In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Financial Regulation in the Maryland Department of Labor. “Foreclosure consultant” means a person who: Solicits or contacts a homeowner in writing, in person, or through any electronic or telecommunications medium and directly or indirectly makes a representation or offer to perform any service that the person represents will: Stop, enjoin, delay, void, set aside, annul, stay, or postpone a foreclosure sale; Obtain forbearance from any servicer, beneficiary or mortgagee; Assist the homeowner to exercise a right of reinstatement provided in the loan documents or to refinance a loan that is in foreclosure and for which notice of foreclosure proceedings has been published; Obtain an extension of the period within which the homeowner may reinstate the homeowner’s obligation or extend the deadline to object to a ratification; Obtain a waiver of an acceleration clause contained in any promissory note or contract secured by a mortgage on a residence in default or contained in the mortgage; Assist the homeowner to obtain a loan or advance of funds; Avoid or ameliorate the impairment of the homeowner’s credit resulting from the filing of an order to docket or a petition to foreclose or the conduct of a foreclosure sale; Save the homeowner’s residence from foreclosure; Purchase or obtain an option to purchase the homeowner’s residence within 20 days of an advertised or docketed foreclosure sale; or Arrange for the homeowner to become a lessee or renter entitled to continue to reside in the homeowner’s residence after a sale or transfer; or Systematically contacts owners of residences in default to offer foreclosure consulting services. “Foreclosure consulting contract” means a written, oral, or equitable agreement between a foreclosure consultant and a homeowner for the provision of any foreclosure consulting service. “Foreclosure consulting service” includes: Receiving money for the purpose of distributing it to creditors in payment or partial payment of any obligation secured by a lien on a residence in default; Contacting creditors on behalf of a homeowner; Arranging or attempting to arrange for an extension of the period within which a homeowner may cure the homeowner’s default and reinstate the homeowner’s obligation; Arranging or attempting to arrange for any delay or postponement of the sale of a residence in default; Arranging or facilitating the purchase of a homeowner’s equity of redemption or legal or equitable title; Arranging or facilitating the sale of a homeowner’s residence or the transfer of legal title, in any form, to another party as an alternative to foreclosure; or Arranging for or facilitating a homeowner remaining in the homeowner’s residence after a sale or transfer as a tenant, renter, or lessee under terms provided in a written lease. “Foreclosure rescue transaction” means a transaction: In which a residence in default is conveyed by a homeowner who retains a legal or equitable interest in all or part of the property, including an interest under a lease–purchase agreement, an option to reacquire the property, or any other legal or equitable interest in the property conveyed; and That is designed or intended by the parties to prevent or delay actual or anticipated foreclosure proceedings against the residence in default. “Foreclosure surplus acquisition” means a transaction involving the transfer, sale, or assignment of the surplus remaining and due the homeowner based on the audit account during a foreclosure proceeding. “Foreclosure surplus purchaser” means a person who acts as the acquirer by assignment, purchase, grant, or conveyance of the surplus resulting from a foreclosure sale. “Foreclosure surplus purchaser” includes a person who acts in joint venture or joint enterprise with one or more acquirers. “Homeowner” means the record owner of a residence in default or a residence in foreclosure, or an individual occupying the residence under a use and possession order issued under Title 8, Subtitle 2 of the Family Law Article. “Residence in default” means residential real property located in the State consisting of not more than four single family dwelling units, one of which is occupied by the owner, or the owner’s spouse or former spouse under a use and possession order issued under Title 8, Subtitle 2 of the Family Law Article, as the individual’s principal place of residence, and on which the mortgage is at least 60 days in default. “Residence in foreclosure” means residential real property located in the State consisting of not more than four single family dwelling units, one of which is occupied by the owner, or the owner’s spouse or former spouse under a use and possession order issued under Title 8, Subtitle 2 of the Family Law Article, as the individual’s principal place of residence, and against which an order to docket or a petition to foreclose has been filed. “Settlement” means an in–person, face–to–face meeting with the homeowner to complete final documents incident to the sale or transfer of real property or the creation of a mortgage or equitable interest in real property, conducted by a settlement agent, during which the homeowner must be presented with a completed copy of the HUD–1 Settlement Form.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle does not apply to: An individual admitted to practice law in the State, while performing any activity related to the individual’s regular practice of law in the State; A person who holds or services a mortgage loan secured by a residence in default while the person performs servicing, collection, and loss mitigation activities in regard to that mortgage loan, provided the mortgage loan did not arise as a result of a foreclosure consulting contract; A person doing business under any law of this State or the United States regulating banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations, credit unions, or insurance companies, while the person performs services as a part of the person’s normal business activities; and Any subsidiary, affiliate, or agent of a person described in item (i) of this item, while the subsidiary, affiliate, or agent performs services as a part of the subsidiary’s, affiliate’s, or agent’s normal business activities; A judgment creditor of the homeowner, if the judgment creditor’s claim accrued before the written notice of foreclosure sale required under § 7–105.4 of this title is sent; A person licensed as a mortgage lender under Title 11, Subtitle 5 of the Financial Institutions Article while: Acting under the authority of that license in regard to a residence in default; and Arranging for a refinancing of a mortgage loan for the residence in default; A person licensed as a real estate broker, associate real estate broker, or real estate salesperson under Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article only: While the person: Engages in any activity for which the person is licensed under Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and Does not violate any provision of § 7–307 of this subtitle or Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and If the residence in default for which the person is conducting a licensed activity: Is listed in the local multiple listing service; and Is sold or transferred through a settlement, including the conveyance or transfer of deed, title, or establishment of equitable interest; A nonprofit organization that solely offers counseling or advice to homeowners in foreclosure or loan default, if the organization is not directly or indirectly related to and does not contract for services with for–profit lenders; or A certified community development financial institution that purchases owner–occupied residential property for the purpose of transferring the property to the immediately preceding mortgagor or grantor under the circumstances specified in § 7–105.1 of this title. This subtitle does apply to an individual who: Is functioning in a position listed under subsection (a)(1) through (7) of this section; and Is engaging in activities or providing services designed or intended to transfer title to a residence in default directly or indirectly to that individual, a relative of that individual, or an agent or affiliate of that individual.

