mortgage company; or

9. The Commissioner:

(a) Shall adopt regulations prescribing the period for which a mortgage company must retain a copy of each disclosure form that is given to private investors; and

(b) May adopt any other regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including, without limitation, regulations specifying the size of print and any required formatting or typesetting that a mortgage company must use in any form that is given to private investors.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 2185; A 1987, 1886; 1999, 3796; 2001, 2468; 2017, 3054)

NRS 645B.186 Disclosure of certain business and personal relationships required.

1. If a licensee or a relative of the licensee is licensed as, conducts business as or holds a controlling interest or position in:

(a) A construction control;

(b) An escrow agency or escrow agent; or

Ê the licensee shall fully disclose his or her status as, connection to or relationship with the construction control, escrow agency, escrow agent, title agent, title insurer or escrow officer to each investor, and the licensee shall not require, as a condition to an investor acquiring ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property, that the investor transact business with or use the services of the construction control, escrow agency, escrow agent, title agent, title insurer or escrow officer or that the investor authorize the licensee to transact business with or use the services of the construction control, escrow agency, escrow agent, title agent, title insurer or escrow officer on behalf of the investor.

2. For the purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to hold a controlling interest or position if the person:

(a) Owns or controls a majority of the voting stock or holds any other controlling interest, directly or indirectly, that gives the person the power to direct management or determine policy; or

(b) Is a partner, officer, director or trustee.

3. As used in this section, “licensee” means:

(a) A person who is licensed as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator pursuant to this chapter; and

(b) Any general partner, officer or director of such a person.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3770; A 2011, 3616; 2017, 3057)

NRS 645B.187 Prohibition on making certain guarantees in advertisements and solicitations; limitations on payment of premium interest; penalty.

1. If a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator solicits or receives money from an investor, the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not:

(a) In any advertisement; or

(b) Before, during or after solicitation or receipt of money from the investor,

Ê make, or cause or encourage to be made, any explicit or implicit statement, representation or promise, oral or written, which a reasonable person would construe as a guarantee that the investor will be repaid the principal amount of money he or she invests or will earn a specific rate of return or a specific rate of interest on the principal amount of money he or she invests.

2. If a mortgage company offers to pay or pays premium interest on money that the mortgage company receives from a person to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property or in full or partial payment of such a loan:

(a) The premium interest must be paid from the assets or income of the mortgage company; and

(b) The mortgage company or a mortgage loan originator shall not:

(1) In any advertisement; or

(2) Before, during or after receipt of money from such a person,

3. A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in NRS 645B.950.

4. As used in this section, “premium interest” means that amount of interest a mortgage company pays to a person which exceeds the amount which is being obtained from the insured depository financial institution.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 2185; A 1999, 3799; 2017, 3057)

1. If, in carrying on his or her business, a mortgage company uses an advertisement that is designed, intended or reasonably likely to solicit money from private investors, the mortgage company shall include in each such advertisement a statement of disclosure in substantially the following form:

Money invested through a mortgage company is not guaranteed to earn any interest or return and is not insured.

2. A mortgage company shall include in each advertisement that the mortgage company uses in carrying on his or her business any statements of disclosure required pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner or required pursuant to an order of the Commissioner entered in accordance with subsections 7 and 8 of NRS 645B.185.

3. Each mortgage company who has received an initial license within the past 12 months shall submit any proposed advertisement that the mortgage company intends to use in carrying on his or her business to the Commissioner for approval.

4. In addition to the requirements set forth in this chapter, each advertisement that a mortgage company uses in carrying on his or her business must comply with the requirements of:

(a) NRS 598.0903 to 598.0999, inclusive, concerning deceptive trade practices; and

(b) Any applicable federal statute or regulation concerning deceptive advertising and the advertising of interest rates.

5. If a mortgage company violates any provision of NRS 598.0903 to 598.0999, inclusive, concerning deceptive trade practices or any federal statute or regulation concerning deceptive advertising or the advertising of interest rates, in addition to any sanction or penalty imposed by state or federal law upon the mortgage company for the violation, the Commissioner may take any disciplinary action set forth in paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 645B.670 against the mortgage company.

6. The Commissioner may adopt any regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 2185; A 1987, 1886; 1999, 3799; 2001, 2470; 2007, 958; 2013, 115; 2017, 3058)

NRS 645B.196 Liability of advertising spokesperson for mortgage company for certain damages.

1. An advertising spokesperson for a mortgage company is jointly and severally liable with the mortgage company for damages caused by the mortgage company by fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, a violation of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, or an action of the mortgage company that is grounds for disciplinary action, if:

(a) The advertising spokesperson knew or should have known of the fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, violation of the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, or action of the mortgage company that is grounds for disciplinary action; or

(b) In advertising for the mortgage company, the advertising spokesperson knew or should have known that:

(1) The conduct of the advertising spokesperson was likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public or any person who engaged in business with the mortgage company; or

(2) The advertising spokesperson was disseminating material information concerning the mortgage company or the business, products or services of the mortgage company which was false or misleading.

2. As used in this section:

(a) “Advertising for a mortgage company” means advertising or otherwise promoting a mortgage company or the business, products or services of the mortgage company using any medium of communication.

(b) “Advertising spokesperson for a mortgage company” or “advertising spokesperson” means a person who consents to and receives compensation for using his or her name or likeness in advertising for a mortgage company.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3543; A 2017, 3058)

LOAN PAYMENTS AND DEFAULTS

NRS 645B.240 Limitations on charging late fee, additional amount of interest or other penalty.

1. If a person is required to make a payment to a mortgage company pursuant to the terms of a loan secured by a lien on real property, the mortgage company may not charge the person a late fee, an additional amount of interest or any other penalty in connection with that payment if the payment is delivered to the mortgage company before 5 p.m. on:

(a) The day that the payment is due pursuant to the terms of the loan, if an office of the mortgage company is open to customers until 5 p.m. on that day; or

(b) The next day that an office of the mortgage company is open to customers until 5 p.m., if the provisions of paragraph (a) do not otherwise apply.

2. A person and a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator may not agree to alter or waive the provisions of this section by contract or other agreement, and any such contract or agreement is void and must not be given effect to the extent that it violates the provisions of this section.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3773; A 2017, 3059)

NRS 645B.250 Prohibition on advancing payments to investor on behalf of debtor in default; exceptions. Except pursuant to a contract for the collection or servicing of a loan which is governed by the requirements established by the Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or Federal National Mortgage Association, a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not advance payments to an investor on behalf of a person who has obtained a loan secured by a lien on real property and who has defaulted in his or her payments.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 2185; A 1989, 966; 1999, 3800; 2017, 3059)

NRS 645B.260 Monthly report to Commissioner on delinquencies in payments and defaults; monthly notice to investors; regulations.

1. If a mortgage company maintains any accounts described in subsection 4 of NRS 645B.175 in which the mortgage company deposits payments from a debtor on a loan secured by a lien on real property and, on the last day of any month, the debtor has failed to make two or more consecutive payments in accordance with the terms of the loan, the mortgage company shall:

(a) Include in the report that the mortgage company submits to the Commissioner pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 645B.080, if any, the information relating to delinquencies in payments and defaults that is required by the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection 2;

(b) Not later than 15 days after the last day of each such month, mail to the last known address of each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan a notice containing the information relating to delinquencies in payments and defaults that is required by the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection 2; and

(1) The debtor or the debtor’s designee remedies the delinquency in payments and any default; or

(2) The lien securing the loan is extinguished.

2. The Commissioner:

(a) Shall adopt regulations prescribing the information relating to delinquencies in payments and defaults that a mortgage company must include in his or her report to the Commissioner and in the notice mailed to investors pursuant to subsection 1. Such regulations may provide for variations between the information that a mortgage company must include in his or her report to the Commissioner and the information that a mortgage company must include in the notice mailed to investors.

