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A borrower refinances the mortgage on their owner-occupied primary residence with a new lender. Under the Truth in Lending Act, the borrower generally has which right regarding this transaction?

  1. ANo right of rescission because a lien already existed on the property
  2. BA 7-day right to rescind that applies to all mortgage transactions including purchases
  3. CA 3-business-day right to rescind the refinance transaction
  4. DA 10-day right to rescind if the interest rate exceeds 8%
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. A 3-business-day right to rescind the refinance transaction

TILA grants a 3-business-day right of rescission for non-purchase-money loans secured by the borrower's principal residence, such as refinances and home equity loans, but this right does not apply to purchase-money mortgages.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. The rescission right applies specifically because it is a refinance, regardless of the existing lien.
  • B. Purchase-money mortgages are exempt from the TILA right of rescission.
  • D. There is no interest-rate threshold triggering a special rescission period under TILA.

TILA Right of Rescission

TILA gives borrowers a 3-business-day period to cancel certain non-purchase-money loans secured by their primary residence, such as refinances.

  • Applies to refinances and home equity loans on primary residence
  • Does NOT apply to purchase-money mortgages
  • 3-business-day period begins after signing and receiving disclosures

Memory trick: Refinance? Right to rescind in 3 days.

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