In addition to any other right under law to cancel or rescind a contract, a homeowner has the right to rescind a foreclosure consulting contract at any time. Rescission occurs when the homeowner gives written notice of rescission to the foreclosure consultant at the address specified in the contract or through any facsimile or electronic mail address identified in the contract or other materials provided to the homeowner by the foreclosure consultant. Notice of rescission, if given by mail, is effective when deposited in the United States mail, properly addressed, with postage prepaid. Notice of rescission need not be in the form provided with the contract and is effective, however expressed, if it indicates the intention of the homeowner to rescind the foreclosure consulting contract. After the rescission of a foreclosure consulting contract, the homeowner shall repay, within 60 days from the date of rescission, any funds paid or advanced by the foreclosure consultant or anyone working with the foreclosure consultant under the terms of the foreclosure consulting contract, together with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. The right to rescind may not be conditioned on the repayment of any funds.

A foreclosure consulting contract shall: Be provided to the homeowner for review before signing; Be printed in at least 12 point type and written in the same language that is used by the homeowner and was used in discussions with the foreclosure consultant to describe the consultant’s services or to negotiate the contract; Fully disclose the exact nature of the foreclosure consulting services to be provided, including any sale or tenancy that may be involved, and the total amount and terms of any compensation from any source to be received by the foreclosure consultant or anyone working in association with the consultant; State the duty of the foreclosure consultant to provide the homeowner with written copies of any research the foreclosure consultant has regarding the value of the homeowner’s residence in default, including any information on sales of comparable properties or any appraisals; Be dated and personally signed by the homeowner and the foreclosure consultant and be witnessed and acknowledged by a notary public appointed and commissioned by the State; and Contain the following notice, which shall be printed in at least 14 point boldface type, completed with the name of the foreclosure consultant, and located in immediate proximity to the space reserved for the homeowner’s signature: “NOTICE REQUIRED BY MARYLAND LAW ...... (Name) or anyone working for him or her CANNOT ask you to sign or have you sign any lien, mortgage, or deed as part of signing this agreement unless the terms of the transfer are specified in this document and you are given a separate explanation of the precise nature of the transaction. The separate explanation must include: how much money you must pay; how much money you will receive, if any; and how much money the foreclosure consultant will receive from any source. ...... (Name) or anyone working for him or her CANNOT guarantee you that they will be able to refinance your home or arrange for you to keep your home. Continue making mortgage payments until a refinancing, if applicable, is approved. You have the right to rescind this foreclosure consulting contract at any time by informing the foreclosure consultant that you want to rescind the contract. See the attached Notice of Rescission form for an explanation of this right. After any rescission, you must repay, within 60 days, any money spent on your behalf as a result of this agreement, along with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. If a contract to sell or transfer the deed or title to your property is involved in any way, you may rescind that contract at any time within 5 days after the date you sign that contract and you are informed of this right. After any rescission, you must repay, within 60 days, any money spent on your behalf as a result of this agreement, along with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL CONTRACT AND COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HOME. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING.”