(b) May adopt any other regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3773; A 2017, 3060, 3595)

CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN MORTGAGE TRANSACTIONS

NRS 645B.300 Written appraisal of real property required; persons authorized to perform appraisal; retention and inspection of appraisal; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not accept money from an investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property, unless the mortgage company has obtained a written appraisal of the real property securing the loan.

2. The written appraisal of the real property:

(a) Must be completed not more than 6 months before the mortgage company’s first solicitation for the loan;

(b) Must meet the standards set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of The Appraisal Foundation;

(c) Must be performed by an appraiser who is authorized to perform appraisals in this State or in the state where the real property securing the loan is located; and

(d) Must not be performed by the mortgage company or a mortgage loan originator, unless the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator is certified or licensed to perform such an appraisal pursuant to chapter 645C of NRS.

3. A copy of the written appraisal of the real property must be:

(a) Maintained at each office of the mortgage company where money is accepted from an investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on the real property; and

(b) Made available during normal business hours for inspection by each such investor and the Commissioner.

4. A mortgage company is not required to obtain a written appraisal of the real property pursuant to this section if the mortgage company obtains a written waiver of the appraisal from each investor who acquires ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan secured by a lien on the real property. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not act as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of an investor with respect to the giving of a written waiver pursuant to this subsection.

5. If the mortgage company obtains a written waiver of the appraisal as provided in subsection 4, the mortgage company shall provide to each investor before accepting any money from the investor a separate written disclosure which contains the information analyzed, the valuation methods and techniques employed and the reasoning for any opinion regarding value provided by or on behalf of the mortgage company.

6. As used in this section, “appraisal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645C.030.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3772; A 2009, 1451; 2017, 3060)

NRS 645B.305 Requirement that loan include disclosure concerning fees. A mortgage company shall ensure that each loan secured by a lien on real property for which he or she engages in activity as a mortgage company includes a disclosure:

1. Describing, in a specific dollar amount, all fees earned by the mortgage company;

2. Explaining which party is responsible for the payment of the fees described in subsection 1; and

3. Explaining the probable impact the fees described in subsection 1 may have on the terms of the loan, including, without limitation, the interest rates.

(Added to NRS by 2007, 951; A 2009, 1556; 2011, 3617; 2017, 3061)

NRS 645B.307 Mortgage company required to include his or her license number or identifying number with loan. A mortgage company shall ensure that each loan secured by a lien on real property for which he or she engages in activity as a mortgage company includes:

1. If the mortgage company is not registered with the Registry, the license number of the mortgage company; or

2. Any identifying number issued by the Registry.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1453; A 2011, 3617; 2017, 3061)

NRS 645B.310 Requirements for mortgage company to assign interest in loan. A mortgage company shall not assign all or a part of his or her interest in a loan secured by a lien on real property, unless the mortgage company:

1. Obtains a policy of title insurance for the real property;

2. Obtains the approval of the assignment from each investor who has acquired ownership of or a beneficial interest in the loan if, at the time of the assignment, the debtor on the loan has defaulted in making a payment required for the loan or any portion of the loan; and

3. Records the assignment in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the real property is located.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 2185; A 1999, 3800; 2007, 959; 2017, 3061)

NRS 645B.320 Copy of recorded deed of trust must be mailed to each investor. If money from an investor is released to a debtor or the debtor’s designee pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 645B.175 upon completion of a loan secured by a lien on real property, the mortgage company that arranged the loan shall, not later than 3 business days after the date on which the mortgage company receives a copy of the recorded deed of trust, mail to the last known address of each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the loan a copy of the recorded deed of trust.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3773; A 2017, 3062)

NRS 645B.330 Limitations on use of power of attorney.

1. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not engage in any act or transaction on behalf of a private investor pursuant to a power of attorney unless:

(a) The power of attorney is executed for the sole purpose of providing services for not more than one specific loan in which the private investor owns a beneficial interest; and

(b) The provisions of the power of attorney:

(1) Have been approved by the Commissioner;

(2) Expressly prohibit the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators from engaging in any act or transaction that subordinates the priority of a recorded deed of trust unless, before such an act or transaction, the mortgage company obtains written approval for the subordination from the private investor;

(3) Expressly prohibit the mortgage company and his or her mortgage loan originators from using or releasing any money in which the private investor owns a beneficial interest with regard to the specific loan for a purpose that is not directly related to providing services for the loan unless, before any such money is used or released for another purpose, the mortgage company obtains written approval from the private investor to use or release the money for the other purpose; and

(4) Expressly provide that the power of attorney is effective only for the term of the specific loan unless the mortgage company obtains written approval from the private investor to extend the term of the power of attorney to provide services for not more than one other loan and the written approval:

(I) Identifies the loan for which the power of attorney was executed; and

(II) Identifies the loan for which the written approval is being given.

2. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not act as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of a private investor with respect to the giving of written approval pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1. A private investor and a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator may not agree to alter or waive the provisions of this section by contract or other agreement. Any such contract or agreement is void and must not be given effect to the extent that it violates the provisions of this section.

3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, a power of attorney which designates a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of a private investor and which violates the provisions of this section is void and must not be given effect with regard to any act or transaction that occurs on or after October 1, 1999, whether or not the power of attorney is or has been executed by the private investor before, on or after October 1, 1999.

4. The provisions of subsection 3 do not apply to a power of attorney that designates a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of a private investor if the power of attorney:

(a) Was executed before July 1, 2001; and

(b) Complied with the provisions of this section that were in effect on October 1, 1999.

5. The provisions of this section do not limit the right of a private investor to include provisions in a power of attorney that are more restrictive than the provisions set forth in subsection 1.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3774; A 2001, 2471; 2017, 3062)

NRS 645B.340 Multiple holders of beneficial interest in loan: Holders of majority of outstanding principal balance may act on behalf of all holders for certain matters; notice; exception.

1. Except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement between the parties and regardless of the date the interests were created, if the beneficial interest in a loan or the ownership interest in the real property previously securing the loan belongs to more than one person, the holders of the beneficial interest in a loan whose interests represent 51 percent or more of the outstanding principal balance of the loan or the holders of 51 percent or more of the ownership interest in the real property, as indicated on a trustee’s deed upon sale recorded pursuant to subsection 10 of NRS 107.080, a deed recorded pursuant to subsection 5 of NRS 40.430 or a deed in lieu of foreclosure, and any subsequent deed selling, transferring or assigning an ownership interest, may act on behalf of all the holders of the beneficial interests or ownership interests of record on matters which require the action of the holders of the beneficial interests in the loan or the ownership interests in the real property, including, without limitation:

(a) The designation of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator, servicing agent or any other person to act on behalf of all the holders of the beneficial interests or ownership interests of record;

(b) The foreclosure of the property for which the loan was made;

(c) The subsequent sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease of real property owned by the holders resulting from a foreclosure or the receipt of a deed in lieu of a foreclosure in full satisfaction of a loan, to a bona fide purchaser or encumbrancer for value;

(d) The release of any obligation under a loan in return for an interest in equity in the real property or, if the loan was made to a person other than a natural person, an interest in equity of that entity; and

(e) The modification or restructuring of any term of the loan, deed of trust or other document relating to the loan, including, without limitation, changes to the maturity date, interest rate and the acceptance of payment of less than the full amount of the loan and any accrued interest in full satisfaction of the loan.

