acceleration clause

Acceleration clause

A contract stating that the unpaid balance becomes due and payable if specific actions transpire, such as failure to make interests payments on time.

Acceleration Clause

A clause in a contract, especially a loan or bond, allowing a creditor to call the debt if certain, stated events occur. For example, if a borrower defaults on two or more payments, an acceleration clause may allow a lender to force the borrower to repay the entire amount of the loan immediately. Failure to repay could absolve the lender of all obligations in the contract, including the requirement to refund any money the borrower had previously paid, and render it effectively null and void.

acceleration clause

A provision in a bond indenture that in the event of default allows the trustee or the holders of 25% of the principal amount of the outstanding issue to declare all of the principal and interest immediately. Calling for an acceleration is likely to cause the borrower to cure the default or seek bankruptcy protection.

acceleration clause

The clause in a promissory note or lease that allows immediate demand,upon default,for all sums due over the entire term.

Acceleration Clause

A contractual provision that gives the lender the right to demand repayment of the entire loan balance in the event that the borrower violates one or more clauses in the note.

Such clauses may include sale of the property, failure to make timely payments, or provision of false information.

I have never seen a note that did not have such a clause. Borrowers need not concern themselves with it except where the lender has discretion to exercise it without conditions. This would be referred to as a “demand feature,” and it would be flagged on the Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement. If that statement shows “This loan has a Demand Feature…,” the note should be read with care. See Demand Clause.