. The contract shall contain on the first page, in at least 12 point type size: The name and address of the foreclosure consultant to which the notice of rescission is to be mailed; and The date the homeowner signed the contract. The contract shall be accompanied by a completed form in duplicate, captioned “NOTICE OF RESCISSION”. The Notice of Rescission shall: Be on a separate sheet of paper attached to the contract; Be easily detachable; and Contain the following statement printed in at least 15 point type: “NOTICE OF RESCISSION (Date of Contract) You may rescind this foreclosure consulting contract, without any penalty, at any time. If you want to rescind this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this Notice of Rescission, or any other written notice indicating your intent to rescind to (name of foreclosure consultant) at (address of foreclosure consultant, including facsimile and electronic mail). After any rescission, you (the homeowner) must repay any money spent on your behalf as a result of this agreement, within 60 days, along with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. This is an important legal contract and could result in the loss of your home. Contact an attorney before signing. NOTICE OF RESCISSION TO: (name of foreclosure consultant) (address of foreclosure consultant, including facsimile and electronic mail) I hereby rescind this contract. ...... (Date) ........ (Homeowner’s signature)”. The foreclosure consultant shall provide the homeowner with a signed and dated copy of the foreclosure consulting contract and the attached Notice of Rescission immediately upon execution of the contract. The time during which the homeowner may rescind the foreclosure consulting contract does not begin to run until the foreclosure consultant has complied with this section. Any provision in a foreclosure consulting contract that attempts or purports to waive any of the rights specified in this title, consent to jurisdiction for litigation or choice of law in a state other than Maryland, consent to venue in a county other than the county in which the property is located, or impose any costs or filing fees greater than the fees required to file an action in a circuit court, is void.

A foreclosure consultant may not: Engage in, arrange, offer, promote, promise, solicit, participate in, assist with, or carry out a foreclosure rescue transaction; Claim, demand, charge, collect, or receive any compensation until after the foreclosure consultant has fully performed each and every service the foreclosure consultant contracted to perform or represented that the foreclosure consultant would perform; Claim, demand, charge, collect, or receive any interest or any other compensation for any loan that the foreclosure consultant makes to the homeowner that exceeds 8% a year; Take any wage assignment, any lien of any type on real or personal property, or other security to secure the payment of compensation; Receive any consideration from any third party in connection with foreclosure consulting services provided to a homeowner unless the consideration: Is first fully disclosed in writing to the homeowner; Is clearly listed on any settlement documents; and Is not in violation of any provision of this subtitle; Receive a commission, regardless of how described, for the sale of a residence in default that exceeds 8% of the sales price; Receive any money to be held in escrow or on a contingent basis on behalf of the homeowner; Acquire any interest, directly or indirectly, or by means of a subsidiary, affiliate, or corporation in which the foreclosure consultant or a member of the foreclosure consultant’s immediate family is a primary stockholder, in a residence in default from a homeowner with whom the foreclosure consultant has contracted; Take any power of attorney from a homeowner for any purpose, except to inspect documents as provided by law; or Induce or attempt to induce any homeowner to enter into a foreclosure consulting contract that does not comply in all respects with this subtitle.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “License” has the meaning stated in § 17–101(g) of the Business Occupations and Professions Article. “Provide real estate brokerage services” has the meaning stated in § 17–101(l) of the Business Occupations and Professions Article. A foreclosure consultant who provides real estate brokerage services shall be licensed as required under Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article. A foreclosure consultant shall present a copy of the license to a homeowner no later than the time a foreclosure consulting contract is executed.

A foreclosure consultant has a duty to provide the homeowner with written copies of any research the foreclosure consultant has regarding the value of the homeowner’s residence in default, including any information on sales of comparable properties or any appraisals. A foreclosure consultant owes the same duty of care to a homeowner as a licensed real estate broker owes to a client under § 17–532 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.