2. A person designated to act pursuant to subsection 1 on behalf of the holders of the beneficial interest in a loan or the ownership interest in real property shall, not later than 30 days before the date on which the holders will determine whether or not to act pursuant to subsection 1, send a written notice of the action to each holder of a beneficial interest or ownership interest at the holder’s last known address, by a delivery service that provides proof of delivery or evidence that the notice was sent. The written notice must state:

(a) The actions that will be taken on behalf of the holders who consent to an action pursuant to this section, if the holders of the beneficial interest in a loan whose interests represent 51 percent or more of the outstanding principal balance of the loan or the holders of 51 percent or more of the ownership interest in the real property act pursuant to subsection 1;

(b) The actions that will be taken on behalf of the holders who do not consent to an action pursuant to this section, if the holders of the beneficial interest in a loan whose interests represent 51 percent or more of the outstanding principal balance of the loan or the holders of 51 percent or more of the ownership interest in the real property act pursuant to subsection 1; and

(c) The amount of the costs or, if an amount is unknown, an estimate of the amount of the costs that will be allocated to, or due from, the holder and deducted from any proceeds owed to the holder.

3. If real property is sold, transferred, encumbered or leased pursuant to paragraph (c) of subsection 1, any beneficial interest in the loan or ownership interest in the real property of a holder who does not consent to the sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease, including, without limitation, any interest of a tenant in common who does not consent to the sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease, must be sold, transferred, encumbered or leased by a reference to this section and by the signatures on the necessary documents of the holders consenting to the sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease of the real property. The holders consenting to the sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease of the real property shall designate a representative to sign any necessary documents on behalf of the holders who do not consent to the sale, transfer, encumbrance or lease and, if the representative maintains written evidence of the consent of the number of holders described in subsection 1, the representative is not liable for any action taken pursuant to this subsection.

4. Any action which is taken pursuant to subsection 1 must be in writing.

5. The provisions of this section do not apply to a transaction involving two investors with equal interests.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1553; A 2013, 2167; 2015, 1619; 2017, 3063)

NRS 645B.350 Mortgage company required to provide investors certain options before acquiring ownership or beneficial interest in loan. A mortgage company shall not accept money from an investor to acquire ownership of or a beneficial interest in a loan which has more than one investor at the time of origination unless the mortgage company provides to each investor a form which allows the investor to choose one of the following options:

1. That, upon receipt of a written request submitted by another investor who owns or has a beneficial interest in the loan, the mortgage company may provide to that other investor the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the investor;

2. That, upon receipt of a written request submitted by another investor who owns or has a beneficial interest in the loan, the mortgage company may provide to that other investor the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the investor only if the loan is in default; or

3. That the address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the investor must remain confidential and that the mortgage company may not provide that information to any other investor unless the investor provides the mortgage company with subsequent written permission to provide such information to other investors.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603; A 2017, 3064)

NRS 645B.351 Mortgage company prohibited from including in loan document provision which requires participation in binding arbitration in event of dispute.

1. A mortgage company who makes or arranges a loan shall not include in any loan document a provision which requires a private investor to participate in binding arbitration of disputes relating to the loan.

2. The provisions of this section may not be varied by agreement, and the rights conferred by this section may not be waived. Any provision included in a loan document agreement that conflicts with this section is void.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603; A 2017, 3065)

NRS 645B.352 Written servicing agreement required before servicing loan.

1. Before servicing a loan in which a private investor has acquired a beneficial interest, a mortgage company must enter into a written servicing agreement with each investor which describes specifically the services which the mortgage company will provide and the compensation the mortgage company will receive for those services. The compensation of the mortgage company must include an amount reasonably necessary to pay the cost of servicing the loan.

2. A mortgage company shall include in each servicing agreement provisions which:

(a) Require the mortgage company to:

(1) Deposit in a trust account all money paid to the mortgage company in full or partial payment of a loan, unless a provision of law authorizes the mortgage company to deposit such money in a different manner;

(2) Release to the investors, pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 5 of NRS 645B.175, within 15 days after receipt of all money paid to the mortgage company in full or partial payment of a loan;

(3) Record a request for special notice and notice of default for any encumbrance on the real property which has priority over the lien securing the loan or any other real property securing the loan;

(4) Provide to each investor prompt written notice of:

(I) Any lis pendens, mechanic’s lien or other lien recorded against the real property securing the loan after the origination of the loan if the mortgage company has become aware that such an instrument has been recorded; and

(II) Any delinquent taxes or insurance premiums;

(5) Upon receiving a written request from an investor for a tally of any vote of the investors, provide to the investor a statement of the number of investors voting in favor of an action and the number of investors voting against the action and the percentage of beneficial interest represented by each such vote; and

(6) Respond within a reasonable time under the circumstances to the request of the borrower or investor to correct any errors relating to the loan.

(b) Prohibit the mortgage company from:

(1) Commingling with the assets of the mortgage company any money paid to the mortgage company in full or partial payment of a loan, unless a provision of law authorizes such commingling;

(2) Using money paid to the mortgage company in full or partial payment of a loan for any transaction other than the servicing transaction for which the money was paid, unless a provision of law authorizes such use; or

(3) Requiring an investor to participate in binding arbitration of disputes relating to the loan.

(c) Allow the majority of investors or the mortgage company to transfer the servicing agreement to another entity authorized to service loans or terminate the servicing agreement for any reason, upon providing written notice at least 30 days before the effective date of the transfer or termination.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3603; A 2017, 3065)

NRS 645B.353 Mortgage company prohibited from releasing borrower or guarantor from personal liability without certain approval. Except as otherwise permitted by law, a mortgage company shall not release a borrower or guarantor from personal liability for a loan unless a majority of the investors approve such a release.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3604; A 2017, 3066)

NRS 645B.354 Restrictions on withholding money from certain investors; loan servicing agreement may contain provision which provides written consent to withhold money.

1. If an investor owes money to the mortgage company who is servicing a loan or to other investors, the mortgage company shall not withhold money due the investor in order to offset the money owed to the mortgage company or to another investor, unless:

(a) The mortgage company obtains the written consent of the investor who owes the money; or

(b) A court order requires the mortgage company to withhold the money.

2. A mortgage company may include in a loan servicing agreement a provision which provides written consent to withhold money due an investor in order to offset money owed by the investor to the mortgage company or other investors.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3604; A 2017, 3066)

NRS 645B.355 Mortgage company prohibited from acting as construction control. A mortgage company shall not act as a construction control with respect to money belonging to a borrower or investor. If a borrower or investor wishes to utilize a construction control for money belonging to the borrower or investor, a mortgage company must place the money with a person who is independent of the mortgage company and is licensed or authorized to accept such money. The money must be subject to the control of a construction control which is in compliance with, or exempt from, the provisions of NRS 627.180 or 627.183.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3605; A 2017, 3066)

NRS 645B.356 Restrictions on placing private investor into certain entities before foreclosure of real property securing loan.

1. A mortgage company shall not place or arrange to place a private investor into a limited-liability company, business trust or other entity before or after foreclosure of the real property securing the loan, or receipt of a deed in lieu of foreclosure in full satisfaction of a loan secured by the real property, unless the mortgage company:

(a) Provides a copy of the organizational documents of the limited-liability company, business trust or other entity to each investor not later than 5 days before the transfer of the interest in the loan or the interest in the real property;

(b) Obtains the written authorization of a sufficient number of the investors to act on behalf of all the investors pursuant to NRS 645B.340; and

(c) Obtains the written authorization of each investor consenting to the transfer of his or her interest in the loan or in the real property to the limited-liability company, business trust or other entity.

2. If a private investor is placed into a limited-liability company, business trust or other entity pursuant to subsection 1, any beneficial interest in a loan or ownership interest in real property of the private investor who does not consent to the placement, including, without limitation, any interest of a tenant in common who does not consent to the placement, must be placed in the limited-liability company, business trust or other entity by a reference to this section and by the signatures on the necessary documents of the investors consenting to the placement. The investors who consent to an action pursuant to subsection 1 shall designate a representative to sign any necessary documents on behalf of the investors who do not consent to the action, and if the representative maintains written evidence of the consent of the number of investors described in paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the representative is not liable for any action taken pursuant to this subsection.

