ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART DEFENDANTS’ MOTIONS TO DISMISS
(Docket Nos. 57, 59-61)
Plaintiffs Stanley D. Cannon and Patricia R. Cannon have filed suit against Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; Assurant, Inc.; and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). In essence, Plaintiffs challenge certain practices related to Wells Fargo’s forced purchase of flood insurance for borrowers whose loans are owned by Fannie Mae and serviced by Wells Fargo. The insurance is purchased from Assurant’s subsidiaries, American Security Insurance Company and Standard Guaranty Insurance Company (collectively, “ASIC”). Currently pending before the Court are various 12(b)(6) motions filed by each of the defendants.
I. FACTUAL & PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
The instant case concerns what Plaintiffs call “force-placed flood insurance” and what Defendants call “lender-placed flood insurance.” Flood insurance is a kind of property insurance. A person who borrows money to finance the purchase of residential property may be required by the lender to obtain acceptable flood insurance on the real property securing the loan. When a borrower does not maintain the insurance, then the lender steps in to purchase the insurance for the borrower. The lender typically has the right to do this under the mortgage contract. In the instant case, Plaintiffs challenge certain force-placed flood insurance practices engaged in by Wells Fargo, acting as a servicer on behalf of the loan owner Fannie Mae.
Plaintiffs allege as follows in their first amended complaint (“FAC”).
Plaintiffs are residents of Florida. See FAC ¶ 15. In September 2005, Plaintiffs obtained a mortgage in the amount of $128,000 from Amerisave Mortgage Corporation. See FAC ¶27. Their mortgage was subsequently purchased by Fannie Mae. See FAC ¶¶ 25, 27. Fannie Mae is a federally chartered company. See FAC ¶ 18. It “buys and owns mortgages originated by other lenders.” FAC ¶ 25. “To service its vast portfolio of loans, Fannie Mae hires servicing agents to service its loans pursuant to the contract terms contained with the loans.” FAC ¶ 25. For Plaintiffs’ loan, Fannie Mae hired Wells Fargo as the servicing agent. See FAC ¶ 26.
Plaintiffs’ mortgage was a Fannie Mae form mortgage. See FAC ¶ 29. One of
5. Property Insurance. Borrower shall keep the improvements now existing or hereafter erected on the Property insured against loss by fire ... and any other hazards, including, but not limited to, earthquakes and floods, for which Lender requires insurance. The insurance shall be maintained in the amounts ... and for the periods that Lender requires. What Lender requires pursuant to the preceding sentences can change during the term of the Loan....
If Borrower fails to maintain any of the coverages described above, Lender may obtain insurance coverage, at Lender’s option and Borrower’s expense. Lender is under no obligation to purchase any particular type or amount of coverage. Therefore, such coverage shall cover Lender, but might or might not protect Borrower, Borrower’s equity in the Property, or the contents of the Property, against any risk, hazard or liability and might provide greater or lesser coverage than was previously in effect. Borrower acknowledges that the cost of the insurance coverage so obtained might significantly exceed the cost of insurance that Borrower could have obtained. Any amounts disbursed by Lender under this Section 5 shall become additional debt of Borrower secured by this Security Instrument. These amounts shall bear interest at the Note rate from the date of disbursement and shall be payable, with such interest, upon notice from Lender to Borrower requesting payment.
FAC, Ex. A (Mortgage § 5).
Because Plaintiffs’ home was located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, as defined by federal regulations, they were required to obtain flood insurance. See FAC ¶ 31. At the time they entered into the mortgage, Plaintiffs signed a notice regarding a special flood hazard area (“NSFH”). See FAC ¶ 31. The notice specified that,
The community in which the property securing the loan is located participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Federal law will not allow us to make you the loan that you have applied for if you do not purchase flood insurance. The flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan. If you fail to purchase or renew flood insurance on the property, Federal law authorizes and requires us to purchase the flood insurance for you at your expense.
At a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover the lesser of:
1. the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or
2. the maximum amount of coverage allowed for the type of property under the NFIP.
Docket No. 58 (Wells Fargo’s RJN, Ex. I) (notice); see also FAC ¶ 31; Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 7) (stating no objection to request for judicial notice of the NSFH).
Plaintiffs obtained sufficient flood insurance coverage to close their mortgage in 2005. See FAC ¶ 32. However, in April 2006—two months after Wells Fargo became the servicer for Plaintiffs’ mortgage — Wells Fargo increased the amount of flood insurance that Plaintiffs were required to maintain. See FAC ¶ 34. In May 2006, Wells Fargo notified Plaintiffs that it had force-purchased additional flood insurance on behalf of Plaintiffs because there was deficient coverage. Wells Fargo purchased the insurance from ASIC, ie., one of Assurant’s subsidiaries. See FAC ¶ 38. Subsequently, Plaintiffs purchased additional flood insurance from a different
In Aprii/May 2008, Plaintiffs were again subjected to force-placed flood insurance by Wells Fargo. The insurance policy was once again with ASIC. See FAC ¶¶ 39-40. At this time, Plaintiffs’ private flood insurance policy combined with the force-placed insurance policy provided a total of at least $238,100 in flood insurance coverage. See FAC ¶ 41. The amount Plaintiffs owed Fannie Mae was significantly lower — more than $100,000 lower. See FAC ¶ 41.
