What does a mortgage release form from the bank mean?

Full question:

My husband and I have received a mortgage release form from our bank that states that the property (our address) is paid, satisfied, released, and discharged. What does this mean?

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Mortgage Satisfaction
  • Date:
  • State: Kentucky

Answer:

When a mortgage or deed of trust is paid off, the lender must officially acknowledge this by recording a satisfaction of the mortgage. This shows that the mortgage is no longer a lien on the property. Generally, this satisfaction must be documented in writing and filed with the appropriate county office to notify others. If the lender does not record this satisfaction within a specified time, they could face statutory penalties for failing to cancel the lien in a timely manner. In Kentucky, for example, the law requires that a lien holder release the lien in the county clerk's office within thirty days from the date of satisfaction (KRS 376.010).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

When a mortgage is released, it means that the lender has formally acknowledged that the borrower has paid off the mortgage. This is documented through a satisfaction of mortgage, which removes the lender's lien on the property. The release must be recorded with the county office to inform others that the mortgage obligation has been fulfilled.