3. The documents provided to each investor pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 must clearly and concisely state any fees which will be paid to the mortgage company by the limited-liability company, business trust or other entity, and the sections of the documents that state fees must be initialed by the investor and any representative designated pursuant to subsection 2.

4. A mortgage company or mortgage loan originator shall not act as the attorney-in-fact or the agent of a private investor for the signing or dating of the written authorization.

5. Any term of a contract or other agreement that attempts to alter or waive the requirements of this section is void.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3605; A 2013, 2169; 2017, 3066)

NRS 645B.357 Restriction on collection of fees by mortgage company; application of fees.

1. A mortgage company shall not assess or collect any fee which is not:

(a) Authorized by the loan documents or loan servicing agreement; and

(b) Assessed or collected in exchange for bona fide services rendered or costs incurred.

2. A mortgage company shall apply all fees collected in the manner set forth in the loan documents or loan servicing agreement.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 3605; A 2017, 3067)

MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS

NRS 645B.400 Requirements to provide services of or engage in activities of mortgage loan originator. A person shall not act as or provide any of the services of a mortgage loan originator, otherwise engage in, carry on or hold himself or herself out as engaging in or carrying on the activities of a mortgage loan originator or supervise a mortgage loan originator unless the person:

1. Has a license as a mortgage loan originator issued pursuant to NRS 645B.410 to 645B.460, inclusive, or is an employee of or associated with a person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016.

2. If the person is required to register with the Registry:

(a) Is an employee of and whose sponsorship has been entered with the Registry by a mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 as required by subsection 2 of NRS 645B.450; and

(b) Is registered with and provides any identifying number issued by the Registry.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3543; A 2011, 3617; 2013, 116; 2017, 3067)

NRS 645B.405 License as mortgage loan originator required for mortgage company or qualified employee who engages in or supervises a mortgage loan originator who engages in activities as residential mortgage loan originator. A mortgage company or qualified employee who wishes to engage in activities as a residential mortgage loan originator or to supervise a mortgage loan originator who engages in activities as a residential mortgage loan originator must obtain and maintain a license as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to the provisions of NRS 645B.400 to 645B.460, inclusive.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 2677; A 2017, 3067)

NRS 645B.410 Qualifications and procedure for issuance of license; fees.

1. To obtain a license as a mortgage loan originator, a person must:

(a) Be a natural person;

(b) File a written application for a license as a mortgage loan originator with the Office of the Commissioner;

(d) Pay an application fee set by the Commissioner of not more than $185; and

(e) Be:

(1) Employed by, or have received an offer of employment from, a mortgage company;

(2) Associated with or employed by, or have received an offer of a contract with or an offer of employment from, a person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016; or

(3) A loan processor who is not an employee and who is associated with, or has received an offer of a contract with, a mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016.

2. An application for a license as a mortgage loan originator must:

(a) State the name and residence address of the applicant;

(b) Include a provision by which the applicant gives written consent to the Division and, if applicable, the Registry for an investigation of his or her credit history, criminal history and background;

(c) Unless fingerprints were submitted to the Registry, include a complete set of fingerprints which the Division may forward to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report;

(d) Include a verified statement from the mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 with whom the applicant will be associated or employed that expresses the intent of that mortgage company or exempt person to employ or associate the applicant with the mortgage company or exempt person and to be responsible for the activities of the applicant as a mortgage loan originator; and

(e) Include any other information or supporting materials required pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Commissioner, by an order of the Commissioner or, if applicable, by the Registry. Such information or supporting materials may include, without limitation, other forms of identification of the person.

3. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Commissioner shall issue a license as a mortgage loan originator to an applicant if:

(a) The application is verified by the Commissioner and complies with the applicable requirements of this chapter, other applicable law and, if applicable, the Registry; and

(b) The applicant:

(1) Has not been convicted of, or entered or agreed to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application, or at any time if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of trust, money laundering or moral turpitude;

(2) Has never had a license or registration as a mortgage agent, mortgage banker, mortgage broker, mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or residential mortgage loan originator revoked in this State or any other jurisdiction, or had a financial services license revoked within the immediately preceding 10 years;

(3) Has not made a false statement of material fact on his or her application;

(4) Has not violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant thereto or an order of the Commissioner; and

(5) Has demonstrated financial responsibility, character and general fitness so as to command the confidence of the community and warrant a determination that the applicant will operate honestly, fairly and efficiently for the purposes of this chapter.

4. Money received by the Commissioner pursuant to this section is in addition to any fee required to be paid to the Registry and must be deposited in the Account for Mortgage Lending created by NRS 645F.270.

5. The Commissioner may require the submission of an item or the payment of a fee required by this section directly to the Commissioner or, if the person submitting the item or fee is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry, to the Commissioner through the Registry.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3543; A 2007, 2853; 2009, 2682; 2011, 3617; 2017, 3068)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter:

(a) An applicant for the issuance of a license as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to this chapter shall include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the Commissioner.

(b) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to this chapter shall submit to the Commissioner the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Commissioner shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage loan originator; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Commissioner.

3. The license as a mortgage loan originator may not be issued or renewed by the Commissioner if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3545; A 2005, 2785, 2817; 2017, 3069)

1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, an applicant for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to this chapter shall submit to the Commissioner the statement prescribed by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520. The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.

2. The Commissioner shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:

(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of a license as a mortgage loan originator; or

(b) A separate form prescribed by the Commissioner.

3. The license as a mortgage loan originator may not be issued or renewed by the Commissioner if the applicant:

(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3545; A 2005, 2785, 2786, 2817; 2017, 3069, effective on the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings and expires by limitation 2 years after that date)

NRS 645B.430 Annual expiration of license; procedure for renewal; continuing education; fees.

1. A license as a mortgage loan originator issued pursuant to NRS 645B.410 expires each year on December 31, unless it is renewed. To renew a license as a mortgage loan originator, the holder of the license must continue to meet the requirements of subsection 3 of NRS 645B.410 and must submit to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of each year, or on a date otherwise specified by the Commissioner by regulation:

(a) An application for renewal;

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, satisfactory proof that the holder of the license as a mortgage loan originator attended at least 8 hours of certified courses of continuing education during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires; and

2. In lieu of the continuing education requirement set forth in paragraph (b) of subsection 1, the holder of a license as a mortgage loan originator who, pursuant to subsection 1 of NRS 645F.267, is not required to register or renew with the Registry and who has not voluntarily registered or renewed with the Registry must submit to the Commissioner satisfactory proof that he or she attended at least 5 hours of certified courses of continuing education during the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the license expires. The hours of continuing education required by this subsection must include at least 2 hours relating to ethics.

3. If the holder of the license as a mortgage loan originator fails to submit any item required pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 to the Commissioner on or after November 1 and on or before December 31 of any year, unless a different date is specified by the Commissioner by regulation, the license is cancelled as of December 31 of that year. The Commissioner may reinstate a cancelled license if the holder of the license submits to the Commissioner on or before February 28 of the following year:

(a) An application for renewal;

(b) The fee required to renew the license pursuant to this section; and

4. To change the mortgage company with whom the mortgage loan originator is associated, a person must pay a fee in an amount prescribed by regulation of the Commissioner, not to exceed $50.

5. Money received by the Commissioner pursuant to this section is in addition to any fee that must be paid to the Registry and must be deposited in the Account for Mortgage Lending created by NRS 645F.270.

6. The Commissioner may require a licensee to submit an item or pay a fee required by this section directly to the Division or, if the licensee is required to register or voluntarily registers with the Registry, to the Division through the Registry.

7. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the Commissioner from renewing the license of a mortgage loan originator who does not satisfy the criteria set forth in paragraph (e) of subsection 1 of NRS 645B.410 at the time of the application for renewal.

