Section 8 of RESPA prohibits giving or accepting anything of value in exchange for referrals of settlement service business related to federally related mortgage loans. Renting office space at lower rates (or free) in exchange for referrals is specifically called out in RESPA guidance as an illegal kickback.
“Section 8(a) of RESPA prohibits giving or accepting any fee, kickback, or thing of value… for the referral of settlement service business. Examples of violations include… renting office space at above or below market rates based on the amount of business referred.”
— 12 CFR § 1024.14; CFPB RESPA Section 8 Guidance
Hosting seminars, sponsoring uniforms, or donating to charity are generally permissible if not conditioned on referrals.
[References:, , CFPB, RESPA Section 8, , SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide, , ===========, , ]
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