In addition to any other right under law to rescind a contract, the homeowner of a residence in default has the right to rescind a contract for the sale or transfer of the residence in default within 5 days after the execution of the contract. Any provision in a contract or other agreement concerning a sale or transfer of a residence in default that attempts or purports to waive the homeowner’s rights under this title, consent to jurisdiction for litigation or choice of law in a state other than Maryland, consent to venue in a county other than the county in which the property is located, or impose any costs or filing fees greater than the fees required to file an action in a circuit court, is void. Except when a primary mortgage lender takes a deed in lieu of foreclosure, a sale or transfer of a residence in default may not be executed using a quitclaim deed. A notice of rescission under this section: Shall be in writing but need not take any particular form specified in this subtitle or any form contained in any agreement with the purchaser or transferee; and Is effective, however expressed, if it indicates the intention of the homeowner to rescind the contract. The right to rescind may not be conditioned on the repayment of any funds, provided however that any debt existing prior to a rescission shall continue to exist. Within 10 days after receipt of a notice of rescission, the purchaser or transferee shall return, without condition, any original deed, title, contract, and any other document signed by the homeowner. During the 5–day rescission period, a deed or other document affecting title to the homeowner’s residence in default may not be recorded.

This section applies to a contract for the sale or transfer of a residence in default that is included in a foreclosure consulting contract or arranged by a foreclosure consultant. In addition to any other requirement under law, the purchaser of a residence in default shall provide the homeowner with a document entitled “Notice to Homeowner”. The document entitled “Notice to Homeowner” shall: Contain the total sales price of the residence in default and an explanation of the distribution of the proceeds of the sale, including any payments to any parties, including the foreclosure consultant; Be printed in 12 point type and written in the same language that is used by the homeowner and was used in discussions to describe the foreclosure consultant’s or purchaser’s services or to negotiate the transfer or sale of the property; Be dated and personally signed by the homeowner and the purchaser and witnessed and acknowledged by a notary public appointed and commissioned by the State; Describe in detail the terms of any sale or transfer including: The name, business address, telephone number, and facsimile number of the person to whom the deed or title will be sold or transferred; The address of the residence in default; The total consideration to be given or received, directly or indirectly, by the homeowner, purchaser, and the foreclosure consultant; The time at which title is to be sold or transferred to the purchaser; and Any financial or legal obligations to which the homeowner may remain subject; and Contain the following statement printed in at least 14 point boldface type and located in immediate proximity to the space reserved for the homeowner’s signature: “If you change your mind about selling or transferring ownership of your property, you, the homeowner, may rescind the contract for the sale or transfer of the deed or title to your property any time within the next 5 days. See the attached Notice of Right to Rescind Contract for the Sale or Transfer of Deed or Title. After any rescission, you must repay, within 60 days, any money spent on your behalf as a result of this agreement, along with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL CONTRACT AND COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HOME. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING.” The purchaser shall provide the homeowner with a document entitled “NOTICE OF RIGHT TO RESCIND CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF DEED OR TITLE”. The document entitled “NOTICE OF RIGHT TO RESCIND CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF DEED OR TITLE” shall: Be a separate document and not printed on the back of any other document; and Contain the following statement printed in at least 14 point type: “NOTICE OF RIGHT TO RESCIND CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OR TRANSFER OF DEED OR TITLE (Date) You may rescind the contract for the sale or transfer of ownership of your property within 5 business days after the date you sign this document and are notified of this right. To rescind this contract, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this Notice, or any other written notice expressing a similar intent to (name of purchaser) at (address of purchaser, including facsimile and electronic mail). After any rescission, you (the homeowner) must repay any money spent on your behalf as a result of this agreement, within 60 days, along with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LEGAL CONTRACT AND COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HOME. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING. NOTICE OF RESCISSION TO: (name of purchaser) (address of purchaser, including facsimile and electronic mail) I hereby rescind the contract for the sale or transfer of deed or title to my property. Please return all executed documents to me. ....... (Date) .......... (Homeowner’s signature)”. The purchaser shall provide the homeowner with a copy of the Notice of Right to Rescind Contract for the Sale or Transfer of Deed or Title immediately on execution of any document that includes an agreement to sell or transfer. The time during which the homeowner may rescind the contract for the sale or transfer does not begin to run until the purchaser has complied with this part.