8. As used in this section, “certified course of continuing education” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 645B.051.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3544; A 2009, 2683; 2011, 1392, 3619; 2013, 116; 2015, 2801; 2017, 3070, 3596)

1. A person licensed as a mortgage loan originator pursuant to the provisions of NRS 645B.410 may not be associated with or employed by more than one licensed or registered mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 at the same time.

2. A mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 shall not associate with or employ a person as a mortgage loan originator or authorize a person to be associated with the mortgage company or exempt person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 as a mortgage loan originator if the mortgage loan originator is not licensed with the Division pursuant to NRS 645B.410. Before allowing a mortgage loan originator to act on its behalf, a mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016, must:

(a) Enter its sponsorship of the mortgage loan originator with the Registry; or

(b) If the mortgage loan originator is not required to be registered with the Registry, notify the Division of its sponsorship of the mortgage loan originator.

3. If a mortgage loan originator terminates his or her association or employment with a mortgage company or exempt person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 for any reason, the mortgage company or person who holds a certificate of exemption pursuant to NRS 645B.016 shall, not later than the third business day following the date of termination:

(a) Remove its sponsorship of the mortgage loan originator from the Registry; or

(b) If the mortgage loan originator is not required to be registered with the Registry, deliver to the Division and to the mortgage loan originator at the last known residence address of the mortgage loan originator a written statement which includes the name, address and license number of the mortgage loan originator and a statement of the circumstances of the termination.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3769; A 2001, 2472; 2003, 2723, 2863, 3552; 2011, 1393, 3620; 2017, 3071)

NRS 645B.460 Supervision by mortgage company; requirements; regulations.

1. A mortgage company shall exercise reasonable supervision and control over the activities of his or her mortgage loan originators and must also be licensed as a mortgage loan originator if required pursuant to NRS 645B.405. Such reasonable supervision and control must include, as appropriate:

(a) The establishment of written policies and procedures for the mortgage loan originators;

(b) The establishment of a system to review, oversee and inspect the activities of the mortgage loan originators, including, without limitation:

(1) Transactions handled by the mortgage loan originators pursuant to this chapter;

(2) Communications between the mortgage loan originators and a party to such a transaction;

(3) Documents prepared by the mortgage loan originators that may have a material effect upon the rights or obligations of a party to such a transaction; and

(4) The handling by the mortgage loan originators of any fee, deposit or money paid to the mortgage company or the mortgage loan originators or held in trust by the mortgage company or the mortgage loan originators pursuant to this chapter; and

(c) The establishment of a system of reporting to the Division of any fraudulent activity engaged in by any of the mortgage loan originators.

2. The Commissioner shall allow a mortgage company to take into consideration the total number of mortgage loan originators associated with or employed by the mortgage company when the mortgage company determines the form and extent of the policies and procedures for those mortgage loan originators and the system to review, oversee and inspect the activities of those mortgage loan originators.

3. The Commissioner may adopt regulations prescribing standards for determining whether a mortgage company has exercised reasonable supervision and control over the activities of a mortgage loan originator pursuant to this section.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3769; A 2001, 2473; 2009, 2684; 2013, 117; 2017, 3071)

RIGHTS OF COMPANIES AND LOAN ORIGINATORS DURING MILITARY SERVICE

NRS 645B.490 Right to be placed on inactive status; procedure for reinstatement. Except as otherwise required by the Registry for persons who are required to register or voluntarily register with the Registry:

1. Any mortgage company or mortgage loan originator licensed under the provisions of this chapter who is called into the military service of the United States shall, at his or her request, be relieved from compliance with the provisions of this chapter and placed on inactive status for the period of such military service and for a period of 6 months after discharge therefrom.

2. At any time within 6 months after termination of such service, if the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator complies with the provisions of subsection 1, the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator may be reinstated, without having to meet any qualification or requirement other than the payment of the reinstatement fee, as provided in NRS 645B.050 or 645B.430, and the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator is not required to make payment of the renewal fee for the current year.

3. Any mortgage company or mortgage loan originator seeking to qualify for reinstatement, as provided in subsections 1 and 2, must present a certified copy of his or her honorable discharge or certificate of satisfactory service to the Commissioner.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 3545; A 2011, 3620; 2017, 3072)

INVESTIGATION OF VIOLATIONS AND UNSAFE PRACTICES; REMEDIAL ACTION

NRS 645B.600 Person may file complaint alleging violation; requirements.

1. A person may file with the Commissioner a complaint alleging that another person has violated a provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner.

2. A complaint filed pursuant to this section must:

(a) Be in writing;

(b) Be signed by the person filing the complaint or the designee of the person filing the complaint;

(c) Contain an address and a telephone number for the person filing the complaint or the designee of the person filing the complaint;

(d) Describe the nature of the alleged violation in as much detail as possible;

(e) Include as exhibits copies of all documentation supporting the complaint; and

(f) Include any other information or supporting materials required by the regulations adopted by the Commissioner or by an order of the Commissioner.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3775; A 2001, 2474; 2011, 3621)

NRS 645B.610 Duties of Commissioner when complaint is filed.

1. If a person properly files a complaint with the Commissioner pursuant to NRS 645B.600, the Commissioner shall investigate each violation alleged in the complaint, unless the Commissioner has previously investigated the alleged violation.

2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 of NRS 645B.090, if the Commissioner does not conduct an investigation of an alleged violation pursuant to subsection 1 because he or she previously has investigated the alleged violation, the Commissioner shall provide to the person who filed the complaint a written summary of the previous investigation and the nature of any disciplinary action that was taken as a result of the previous investigation.

3. If the Commissioner conducts an investigation of an alleged violation pursuant to subsection 1, the Commissioner shall determine from the investigation whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the person committed the alleged violation.

4. If, upon investigation, the Commissioner determines that there is not reasonable cause to believe that the person committed the alleged violation, the Commissioner shall provide the reason for the determination, in writing, to the person who filed the complaint and to the person alleged to have committed the violation.

5. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 6, if, upon investigation, the Commissioner determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that the person committed the alleged violation, the Commissioner shall:

(a) Schedule a hearing concerning the alleged violation;

(b) Mail to the last known address of the person who filed the complaint written notice that must include, without limitation:

(1) The date, time and place of the hearing; and

(2) A statement of each alleged violation that will be considered at the hearing; and

(c) By personal service in accordance with the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure and any applicable provision of NRS, serve written notice of the hearing to the person alleged to have committed the violation. The written notice that is served pursuant to this paragraph must include, without limitation:

(1) The date, time and place of the hearing;

(2) A copy of the complaint and a statement of each alleged violation that will be considered at the hearing; and

(3) A statement informing the person that, pursuant to NRS 645B.760, if he or she fails to appear, without reasonable cause, at the hearing:

(I) The person is guilty of a misdemeanor; and

(II) The Commissioner is authorized to conduct the hearing in the person’s absence, draw any conclusions that the Commissioner deems appropriate from his or her failure to appear and render a decision concerning each alleged violation.

6. If the Commissioner enters into a written consent agreement settling or resolving the alleged violation, the Commissioner shall provide a copy of the written consent agreement to the person who filed the complaint.

7. The Commissioner may:

(a) Investigate and conduct a hearing concerning any alleged violation, whether or not a complaint has been filed.

(b) Hear and consider more than one alleged violation against a person at the same hearing.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3775; A 2003, 3469)

NRS 645B.620 Duties of Commissioner when violation is suspected; referral of violations to Attorney General for criminal prosecution; civil action for injunctive relief.

1. Whether or not a complaint has been filed, the Commissioner may investigate a mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or other person if, for any reason, it appears that:

(a) The mortgage company or mortgage loan originator is conducting business in an unsafe and injurious manner or in violation of any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner;

(b) The person is offering or providing any of the services of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator or otherwise engaging in, carrying on or holding himself or herself out as engaging in or carrying on the business of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator without being appropriately licensed or exempt from licensing pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; or

(c) The person is violating any other provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner.