According to Plaintiffs, the force-placed insurance to which they were subjected is improper for at least three reasons.
First, Wells Fargo or an affiliated entity receives a kickback from ASIC for the force-placed insurance (ie., a percentage of the premiums). Although Wells Fargo' claims these are commissions earned for finding and placing the insurance, Wells Fargo does not in fact provide any such service because it has a set agreement with Assurant and/or ASIC in which it agrees to buy every force-placed insurance policy from ASIC. See FAC ¶¶ 3-5.
Second, Wells Fargo requires all borrowers to maintain flood insurance equal to the “replacement cost value” of the borrower’s property, even if that value exceeds the principal balance on the loan. But the purpose of force-placed insurance is only to protect the lender’s interest in the property, and therefore a borrower should not be force-placed into insurance exceeding the outstanding principal balance. See FAC ¶ 7.
Finally, ‘Wells [Fargo] force-places retroactive insurance policies covering periods of time in the past where coverage had lapsed. This is done despite the fact that there are no claims during the lapsed period and the homeowner has since secured standard insurance.” FAC ¶ 59. In short, Plaintiffs claim that Wells Fargo engages in improper backdating.
Based on, inter alia, the above allegations, Plaintiffs assert the following claims, both on their own behalf and on behalf of a nationwide class and a California-wide subclass:
(1) breach of contract, including the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing (against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only);
(2) unjust enrichment (against Wells Fargo and Assurant only);
(3) conversion (against Wells Fargo only);
(4) breach of fiduciary duty (against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only);
(5) violation of the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), 15 U.S.C. § 1601 et seq. (against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only);
(6) violation of California Business & Professions Code § 17200 (against all Defendants);
(7) violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 12 U.S.C. § 2601 (against all Defendants); and
(8) equitable relief (against all Defendants).
The eighth claim, however, may be disregarded because, as Plaintiffs concede in their papers, equitable relief is not a claim for relief but rather only a remedy. See, e.g., Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 22) (stating that Plaintiffs “mistakenly listed ‘Equitable Relief as a cause of action”; agreeing with Defendants that “equitable relief is not a separate cause of action, but is, instead, a remedy”).
II. DISCUSSION
A. Legal Standard
Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6), a party may move to dismiss
B. Overarching Arguments
Before examining whether Plaintiffs have adequately pled allegations in support of each of the claims asserted in the complaint, the Court addresses first some overarching arguments that are made in Defendants’ various motions. More specifically, there are overarching arguments regarding (1) Defendants and (2) the claims.
1. Overarching Arguments Regarding Defendants
As to Defendants, there are two overarching arguments made: (1) that Assurant is not a proper defendant in the litigation and (2) that Fannie Mae cannot be held liable for Wells Fargo’s acts. (There are no overarching arguments made vis-avis Wells Fargo as a defendant.)
a. Assurant
In its motion, Assurant argues that Plaintiffs lack standing to sue it because it engaged in no alleged wrongdoing itself— rather, its subsidiary (i.e., ASIC) did. See Docket No. 59 (Mot. at 24-25). In their opposition, Plaintiffs state that they have no evidence to refute Assurant’s claims that “it does not write insurance policies, control the business of ASIC, intermingle its affairs with those of ASIC, or participate in any way in ASIC’s insurance business.” Docket No. 67 (Opp’n at 7). Plaintiffs ask, however, that the Court grant them “limited discovery to identify the correct parties and to amend their complaint to name the correct parties.” Docket No. 67 (Opp’n at 7). In its reply, Assurant appears to object to this proposal but only because Plaintiffs “already know which Assurant subsidiary underwriter as involved,” i.e., ASIC. See Docket No. 80 (Reply at 15).
Because Plaintiffs have effectively admitted that they do not have — at least at this point — a good faith basis for suing Assurant, the Court grants the motion to dismiss all claims asserted against Assurant without prejudice. Moreover, the Court hereby gives Plaintiffs leave to amend to add ASIC to this lawsuit in lieu of Assurant. Finally, the Court notes that it shall give Plaintiffs some leeway in conducting discovery vis-a-vis ASIC to determine whether Assurant or another affiliated entity may also have been involved. If discovery reveals a basis for Assurant’s liability, Plaintiffs can seek leave to amend. The Court emphasizes, however, that it is not authorizing Plaintiffs to conduct broad-
b. Fannie Mae
As for Fannie Mae, the basic issue is whether it can be held liable for the alleged wrongdoing of Wells Fargo. In its motion, Fannie Mae makes two arguments: (1) that Plaintiffs have failed to plead any facts establishing an agency relationship between Wells Fargo and Fannie Mae, see Docket No. 61 (Mot. at 9) (arguing that “Plaintiffs allege only the ultimate conclusion ... without pleading the specific elements [of agency]”); and (2) that, even if Wells Fargo were Fannie Mae’s agent, the Merrill doctrine protects Fannie Mae from liability for the unauthorized acts of its agents. See Docket No. 61 (Mot. at 10-14).