A purchaser of a residence in default may not: Represent, directly or indirectly, that: The purchaser is acting as an advisor or a consultant, or in any other manner represent that the purchaser is acting on behalf of the homeowner; The purchaser has certification or licensure that the purchaser does not have; The purchaser is assisting the homeowner to “save the house” or use a substantially similar phrase; or The purchaser is assisting the homeowner in preventing a foreclosure if the result of the transaction is that the homeowner will no longer own the property; Make any other statements, directly or by implication, or engage in any other conduct that is false, deceptive, or misleading, or that has the likelihood to cause confusion or misunderstanding, including statements regarding the value of the residence in default, the amount of proceeds the homeowner will receive after a sale or transfer, any contract term, or the homeowner’s rights or obligations incident to or arising out of the sale or transfer; or Until the homeowner’s right to rescind the transaction has expired: Record any document, including an instrument of conveyance, signed by the homeowner; or Transfer or encumber or purport to transfer or encumber any interest in the residence in default to any third party.

If a tenancy agreement is included in a contract for the sale or transfer of a residence in default, the purchaser shall provide the homeowner with a document entitled “STATEMENT ABOUT TENANCY” at the time the contract is executed. The document entitled “STATEMENT ABOUT TENANCY” shall: Be on a separate sheet of paper attached to the contract for the sale or transfer of a residence in default; Be dated and personally signed by the homeowner and the purchaser and be witnessed and acknowledged by a notary public appointed and commissioned by the State; Contain a statement informing the homeowner of the homeowner’s right to a copy of a signed lease; and Contain the following statement printed in at least 15 point type: “STATEMENT ABOUT TENANCY (Date of Contract) I agree to sell my home. I understand that I will no longer have an ownership interest in or any other right to own this property. Even though I may be able to live on the premises as a tenant, I will have no right to repurchase this property or to obtain any other kind of ownership interest. If I do not pay the rent as agreed, I may be subject to eviction. As a tenant, I am entitled to receive a written lease from the new owner of the property.”. The purchaser shall provide the homeowner with a signed and dated copy of the document entitled “STATEMENT ABOUT TENANCY” immediately upon execution of the contract for the sale or transfer of the residence in default. The time during which the homeowner may rescind the contract for the sale or transfer of a residence in default under § 7–310 of this subtitle does not begin to run until the purchaser has complied with this section.

Each foreclosure surplus acquisition shall be in the form of a written contract. Each foreclosure surplus acquisition contract shall: Contain the entire agreement of the parties; Be printed in at least 12 point type, in the same language that is used by the homeowner and was used by the foreclosure surplus purchaser and the homeowner to negotiate the sale of the residence in foreclosure; Be fully completed, dated, and personally signed by the homeowner and the foreclosure surplus purchaser before the statement of account has been referred to the auditor; and Include: The name, business address, and telephone number of the foreclosure surplus purchaser; The address of the residence in foreclosure; The total consideration to be given by the foreclosure surplus purchaser in connection with or incident to the transaction; A complete description of the terms of payment or other consideration, including any services of any nature that the foreclosure surplus purchaser represents the foreclosure surplus purchaser will perform for the homeowner before or after the sale; and The following notice, which shall be printed in at least 14 point boldface type, completed with the name of the foreclosure surplus purchaser, and located in immediate proximity to the space reserved for the homeowner’s signature: “NOTICE REQUIRED BY MARYLAND LAW If you have any questions about this document, seek legal counsel before signing. This is an important legal contract. Failure to read and understand these documents may cause you to lose valuable rights. The effect of these documents is that you may lose the equity in your home. This agreement will not stop the foreclosure or get your house back. If you believe the foreclosure sale was improper, you should immediately seek legal advice to determine what objections to ratification or to rescind the order of ratification may be filed. You may rescind this contract for the sale of your house without any penalty or obligation at any time within 10 days after the auditor states the account of the foreclosure sale. See the attached Notice of Rescission form for an explanation of this right. After the rescission, you must repay from the surplus proceeds any consideration received, directly or indirectly, together with an amount for interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year.” The contract shall be accompanied by a completed form in duplicate, captioned “Notice of Rescission”. The Notice of Rescission shall: Be on a separate sheet of paper attached to the contract; Be easily detachable; and Contain the following statement printed in at least 15 point type: “NOTICE OF RESCISSION .................................... (Date of contract) You may rescind this contract for the sale of your house at any time within 10 days after the auditor states the account of the foreclosure sale. To rescind this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this Notice of Rescission to ......................................... (Name of purchaser) at ............................................... (Address of purchaser, including facsimile and electronic mail) with a copy to the court appointed auditor. I hereby rescind this transaction. .................... (Date) ............................. (Homeowner’s signature)”. The foreclosure surplus purchaser shall provide the homeowner with a copy of the contract and the attached Notice of Rescission at the time the contract is executed by all parties. The contract required by this section survives delivery of any instrument of conveyance of the residence in foreclosure, is binding in the audit, and has no effect on persons other than the parties to the contract. Any provision in a contract that attempts or purports to waive any of the rights specified in this title, consent to jurisdiction or choice of law in a state other than Maryland, consent to venue in a county other than the county in which the property is located, or impose any costs or filing fees greater than the fees required to file an action in a circuit court, is void.