2. If, upon investigation, the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that the mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or other person has engaged in any conduct or committed any violation described in subsection 1:

(a) The Commissioner shall notify the Attorney General of the conduct or violation and, if applicable, the Commissioner shall immediately take possession of the property of the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.630; and

(b) The Attorney General shall, if appropriate:

(1) Investigate and prosecute the mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or other person pursuant to NRS 645B.800; and

(2) Bring a civil action to:

(I) Enjoin the mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or other person from engaging in the conduct, operating the business or committing the violation; and

(II) Enjoin any other person who has encouraged, facilitated, aided or participated in the conduct, the operation of the business or the commission of the violation, or who is likely to engage in such acts, from engaging in or continuing to engage in such acts.

3. If the Attorney General brings a civil action pursuant to subsection 2, the district court of any county of this State is hereby vested with the jurisdiction in equity to enjoin the conduct, the operation of the business or the commission of the violation and may grant any injunctions that are necessary to prevent and restrain the conduct, the operation of the business or the commission of the violation. During the pendency of the proceedings before the district court:

(a) The court may issue any temporary restraining orders as may appear to be just and proper;

(b) The findings of the Commissioner shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence and sufficient grounds, in the discretion of the court, for the ex parte issuance of a temporary restraining order; and

(c) The Attorney General may apply for and on due showing is entitled to have issued the court’s subpoena requiring forthwith the appearance of any person to:

(1) Produce any documents, books and records as may appear necessary for the hearing of the petition; and

(2) Testify and give evidence concerning the conduct complained of in the petition.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1540; A 1983, 1705; 1987, 1882; 1999, 3790; 2003, 3554; 2017, 3073)

NRS 645B.630 Duties of Commissioner when unsafe condition or practice is suspected; seizure of property and assets of mortgage company; duties of Attorney General.

1. In addition to any other action that is required or permitted pursuant to this chapter, if the Commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that:

(a) The assets or capital of a mortgage company are impaired; or

(b) A mortgage company is conducting business in an unsafe and injurious manner that may result in danger to the public,

Ê the Commissioner may immediately take possession of all the property, business and assets of the mortgage company that are located in this State and shall retain possession of them pending further proceedings provided for in this chapter.

2. If the licensee, the board of directors or any officer or person in charge of the offices of the mortgage company refuses to permit the Commissioner to take possession of the property of the mortgage company pursuant to subsection 1:

(a) The Commissioner shall notify the Attorney General; and

(b) The Attorney General shall immediately bring such proceedings as may be necessary to place the Commissioner in immediate possession of the property of the mortgage company.

3. If the Commissioner takes possession of the property of the mortgage company, the Commissioner shall:

(a) Make or have made an inventory of the assets and known liabilities of the mortgage company;

(b) File one copy of the inventory in the office of the Commissioner and one copy in the office of the clerk of the district court of the county in which the principal office of the mortgage company is located and shall mail one copy to each stockholder, partner, officer, director or associate of the mortgage company at his or her last known address; and

(c) If the mortgage company maintains any accounts described in NRS 645B.175, not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Commissioner takes possession of the property of the mortgage company, mail notice of the possession to the last known address of each person whose money is deposited in such an account or whose money was or should have been deposited in such an account during the preceding 12 months.

4. The clerk of the court with which the copy of the inventory is filed shall file it as any other case or proceeding pending in the court and shall give it a docket number.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1541; A 1981, 1790; 1983, 1707; 1987, 1883; 1999, 3791; 2017, 3074)

NRS 645B.640 Persons entitled to correct unsafe conditions and practices; effect of failure to correct; receivership and liquidation of assets.

1. If the Commissioner takes possession of the property of a mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.630, the licensee, officers, directors, partners, associates or stockholders of the mortgage company may, within 60 days after the date on which the Commissioner takes possession of the property, make good any deficit in the assets or capital of the mortgage company or remedy any unsafe and injurious conditions or practices of the mortgage company.

2. At the expiration of the 60-day period, if the deficiency in assets or capital has not been made good or the unsafe and injurious conditions or practices remedied, the Commissioner may apply to the court to be appointed receiver and proceed to liquidate the assets of the mortgage company which are located in this State in the same manner as now provided by law for liquidation of a private corporation in receivership.

3. No other person may be appointed receiver by any court without first giving the Commissioner ample notice of his or her application.

4. The inventory made by the Commissioner and all claims filed by creditors are open at all reasonable times for inspection, and any action taken by the receiver upon any of the claims is subject to the approval of the court before which the cause is pending.

5. The expenses of the receiver and compensation of counsel, as well as all expenditures required in the liquidation proceedings, must be fixed by the Commissioner subject to the approval of the court and, upon certification of the Commissioner, must be paid out of the money in his or her hands as the receiver.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1542; A 1983, 1707; 1987, 1884; 1999, 3792; 2017, 3074)

DISCIPLINARY AND OTHER ACTIONS

NRS 645B.670 Authorized disciplinary or other action; grounds for disciplinary action.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.690:

(a) For each violation committed by an applicant for a license issued pursuant to this chapter, whether or not the applicant is issued a license, the Commissioner may impose upon the applicant an administrative fine of not more than $25,000 if the applicant:

(1) Has knowingly made or caused to be made to the Commissioner any false representation of material fact;

(2) Has suppressed or withheld from the Commissioner any information which the applicant possesses and which, if submitted by the applicant, would have rendered the applicant ineligible to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; or

(3) Has violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner in completing and filing his or her application for a license or during the course of the investigation of his or her application for a license.

(b) For each violation committed by a mortgage company, the Commissioner may impose upon the mortgage company an administrative fine of not more than $25,000, may suspend, revoke or place conditions upon the mortgage company’s license, or may do both, if the mortgage company, whether or not acting as such:

(1) Is insolvent;

(2) Is grossly negligent or incompetent in performing any act for which the mortgage company is required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

(3) Does not conduct his or her business in accordance with law or has violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner;

(4) Is in such financial condition that the mortgage company cannot continue in business with safety to his or her customers;

(5) Has made a material misrepresentation in connection with any transaction governed by this chapter;

(6) Has suppressed or withheld from a client any material facts, data or other information relating to any transaction governed by the provisions of this chapter which the mortgage company knew or, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known;

(7) Has knowingly made or caused to be made to the Commissioner any false representation of material fact or has suppressed or withheld from the Commissioner any information which the mortgage company possesses and which, if submitted by the mortgage company, would have rendered the mortgage company ineligible to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

(8) Has failed to account to persons interested for all money received for a trust account;

(9) Has refused to permit an examination by the Commissioner of his or her books and affairs or has refused or failed, within a reasonable time, to furnish any information or make any report that may be required by the Commissioner pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter;

(10) Has been convicted of, or entered or agreed to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application, or at any time if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of trust, moral turpitude or money laundering;

(11) Has refused or failed to pay, within a reasonable time, any fees, assessments, costs or expenses that the mortgage company is required to pay pursuant to this chapter or a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter;

(12) Has failed to satisfy a claim made by a client which has been reduced to judgment;

(13) Has failed to account for or to remit any money of a client within a reasonable time after a request for an accounting or remittal;

(14) Has commingled the money or other property of a client with his or her own or has converted the money or property of others to his or her own use;

(15) Has engaged in any other conduct constituting a deceitful, fraudulent or dishonest business practice;

(16) Has repeatedly violated the policies and procedures of the mortgage company;

(17) Has failed to exercise reasonable supervision and control over the activities of a mortgage loan originator as required by NRS 645B.460;

(18) Has instructed a mortgage loan originator to commit an act that would be cause for the revocation of the license of the mortgage company, whether or not the mortgage loan originator commits the act;

(19) Has employed a person as a mortgage loan originator or authorized a person to be associated with the mortgage company as a mortgage loan originator at a time when the mortgage company knew or, in light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances, reasonably should have known that the person:

(I) Had been convicted of, or entered or agreed to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of application, or at any time if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of trust, moral turpitude or money laundering; or

(II) Had a license or registration as a mortgage agent, mortgage banker, mortgage broker, mortgage company, mortgage loan originator or residential mortgage loan originator revoked in this State or any other jurisdiction or had a financial services license or registration revoked within the immediately preceding 10 years;

(20) Has violated NRS 645C.557;

(21) Has failed to pay a tax as required pursuant to the provisions of chapter 363A or 363C of NRS; or

(22) Has, directly or indirectly, paid any commission, fees, points or any other compensation as remuneration for the services of a mortgage loan originator to a person other than a mortgage loan originator who:

(I) Is an employee of or associated with the mortgage company; or

(II) If the mortgage loan originator is required to register with the Registry, is an employee of and whose sponsorship has been entered with the Registry by the mortgage company as required by subsection 2 of NRS 645B.450.