For purposes of this opinion, the Court assumes that Plaintiffs have adequately pled facts supporting an agency relationship between Wells Fargo and Fannie Mae given the contractual relationship wherein Wells Fargo services the loan for Fannie Mae. The question thus is whether the Merrill doctrine applies.
The Merrill doctrine comes from a decades-old Supreme Court decision, Federal Crop Insurance Corp. v. Merrill,
they were planting 460 acres of spring wheat and that on 400 of these acres they were reseeding on winter wheat acreage. The [agent] advised respondents that the entire crop was insurable, and recommended to the [FCIC’s] Denver Branch Office acceptance of the application. (The formal application itself did not disclose that any part of the insured crop was reseeded.) On May 28, 1945, the [FCIC] accepted the application.
Id. at 382,
In deciding whether the FCIC could be held liable, the Supreme Court began by noting that
[w]hatever the form in which the Government functions, anyone entering into an arrangement with the Government takes the risk of having accurately ascertained that he who purports to act for the Government stays within the bounds of his authority. The scope of this authority may be explicitly defined by Congress or be limited by delegated legislation, properly exercised through the rule-making power. And this is so even though, as here, the agent himself may have been unaware of the limitations upon his authority.
Id. at 383,
The Court then noted that,
[i]f the Federal Crop Insurance Act had by explicit language prohibited the insurance of spring wheat which is reseeded on winter wheat acreage, the ignorance of such a restriction, either by the respondents or the [FCIC’s] agent, would be immaterial and recovery could not be had against the [FCIC] for loss of such reseeded wheat.
In their papers, Plaintiffs essentially argue that Merrill should be narrowly construed — i.e., that the FCIC was held not liable only because the respondents had constructive notice through the regulations that they were barred from getting recovery for the loss of the reseeded wheat, in spite of what the FCIC’s agent said. See Docket No. 69 (Opp’n at 6). While Plaintiffs’ position is not an unreasonable one given the underlying facts in Merrill, courts have not construed Merrill so restrictively. Instead, courts have focused n the broad statement in Merrill that “anyone entering into an arrangement with the Government takes the risk of having accurately ascertained that he who purports to act for the Government stays within the bounds of his authority.” Merrill,
None of the authority cited by Plaintiffs detracts from the authority cited above. See Docket No. 69 (Opp’n at 7). For example, in United States v. Georgia-Pacific Co.,
The question thus becomes whether Fannie Mae authorized the specific force-placed insurance practices employed by Wells Fargo — or rather, in the context of this 12(b)(6) motion, whether Plaintiffs have alleged such authorization. Plaintiffs have not. Plaintiffs have simply alleged that Fannie Mae hired Wells Fargo to service their loan, see FAC ¶ 26; they have not, e.g., alleged that Fannie Mae authorized Wells Fargo’s kickback scheme, the excessive coverage, or the backdating. To the extent Plaintiffs suggest in their papers that Fannie Mae has not presented any evidence that it precluded Wells Fargo the alleged wrongful conduct, see Docket No. 69 (Opp’n at 7), that misses the point. It is Plaintiffs’ burden under Merrill to make allegations that Fannie Mae authorized Wells Fargo’s acts.
Accordingly, the Court dismisses all claims against Fannie Mae based on the Merrill doctrine. At this juncture, the dismissal shall be without prejudice. Plaintiffs have leave to amend only if they can allege in good faith that Fannie Mae authorized Wells Fargo’s conduct.
c. Summary
For the foregoing reasons, the Court dismisses the claims against Assurant and Wells Fargo without prejudice.
2. Overarching Arguments Regarding Claims
As discussed above, Plaintiffs offer three theories as to why the force-placed insurance to which they were subjected is improper: (1) Wells Fargo or an affiliated entity receives a kickback from ASIC for the force-placed insurance (i.e., a percentage of the premiums); (2) Wells Fargo requires all borrowers to maintain flood insurance equal to the “replacement cost value” of the borrower’s property instead of just the outstanding principal balance (which would be sufficient to protect the lender’s interest); and (3) ‘Wells [Fargo] force-places retroactive insurance policies covering periods of time in the past where coverage had lapsed” even where “there
a. Kickback Theory
As to the first theory — i.e., the kickback theory — Wells Fargo argues that it is barred by the filed-rate doctrine and/or the primary jurisdiction doctrine.
i. Filedr-Rate Doctrine
“The filed rate doctrine bars suits against regulated utilities grounded on the allegation that the rates charged by the utility are unreasonable. Simply stated, the doctrine holds that any ‘filed rate’ — that is, one approved by the governing regulatory agency — is per se reasonable and unassailable in judicial proceedings brought by ratepayers.”