In addition to any other right of rescission, a homeowner has the right to rescind any contract with a foreclosure surplus purchaser at any time within 10 days after the statement of audit account of the foreclosure sale. Rescission occurs when the homeowner delivers, by any means, written Notice of Rescission to the address specified in the contract, with a copy to the auditor. As part of the rescission, the homeowner shall repay any consideration received directly or indirectly, together with interest calculated at the rate of 8% a year. On receipt of the Notice of Rescission, the auditor shall restate the account. The repayment of consideration and interest by the homeowner shall be incorporated by the auditor into the revised statement of account filed with the court. Upon ratification of the amended audit, the attorney named in the mortgage, mortgage assignee for purposes of foreclosure, trustee, or substitute trustee in making distribution of the surplus funds shall comply with the revised court–approved audit. A Notice of Rescission given by a homeowner need not be in the form provided with the contract and is effective, however expressed, if it indicates the intention of the homeowner to rescind the contract. The right to rescind may not be conditioned on the repayment of any funds. Within 10 days after receipt of a Notice of Rescission given in accordance with this section, the foreclosure surplus purchaser shall return, without condition, the original contract and all other documents signed by the homeowner.

A person may not induce or attempt to induce a homeowner to waive the homeowner’s rights under this subtitle. Any waiver by a homeowner of the provisions of this subtitle is void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy.

It is a violation of this subtitle if a foreclosure consultant: Fails to obtain a real estate broker’s license as required under § 7–308 of this subtitle; or Violates any provision of Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.

The Attorney General may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation. The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to: Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice; Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this subtitle. In any action brought by the Attorney General under this section, the Attorney General is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State. A violation of this subtitle is an unfair or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article and is subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.

The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by exercising any of the powers provided under §§ 2–113 through 2–116 of the Financial Institutions Article. The Commissioner may seek an injunction to prohibit a person who has engaged or is engaging in a violation of this subtitle from engaging or continuing to engage in the violation. The court may enter any order or judgment necessary to: Prevent the use by a person of any prohibited practice; Restore to a person any money or real or personal property acquired from the person by means of any prohibited practice; or Appoint a receiver in case of willful violation of this subtitle. In any action brought by the Commissioner under this subsection, the Commissioner is entitled to recover the costs of the action for the use of the State. The Commissioner may enforce the provisions of this subtitle by requiring a violator to take affirmative action to correct the violation including the restitution of money or property to any person aggrieved by the violation. The Commissioner may: Investigate violations of this subtitle; and Aid any other unit of State government that has regulatory jurisdiction over the business activities of the violator. The Commissioner may cooperate in the investigation and prosecution of any violation of this subtitle with the Office of the Attorney General, the State’s Attorney, or any other unit of law enforcement.

In addition to any action by the Attorney General or the Commissioner authorized under this subtitle and any other action otherwise authorized by law, a homeowner may bring an action for damages incurred as the result of a practice prohibited by this subtitle. A homeowner may bring an action for damages under this section: Without having to exhaust administrative remedies under this subtitle; and Regardless of the status of an administrative action or a criminal prosecution, if any, under this subtitle. A homeowner who brings an action under this section and who is awarded damages may also seek, and the court may award, reasonable attorney’s fees. If the court finds that the defendant willfully or knowingly violated this subtitle, the court may award damages equal to three times the amount of actual damages.

A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both. A person who violates this subtitle is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.

If a criminal prosecution under this subtitle results in a conviction, the Attorney General or the State’s Attorney who has prosecuted the case shall notify the Commissioner in writing of the conviction within 30 days of the conviction. The notice required under subsection (a) of this section shall include: The name and address of the person convicted; and A copy of the judgment in the criminal case.

This subtitle may be cited as the “Protection of Homeowners in Foreclosure Act”.