(c) For each violation committed by a mortgage loan originator, the Commissioner may impose upon the mortgage loan originator an administrative fine of not more than $25,000, may suspend, revoke or place conditions upon the mortgage loan originator’s license, or may do both, if the mortgage loan originator, whether or not acting as such:

(1) Is grossly negligent or incompetent in performing any act for which the mortgage loan originator is required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

(2) Has made a material misrepresentation in connection with any transaction governed by this chapter;

(3) Has suppressed or withheld from a client any material facts, data or other information relating to any transaction governed by the provisions of this chapter which the mortgage loan originator knew or, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known;

(4) Has knowingly made or caused to be made to the Commissioner any false representation of material fact or has suppressed or withheld from the Commissioner any information which the mortgage loan originator possesses and which, if submitted by the mortgage loan originator, would have rendered the mortgage loan originator ineligible to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

(5) Has been convicted of, or entered or agreed to enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court within the 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application, or at any time if such felony involved an act of fraud, dishonesty or a breach of trust, moral turpitude or money laundering;

(6) Has failed to account for or to remit any money of a client within a reasonable time after a request for an accounting or remittal;

(7) Has commingled the money or other property of a client with his or her own or has converted the money or property of others to his or her own use;

(8) Has engaged in any other conduct constituting a deceitful, fraudulent or dishonest business practice;

(9) Has violated NRS 645C.557;

(10) Has repeatedly violated the policies and procedures of the mortgage company with whom the mortgage loan originator is associated or by whom he or she is employed;

(11) Has, directly or indirectly, received any commission, fees, points or any other compensation as remuneration for his or her services as a mortgage loan originator:

(I) From a person other than the mortgage company with whom the mortgage loan originator is associated or by whom he or she is employed; or

(II) If the mortgage loan originator is required to be registered with the Registry, from a person other than the mortgage company by whom the mortgage loan originator is employed and on whose behalf sponsorship was entered as required by subsection 2 of NRS 645B.450; or

(12) Has violated any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner or has assisted or offered to assist another person to commit such a violation.

2. This section does not prohibit the co-brokering of a commercial loan through the cooperation of two or more mortgage companies so long as such a transaction is not inconsistent with any other provision of this chapter.

3. An order that imposes discipline and the findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting that order are public records.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1539; A 1977, 93; 1981, 1790; 1983, 1380, 1704; 1985, 2188; 1987, 1880; 1993, 498; 1999, 3787; 2001, 2474; 2003, 2724, 3555; 2003, 20th Special Session, 221, 258; 2009, 1510, 2684; 2011, 3621; 2013, 117; 2015, 2939; 2017, 3075)

1. If the Commissioner receives a copy of a court order issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a license as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator, the Commissioner shall deem the license issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date on which the court order was issued unless the Commissioner receives a letter issued to the holder of the license by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the license has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

2. The Commissioner shall reinstate a license as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if the Commissioner receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose license was suspended stating that the person whose license was suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 2171; A 1999, 3789; 2003, 3556; 2005, 2807, 2810, 2817; 2017, 3078)

NRS 645B.690 Duty of Commissioner to take disciplinary action for certain violations.

1. If a person offers or provides any of the services of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator or otherwise engages in, carries on or holds himself or herself out as engaging in or carrying on the business of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator and, at the time:

(a) The person was required to have a license pursuant to this chapter and the person did not have such a license;

(b) The person was required to be registered with the Registry and the person was not so registered; or

Ê the Commissioner may impose upon the person an administrative fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation and, if the person has a license, the Commissioner may suspend or revoke it.

2. If a mortgage company violates any provision of subsection 1 of NRS 645B.080 and the mortgage company fails, without reasonable cause, to remedy the violation within 20 business days after being ordered by the Commissioner to do so or within such later time as prescribed by the Commissioner, or if the Commissioner orders a mortgage company to provide information, make a report or permit an examination of his or her books or affairs pursuant to this chapter and the mortgage company fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the order within 20 business days or within such later time as prescribed by the Commissioner, the Commissioner may:

(a) Impose upon the mortgage company an administrative fine of not more than $25,000 for each violation;

(b) Suspend or revoke the license of the mortgage company; and

(c) Conduct a hearing to determine whether the mortgage company is conducting business in an unsafe and injurious manner that may result in danger to the public and whether it is necessary for the Commissioner to take possession of the property of the mortgage company pursuant to NRS 645B.630.

3. If a mortgage company:

(a) Makes or offers for sale in this State any investments in promissory notes secured by liens on real property; and

(b) Receives the lowest possible rating on two consecutive periodic standard examinations pursuant to NRS 645B.060,

Ê the Commissioner may suspend or revoke the license of the mortgage company.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3776; A 2003, 3557; 2009, 747, 1451, 1556; 2011, 3624; 2017, 3078, 3597)

NRS 645B.700 Categorization of major and minor violations; regulations.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, for each violation that may be committed by a person pursuant to this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, the Commissioner may adopt regulations:

(a) Categorizing the violation as a major violation or a minor violation; and

(b) Specifying the disciplinary action that will be taken by the Commissioner pursuant to this chapter against a person who commits:

(1) A major violation. The disciplinary action taken by the Commissioner for a major violation may include, without limitation, suspension or revocation of the person’s license.

(2) More than two minor violations. The Commissioner may establish graduated sanctions for a person who commits more than two minor violations based upon the number, the frequency and the severity of the minor violations and whether the person previously has committed any major violations.

2. The provisions of this section do not apply to a violation for which the Commissioner is required to take disciplinary action in accordance with NRS 645B.690.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3777; A 2001, 2476)

NRS 645B.710 Act or omission of partner, officer or director deemed act or omission of partnership, corporation or unincorporated association. If a person is a partnership, corporation or unincorporated association, the Commissioner may take any disciplinary action required pursuant to NRS 645B.690 and may take any other disciplinary action set forth in this chapter against the person if any member of the partnership or any officer or director of the corporation or unincorporated association has committed any act or omission that would be cause for taking such disciplinary action against a natural person.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3777; A 2017, 3079)

NRS 645B.720 Authority of Commissioner to order summary suspension of license and take other action to protect public before conducting hearing. Before conducting a hearing, the Commissioner may, to the fullest extent permitted by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this State:

1. Order a summary suspension of a license pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 233B.127; and

2. Take any other action against a licensee or other person that is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3777)

NRS 645B.740 Investigations, actions, disciplinary proceedings, fines and penalties not affected by expiration, revocation or voluntary surrender of license. The expiration or revocation of a license of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator by operation of law or by order or decision of the Commissioner or a court of competent jurisdiction, or the voluntary surrender of a license, does not:

1. Prohibit the Commissioner from initiating or continuing an investigation of, or action or disciplinary proceeding against, the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator as authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or

2. Prevent the imposition or collection of any fine or penalty authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto against the mortgage company or mortgage loan originator.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 1553; A 2017, 3079)

NRS 645B.750 Duty of Commissioner to provide written notice of disciplinary action or denial of license; right to administrative hearing; entry of final order; appeals.