In the instant case, Wells Fargo argues that the kickback theory is barred by the filed-rate doctrine because, at bottom, Plaintiffs are arguing that the cost of the flood insurance is unreasonable or excessive because it includes a kickback (as opposed to a true earned commission). In support of this position, Wells Fargo relies in particular on two district court cases where the courts concluded that the kickback allegations by the plaintiffs did not preclude application of the filed-rate doctrine. In Morales v. Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc.,
In addition to the Morales and Schilke cases, there is other authority that lends support to Defendants’ position, including appellate authority. See, e.g., McCray v. Fid. Nat’l Title Ins. Co.,
In spite of the above authority, the Court is not convinced that the filed-rate doctrine is applicable. As Plaintiffs note, there are two cases where a court specifically rejected application of the filed-rate doctrine — in particular, to a bank. First, in Abels v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
Plaintiffs argue that Defendant is a bank, not an insurance company, and therefore the filed rate doctrine does not apply to it. Indeed, the purpose of the filed rate doctrine is to “ ‘(1) preserve the regulating agency’s authority to determine the reasonableness of rates; and (2) insure that the regulated entities charge only those rates that the agency has approved.’ ” Therefore, Plaintiffs argue, because the bank is not subject to the extensive administrative oversight that insurance companies are, applying the filed rate doctrine in this instance would not serve either purpose.
The Court finds that Plaintiffs have the better argument. Plaintiffs are not complaining that they were charged an excessive insurance rate, they are complaining that the defendant bank acted unlawfully when it chose this particular insurance company and this particular rate. Indeed, the Supreme Court “has emphasized the limited scope of the filed rate doctrine to preclude damage claims only where there are validly filed rates.” Accordingly, the filed rate doctrine does not bar Plaintiffs’ case.
Abels,
Wells Fargo protests that Abels and Kunzelmann should be disregarded because the filed-rate doctrine “cannot turn on [the] distinction [between bank and insurer]” — if a rate is reasonable, then it is
reasonable for the buyer as well as the seller. Rate approval would serve no purpose if insurers could not sell insurance at the approved rates because no buyer could lawfully purchase the insurance at that rate. Thus, a claim that a bank acted unlawfully in buying insurance at the approved rate is just as direct an assault on Florida’s regulation of insurance rates as a claim that the insurer acted wrongfully in charging that rate.
Docket No. 60 (Mot. at 16-17). But while the court in Abels did focus in part on the distinction between a bank and an insuranee company, the court in Kunzelmann did not. The point made by the Kunzelmann court was that, where a plaintiff is not challenging a rate as excessive, but rather the manipulation of the rate, the filed-rate doctrine does not apply. This reasoning is persuasive. For example, if insurance were available from a number of carriers at different rates — all subject to fíled-rates — the fíled-rate doctrine would not protect a loan servicer who chooses a carrier and a policy with a rate higher than others simply to receive a kickback not available from other carriers. A claim of manipulation could lie irrespective of the fact that the rate charged by the carrier is protected under the fíled-rate doctrine.
Accordingly, the Court rejects Wells Fargo’s argument that the fíled-rate doctrine is a bar to the kickback claims asserted against it.
ii. Primary Jurisdiction Doctrine
Wells Fargo argues that, even if the Court is not inclined to apply the filed-rate doctrine, then the primary jurisdiction doctrine should still be applied. More specifically, Wells Fargo argues that the Court should invoke the doctrine to — at the very least — stay the case so that Plaintiffs can first present their kickback-based claims to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”). See Docket No. 77 (Reply at 4). Plaintiffs have not specifically ad
The primary jurisdiction doctrine is one recognized by both federal courts and state courts, including those in Florida and California. Under federal law, “[t]he primary jurisdiction doctrine allows courts to stay proceedings or to dismiss a complaint without prejudice pending the resolution of an issue within the special competence of an administrative agency.” Clark v. Time Warner Cable,
Under federal law, however, the primary jurisdiction doctrine focuses on referral of a federal claim to an administrative agency. See Clark,
The federal primary jurisdiction doctrine does not apply to the instant case. While Plaintiffs have alleged two federal claims — a violation of TILA and a violation of RESPA — Wells Fargo is not asking for a referral of those claims to a federal agency. And there is nothing to indicate that the Florida OIR has been delegated any federal power.
Nor does the primary jurisdiction doctrine as a bar for the state law claims. For much of the same reasons why the Court declines to apply the filed-rate doctrine to Wells Fargo, the Court refuses to apply the primary jurisdiction doctrine. Notably, in Abels, the district court rejected the bank’s assertion of the primary jurisdiction doctrine because
[t]he [Florida] OIR only regulates insurance companies, and Florida Statute [§ ] 627.371 [which creates a detailed process for challenging an insurance rate] onlyapplies when a person challenges a rate issued by an insurer. [In contrast], Defendant, a financial institution, is regulated by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). Indeed, section 655.946 specifically allows a bank to purchase “force-placed” insurance. However, unlike the chapter 627, chapter 655 does not provide any type of administrative remedy. Furthermore, as noted above, Plaintiffs are not complaining of an excessive insurance rate, they are complaining that the defendant bank acted unlawfully when it chose this particular insurance company and this particular rate. For these reasons, the doctrine of primary agency jurisdiction does not bar this action.
