Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 88 Part 1.djvu/778

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PUBLIC LAW 93-383-AUG. 22, 1974

[88 STAT.

dition, and accomplishments under this section and may include such recommendations as the Institute deems appropriate. URBAN HOMESTEADING 12 USC 1706e.

SEC. 810. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary") is authorized to transfer without payment to a unit of general local government or a State, or a public agency designated by a unit of general local government or a State, any real property— (1) which is improved by a one- to four-family residence; (2) to which the Secretary holds title; (3) which is not occupied; (4) which is requested by such unit. State, or agency for use in an urban homestead program; and (5) which the Secretary determines is suitable for use in an urban homestead program which meets the requirements of subsection (b). I n determining the suitability of such property for use in an urban homestead program, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the difficulties and delays which would be involved in the sale of the property; (B) the value of any repairs and improvements required by the program; (C) the benefits to the community and the reduced administrative costs to the Federal Government which would accrue from the expedited occupancy of the unoccupied property; and (D) the possible financial loss to the Federal Government which may result from the transfer of the property without payment. (b) For the purposes of subsections (a) and (c), the Secretary shall approve an urban homestead program carried out by a unit of general local government or a State or a public agency designated by a unit of general local government or a State, which provides for— (1) the conditional conveyance of unoccupied residential property by the responsible administrative entity to an individual or a family without any substantial consideration; (2) an equitable procedure for selecting the recipients of the unoccupied residential property, giving special consideration to the recipients' need for housing and capacity to make or cause to be made the repairs and improvements required under paragraph (3)(C) of this subsection; (3) an agreement whereby the individual or family to whom such property is conveyed agrees to— (A) occupy such property as a principal residence for a period of not less than three years; (B) make repairs required to meet minimum health and safety standards for occupancy prior to occupying the property;' (C) make such repairs and improvements to the property as may be necessary to meet applicable local standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing within eighteen months after occupying the property; and (D) permit reasonable periodic inspections at reasonable times by employees of the unit of general local government or State or the public agency designated by the unit of general local government or State for the purpose of determining compliance with the agreement; (4) the revocation of such conveyance upon any material breach of the agreement referred to in paragraph (3);

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