1. If the Commissioner enters an order taking any disciplinary action against a person or denying a person’s application for a license, the Commissioner shall cause a written notice of the order to be served personally or sent by certified mail or telegram to the person.

2. Unless a hearing has already been conducted concerning the matter, the person, upon application, is entitled to a hearing. If the person does not make such an application within 20 days after the date of the initial order, the Commissioner shall enter a final order concerning the matter.

3. A person may appeal a final order of the Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 233B of NRS that apply to a contested case.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1539; A 1983, 1705; 1987, 1881; 1999, 3789; 2003, 984)

NRS 645B.760 Effect of failure to appear at hearing; penalty. If a person is alleged to have engaged in any conduct or committed any violation that is described in NRS 645B.620, 645B.630 or 645B.670 or is alleged to have committed a violation of any other provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner, and the person fails to appear, without reasonable cause, at a hearing before the Commissioner concerning the alleged conduct or violation:

1. The Commissioner shall notify the Attorney General that the person failed to appear;

2. The person is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in NRS 645B.950; and

3. The Commissioner may conduct the hearing in the person’s absence, draw any conclusions that the Commissioner deems appropriate from the person’s failure to appear and render a decision concerning the alleged conduct or violation.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3777)

PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT

NRS 645B.800 Attorney General has primary criminal jurisdiction; duty to provide Attorney General with information to assist prosecution; penalty.

1. The Attorney General has primary jurisdiction for the enforcement of this chapter. The Attorney General shall, if appropriate, investigate and prosecute a person who violates:

(a) Any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner, including, without limitation, a violation of any provision of NRS 645B.620 or 645B.670; or

(b) Any other law or regulation if the violation is committed by the person in the course of committing a violation described in paragraph (a).

2. The Attorney General shall, if appropriate, investigate and prosecute a person who is alleged to have committed a violation described in subsection 1 whether or not:

(a) The Commissioner notifies the Attorney General of the alleged violation;

(b) The Commissioner takes any disciplinary action against the person alleged to have committed the violation;

(d) A civil action is commenced against the person alleged to have committed the violation.

3. When acting pursuant to this section, the Attorney General may commence an investigation and file a criminal action without leave of court, and the Attorney General has exclusive charge of the conduct of the prosecution.

4. Except as otherwise provided by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of this State or a specific statute, a person shall, if requested, provide the Attorney General with information that would assist in the prosecution of any other person who is alleged to have committed a violation described in subsection 1. If a person fails, without reasonable cause, to provide the Attorney General with such information upon request, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in NRS 645B.950.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3778)

NRS 645B.810 Attorney General may bring civil action; recovery of costs in civil action.

1. The Attorney General may bring any appropriate civil action against a person to enforce any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner, including, without limitation, an order of the Commissioner:

(a) Imposing an administrative fine; or

(b) Suspending, revoking or placing conditions upon a license.

2. If the Attorney General prevails in any civil action brought pursuant to this chapter, the court shall order the person against whom the civil action was brought to pay:

(a) Court costs; and

(b) Reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the civil action.

3. Whether or not the Attorney General brings a civil action against a person pursuant to this chapter, the Attorney General may prosecute the person for a criminal violation pursuant to this chapter.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 3778)

NRS 645B.820 Exercise of jurisdiction over party to civil action; service of summons to confer jurisdiction.

1. A court of this State may exercise jurisdiction over a party to a civil action arising under the provisions of this chapter on any basis not inconsistent with the Constitution of the State of Nevada or the Constitution of the United States.

2. Personal service of summons upon a party outside this State is sufficient to confer upon a court of this State jurisdiction over the party so served if the service is made by delivering a copy of the summons, together with a copy of the complaint, to the party served in the manner provided by statute or rule of court for service upon a person of like kind within this State.

3. In all cases of such service, the defendant has 40 days, exclusive of the day of service, within which to answer or plead.

4. This section provides an additional manner of serving process and does not invalidate any other service.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 746)

NRS 645B.900 Unlawful to conduct business of mortgage company or mortgage loan originator without being licensed or exempt from licensing. It is unlawful for any person to offer or provide any of the services of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator or otherwise to engage in, carry on or hold himself or herself out as engaging in or carrying on the business of a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator without first obtaining the applicable license issued pursuant to this chapter, unless the person:

1. Is exempt from the provisions of this chapter; and

2. Complies with the requirements for that exemption.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1536; A 1981, 1792; 1999, 3801; 2003, 3558; 2017, 3080)

NRS 645B.910 Unlawful for foreign corporation, association or business trust to conduct business of mortgage company without meeting certain requirements. It is unlawful for any foreign corporation, association or business trust to conduct any business as a mortgage company within this State, unless it:

1. Qualifies under chapter 80 of NRS; and

2. Complies with the provisions of this chapter or, if it claims an exemption from the provisions of this chapter, complies with the requirements for that exemption.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1542; A 1999, 3801; 2017, 3080)

NRS 645B.920 Contracts for mortgage transaction voidable for certain violations. If a person, or any general partner, director, officer, agent or employee of a person violates the provisions of NRS 645B.900 or 645B.910, any contracts entered into by that person for the mortgage transaction are voidable by the other party to the contract.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 746)

NRS 645B.930 Civil action authorized for certain violations. In addition to any other remedy or penalty, if a person, or any general partner, director, officer, agent or employee of a person, violates the provisions of NRS 645B.900 or 645B.910, the client may bring a civil action against the person for:

1. Actual and consequential damages;

2. Punitive damages, which are subject to the provisions of NRS 42.005;

3. Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs; and

4. Any other legal or equitable relief that the court deems appropriate.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 746; A 2017, 3080)

NRS 645B.950 Penalties for general violations.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 645B.960, a person, or any general partner, director, officer, agent or employee of a person, who violates any provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter or an order of the Commissioner is guilty of a misdemeanor.

2. In addition to any other penalty, if a person is convicted of or enters a plea of nolo contendere to a violation described in subsection 1, the court shall order the person to pay:

(a) Court costs; and

(b) Reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the violation.

(Added to NRS by 1973, 1543; A 1981, 1792; 1999, 3802)

NRS 645B.955 Commissioner may require licensee to pay restitution.

1. A person who engages in an activity for which a license as a mortgage company or mortgage loan originator is required pursuant to this chapter, without regard to whether such a person is licensed pursuant to this chapter, may be required by the Commissioner to pay restitution to any person who has suffered an economic loss as a result of a violation of the provisions of this chapter or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

2. Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (d) of subsection 1 of NRS 622A.120, payment of restitution pursuant to subsection 1 shall be done in a manner consistent with the provisions of chapter 622A of NRS.

(Added to NRS by 2009, 746; A 2011, 3624; 2017, 2850, 3080)

NRS 645B.960 Penalties for violations relating to escrow or trust accounts.

1. A person, or any general partner, director, officer, agent or employee of a person, who violates any provision of NRS 645B.165 to 645B.180, inclusive, is guilty of:

(a) A misdemeanor if the amount involved is less than $650;

(b) A gross misdemeanor if the amount involved is $650 or more but less than $1,000; or

2. In addition to any other penalty, if a person is convicted of or enters a plea of nolo contendere to a violation described in subsection 1, the court shall order the person to pay:

(a) Court costs; and

(b) Reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the violation.

(Added to NRS by 1981, 1785; A 1985, 2191; 1989, 1442; 1995, 1313; 1999, 3801; 2011, 179)