Abels,
The Court thus rejects the primary jurisdiction doctrine as a bar to Plaintiffs’ kickback claims.
b. Excessive Coverage Theory
Wells Fargo challenges not only Plaintiffs’ kickback claims but also their excessive coverage claims — i.e., their claims that Wells Fargo engaged in wrongful conduct by requiring flood insurance coverage in an amount greater than the outstanding principal balance on the loan (i.e., the replacement cost value of the property).
Under the National Flood Insurance Act (“NFIA”), see 42 U.S.C. § 4001, a loan secured by improved real property in a flood zone must be “covered for the term of the loan by flood insurance in an amount at least equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or the maximum limit of coverage made available under the Act with respect to the particular type of property, whichever is less.” Id. § 4012a(b)(1) (emphasis added); see also 24 C.F.R. § 203.16a(c) (providing that “[t]he flood insurance must be maintained during such time as the mortgage is insured in an amount at least equal to either the outstanding balance of the mortgage, less estimated land costs, or the maximum amount of the NFIP [National Flood Insurance Program] insurance available with respect to the property improvements, whichever is less”) (emphasis). In its papers, Wells Fargo notes that, as made clear by the language of § 4012a(b)(1), a lender may require flood insurance in an amount that exceeds the principal balance. “The words ‘at least equal to’ set a minimum requirement or floor, not a maximum amount or ceiling.” Docket No. 60 (Mot. at 6).
Wells Fargo asserts that, because the mortgage gives it discretion as to the amount of flood insurance required, Plaintiffs’ excessive coverage theory (i.e., that Wells Fargo should not have required coverage in excess of the principal balance) cannot be maintained. The relevant provision in the mortgage (§ 5) is as follows:
5. Property Insurance. Borrower shall keep the improvements now existing or hereafter erected on the Property insured against loss by fire ... and any other hazards, including, but not limited to, earthquakes and floods, for which Lender requires insurance. The insurance shall be maintained in the amounts ... and for the periods that Lender requires. What Lender requires pursuant to the preceding sentences can change during the term of the Loan....
If Borrower fails to maintain any of the coverages described above, Lender may obtain insurance coverage, at Lender’s option and Borrower’s expense. Lender is under no obligation to purchase any particular type or amount of coverage. Therefore, such coverage shall cover Lender, but might or might not protect Borrower, Borrower’s equity in the Property, or the contents of the Property, against any risk, hazard or liability and might provide greater orlesser coverage than was previously in effect. Borrower acknowledges that the cost of the insurance coverage so obtained might significantly exceed the cost of insurance that Borrower could have obtained. Any amounts disbursed by Lender under this Section 5 shall become additional debt of Borrower secured by this Security Instrument. These amounts shall bear interest at the Note rate from the date of disbursement and shall be payable, with such interest, upon notice from Lender to Borrower requesting payment.
FAC, Ex. A (Mortgage § 5).
Plaintiffs basically make two arguments in response. First, they argue that § 5 of the mortgage expressly provides that the coverage “shall cover Lender”—i.e., if the point is to protect the lender’s interest, then all that is necessary is coverage in the amount of the principal balance and nothing more (not, e.g., the replacement cost value). Second, Plaintiffs suggest that, at the very least, when the mortgage is considered in conjunction with the notice of special flood hazard area (“NSFH”), see Docket No. 58 (Wells Fargo’s RJN, Ex. I) (notice); see also FAC ¶ 31; Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 7) (stating no objection to request for judicial notice of the NSFH), there is an ambiguity as to whether the lender had discretion to set coverage in an amount in excess of the principal balance. The notice at issue specified that,
The community in which the property securing the loan is located participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Federal law will not allow us to make you the loan that you have applied for if you do not purchase flood insurance. The flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan. If you fail to purchase or renew flood insurance on the property, Federal law authorizes and requires us to purchase the flood insurance for you at your expense.
• At a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover the lesser of:
1. the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or
2. the maximum amount of coverage allowed for the type of property under the NFIP.
Docket No. 58 (Wells Fargo’s RJN, Ex. I) (notice).
Plaintiffs’ first argument has been rejected by at least one court — more specifically, by Judge Spero of this District. In McKenzie, Judge Spero agreed with Wells Fargo that a lender has an interest beyond the principal balance.
As Defendants point out, if a flood destroys a home and insurance benefits are sufficient to repay only the loan, the lender is left without a performing loan, one that may have been gaining interest at a higher rate than possible under current market conditions. Lenders also incur loan origination costs arising from the premature payment of the loan.
McKenzie v. Wells Fargo Home Mortg., Inc.,
The Arnett court found that Bank of America’s interpretation of the mortgage and notice was plausible. However, it also endorsed a different interpretation as plausible. “Under this interpretation, Section five of the trust deed does not permit BOA discretion to set the amount of flood insurance that the borrower must maintain because the NSFH ‘fills in’ the trust deed’s open-ended discretionary terms.” Id. at 1032. The court explained as follows:
First, [NSFH] provides that the [plaintiffs] must maintain flood insurance. Second, it fixes the amount of flood insurance that the [plaintiffs] must maintain: “At a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover the lesser of’ the outstanding loan balance or the maximum amount of coverage provided by the NFIP. Finally, the NSFH provides that “[t]he flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan.” In this provision, the definite article “the,” which precedes “flood insurance,” signals that the flood insurance that must be “maintained for the life of the loan” is the same “flood insurance” described in the provision fixing the amount of insurance that the plaintiffs must maintain. In other words, the NSFH sets, or “fills in,” the amount of flood insurance that the lender requires for the life of the loan and that amount is not subject to change, except as expressly provided for in the NSFH.
Id. at 1032.
In response to the bank’s contention that this alternative interpretation failed to account for the phrase, “[a]t a minimum,” the court reasoned:
According to BOA, the phrase “[a]t a minimum” means the NSFH merely identifies the minimum amount of coverage that the lender may require. As noted above, this is a plausible interpretation. It is also plausible, however, that the phrase “[a]t a minimum” does not mean that the amount of coverage specified in the NSFH is the minimum that the lender may require. Instead, “at a minimum” could mean that the amount of coverage specified in the NSFH is not the maximum that the borrower may purchase. In other words, it is also a plausible interpretation that the NSFH firmly fixes the amount of coverage that the lender requires but does not prohibit the borrower from obtaining additional coverage if that is what the borrower wants to do. This alternative interpretation also makes financial sense: the lender’s financial interest in the property is equal to the amount of the outstanding loan, but the borrower’s interest may be the entire replacement value of the property.
Id. at 1032 (emphasis in original).
The Court is not persuaded by the reasoning of Arnett. First, as Judge Spero
Second, as noted above, the Arnett court emphasized the fact that the NSFH included the statement “[t]he flood insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan.” According to the Arnett court, “the definite article ‘the,’ which precedes ‘flood insurance,’ signals that the flood insurance that must be ‘maintained for the life of the loan’ is the same ‘flood insurance’ described in the provision fixing the amount of insurance that the plaintiffs must maintain.” Id. at 1032. But this grammatical interpretation is problematic. When the notice is considered as a whole, “[t]he flood insurance [that] must be maintained for the life of the loan” (emphasis added) seems to refer back to “flood insurance” as used in the immediately preceding sentence: “Federal law will not allow us to make you the loan that you have applied for if you do not purchase flood insurance.” The Arnett court, however, linked “[t]he flood insurance [that] must be maintained for the life of the loan” (emphasis added) to a statement found later in the notice— i.e., “[a]t a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover the lesser of ....”
In any event, there is a more fundamental problem. As Judge Spero aptly noted:
Contrary to the Arnett court’s conclusion, nothing in the [notice] restricts the lender’s ability to require more than the minimum coverage. Read in isolation, it may be plausible to interpret the phrase “[a]t a minimum” to not mean that the amount of coverage specified in the [notice] is the minimum the lender may require. But the existence of Paragraph 5 precludes such an interpretation. That provision clearly provides that the amount of flood insurance the lender requires “can change during the term of the Loan.” The [notice] should not be interpreted so as to cancel out a clear provision elsewhere in the contract. The only reasonable interpretation of the contract is that it gives the borrower the ability to purchase, and the lender the ability to require, flood insurance above the minimum amount.
Additionally, the [notice] speaks to what the NFIP requires, not necessarily what the lender requires. As such, it notifies the borrower of the minimum amount of coverage that is required to be purchased by the borrower — or the lender if the borrower fails to make such a purchase. Accordingly, the phrase “[a]t a minimum, flood insurance purchased must cover” is equally applicable to the borrower and the lender.
Id. at *55-56.
In their papers, Plaintiffs protest that Arnett is not the only authority in their favor; they cite in particular the recent First Circuit decision Lass. But, as Wells Fargo argued at the hearing, the NSFH in Lass is materially different. The notice in Lass provided in relevant part: “ ‘[A]t the closing the property you are financing must be covered by flood insurance in the amount of the principle [sic] amount financed, or the maximum amount available, whichever is less. This insurance will be mandatory until the loan is paid in full.’ ” Lass v. Bank of America, N.A.,
Accordingly, the Court agrees with Wells Fargo that Plaintiffs’ excessive coverage claims are barred. The Court notes, however, that, only “pure” excessive coverage claims are barred. To the extent Plaintiffs claim that Wells Fargo increased coverage to replacement cost value in order to obtain kickbacks or that Wells Fargo force-placed retroactive insurance policies at replacement value coverage in order to obtain a benefit for itself, those claims are not barred because they are, in reality, kickback claims and backdating claims rather than excessive coverage claims.
c. Summary
As discussed above, the Court rejects Wells Fargo’s contention that the kickback claims are barred by the filed-rate or primary jurisdiction doctrine but agrees with Wells Fargo that dismissal is warranted with respect to the excessive coverage claims. The backdating theory, however, has not been challenged on any overarching basis.
C. Federal Claims
Because at least some of Plaintiffs’ theories survive the above challenges by Wells Fargo (ie., the kickback and backdating theories), the Court may now evaluate the specific arguments made as to each of the causes of action pled by Plaintiffs.
1. TILA
Plaintiffs have brought a TILA claim against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only. However, because Fannie Mae is being dismissed, the Court addresses the claim as against Wells Fargo only.
In their complaint, Plaintiffs assert that, when Wells Fargo “added the force-placed premium charge to the outstanding principal amount of [their] loan, a new debt obligation was created, requiring a new set of disclosures .... However, neither Fannie Mae nor Wells Fargo provided Plaintiffs with a new set of disclosures.” FAC ¶ 32. In their opposition papers, Plaintiffs suggest that Wells Fargo should have provided new disclosures that (1) the force-placed insurance included a kickback to Wells Fargo and that (2) the insurance could cover as much as the replacement cost value (ie., more than the principal balance). See, e.g., Docket No. 69 (Opp’n at 15-16). From the Court’s perspective, it is not clear how either alleged failure to disclose could constitute a violation of TILA. Nothing about TILA or its implementing regulations seems to require such disclosures. At best, there is a requirement, under 12 C.F.R. § 226.18(d), that a
As Plaintiffs point out, several courts have held that, when a defendant force places insurance and adds that amount to the principal owed, then the defendant has an obligation to provide new disclosures under TILA. See, e.g., Arnett,
In McKenzie, however, Judge Spero held that these cases were limited to situations where the purchase of insurance was unauthorized. Judge Spero rejected the TILA claim at issue in his case because
Plaintiffs base their TILA claim on the theory that the letters sent to Plaintiffs notifying them that their coverage was insufficient altered the terms of their loans and Defendants failed to disclose this alteration. However, as discussed previously, the contracts already provided Defendants the authority to require coverage beyond the principal loan balance. The letters sent to Plaintiffs, therefore, did not alter the terms of the loans and no disclosure under TILA was required. See Travis v. Boulevard Bank, N.A.,880 F.Supp. 1226 , 1229-30 (N.D.Ill.1995) (requiring post-consummation TILA disclosures under 12 C.F.R. 226.18 only where the defendant force-placed insurance without proper authorization); Wulf v. Bank of Am., N.A.,798 F.Supp.2d 586 , 588-89 (E.D.Pa.2011) (same). Accordingly, Plaintiffs’ TILA claim is dismissed with prejudice'.
Here, as discussed above, the excessive insurance coverage was authorized. Arguably, however, the kickback and backdating was not.
Wells Fargo, however, presents one additional argument — i.e., that “[n]o new TILA disclosures are required when a creditor adds charges to a loan balance as a result of the borrower’s default."
2. Insurance written after consummation. In closed-end credit transactions, insurance sold after consummation is not “written in connection with” the credit transaction if the insurance is written because of the consumer’s default (for example, by failing to obtain or maintain required property insurance) or because the consumer requests insurance after consummation (although credit sale disclosures may be required for the insurance if it is financed).
46 F.R. 50288 (1981) (emphasis added).
That being said, Plaintiffs legitimately point out that they would not have been required to provide the additional flood insurance but for Wells Fargo’s unauthorized efforts to obtain a kickback or to otherwise receive a benefit through the backdating. Thus, the TILA claim remains viable so long as the kickback and backdating theories are viable (although some specific claims are dismissed as discussed below). The Court therefore denies the motion to dismiss the TILA claim, to the extent it is based on a kickback or backdating theory. As discussed above, “pure” excessive coverage claims are dismissed.
2. RESPA
Unlike the TILA claim, the RESPA claim is pled against all Defendants — at
In its papers, Wells Fargo argues that (1) the RESPA claim is barred by the statute of limitations and (2) the RESPA claim is not viable because Plaintiffs did not allege that any Defendant engaged in improper conduct at the time of closing or escrow — only well after the loan was consummated.
a. Statute of Limitations
In the instant case, Plaintiffs have alleged that Defendants violated RESPA based on the alleged kickbacks that Wells Fargo received from Assurant/ASIC. See 12 U.S.C. § 2607. Under 12 U.S.C. § 2614, there is a one-year statute of limitations for a claim brought pursuant to §§ 2607. The clock starts from “the date of the occurrence of the violation.” Id. § 2614.
In the instant case, Plaintiffs assert that there is no time bar because
the “date of the occurrence of the violation” is each date when Plaintiffs paid for force-placed insurance and the date that Wells Fargo finally added the balance of force-placed insurance charges that Plaintiffs did not pay to the loan balance it sought to collect through foreclosure. This final act occurred on November 23, 2011, within the one year statute of limitations.
Docket No. 67 (Opp’n at 17). Plaintiffs do not make any argument of equitable tolling, even though they pled such in the complaint. See, e.g., FAC ¶¶ 65-72. As stated in note 8, supra, the Court deems the equitable tolling argument abandoned and finds that there is no limitations bar to the extent Plaintiffs have restricted their claim to the alleged wrongdoing within the limitations period.
b. Settlement Service
Although there may be no time bar, the RESPA claim shall still be dismissed for an independent reason. As noted above, Plaintiffs claim a violation of § 2607.
For purposes of RESPA, “the term ‘settlement services’ includes any service provided in connection with a real estate settlement.” Id. § 2602(3). An implementing regulation similarly defines “settlement service” as “any service provided in connection with a prospective or actual settlement” — including the “[provision of services involving hazard, flood, or other casualty insurance or homeowner’s warranties.” 24 C.F.R. § 3500.2. Significantly, however, the term “settlement” itself is defined by the regulation to mean “the
Because settlement is, in essence, the closing of the loan, a number of courts have found that no RESPA claim is viable based on an allegation that the defendant force placed insurance after the closing of the loan. For example, in McNeary-Calloway v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
It is undisputed here that Defendants did not provide, nor were any way involved in, the hazard insurance purchased in connection with the closing of the loans. Rather, Plaintiffs, without any involvement of the Defendants, first purchased the hazard insurance policies on the open market and only some two to eight years after the closing of their respective loans did Defendants “provide” hazard insurance. Moreover, the policies first purchased by Plaintiffs are not at issue in this case. The fact that hazard insurance was required in order to close the loan is irrelevant here in deciding whether the hazard insurance at issue is a “settlement service.”
Id. at 953. The Arnett decision (which Plaintiffs relied on in a different context) also arrives at the same conclusion. See Arnett,
In one of their opposition briefs, Plaintiffs acknowledge that “no Court has ruled that RESPA applies to kickbacks for post-origination force-placed insurance.” Docket No. 67 (Opp’n at 15). Plaintiffs argue, however, that, “in light of the purpose of RESPA and the fact that Congress recently amended other provisions of RESPA to specifically govern force-placed insurance for the life of every mortgage (see 12 U.S.C. § 2605(l)-(m)), Plaintiffs request that this Court allow the RESPA claim to proceed.” Docket No. 67 (Opp’n at 15). This argument is not persuasive. Section 2605 is a completely different provision in RESPA from the one at issue here (i.e., § 2607(a) and (b)). Section 2605 addresses the servicing of mortgage loans generally. It says nothing about post-closing force-placed insurance being a settlement service.
D. State Claims
1. National Bank Act Preemption
With respect to the state law claims (i.e., breach of contract, including the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, and violation of § 17200), Wells Fargo raises an overarching preemption argument. According to Wells Fargo, the state law claims are preempted by the National Bank Act (“NBA”).
“National banks are chartered by the federal government pursuant to the NBA, and are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (‘OCC’).” Williams v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., No. 11-21233-CIV-ALTONAGA/Simonton,
As a general matter, national banks “are subject to state laws of general application in their daily business” but only “to the extent such laws do not con
In the instant case, Wells Fargo argues that the NBA preempts all of Plaintiffs’ state law claims based on two implementing regulations, 12 C.F.R. §§ 34.4 and 7.4002. Section 34.4 provides in relevant part as follows:
(a) A national bank may make real estate loans under 12 U.S.C. 371 and § 34.3, without regard to state law limitations concerning:
(2) The ability of a creditor to require or obtain private mortgage insurance, insurance for other collateral, or other credit enhancements or risk mitigants, in furtherance of safe and sound banking practices;
(10) Processing, origination, servicing, sale or purchase of, or investment or participation in, mortgages;
(b) State laws on the following subjects are not inconsistent with the real estate lending powers of national banks and apply to national banks to the extent consistent with the decision of the Supreme Court in Barnett Bank of Marion County, N.A v. Nelson, Florida Insurance Commissioner, et al.,517 U.S. 25 ,116 S.Ct. 1103 ,134 L.Ed.2d 237 (1996):
(1) Contracts;
(2) Torts; ....
Id. § 34.4. In turn, § 7.4002 provides in relevant part that “[a] national bank may charge its customers non-interest charges and fees, including deposit account service charges.” Id. § 7.4002(a).
It is difficult to see how there can be preemption pursuant to § 34.4. Section 34.4(a) expressly provides that a national bank has powers with respect to “mak[ing] real estate loans” without regard to state law limitations. Id. § 34.4(a). But here, Wells Fargo did not extend a real estate loan to Plaintiffs; rather, it was simply the servicer of Plaintiffs’ loan which was owned by Fannie Mae. See Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 26).
That being said, § 7.4002 has potential applicability because, arguably, an insurance premium is a charge or a fee. Still, even if § 7.4002 were applicable (or for that matter § 34.4), there would be preemption only if the state law prevents or significantly restricts the national bank’s powers. Here, Wells Fargo has failed to
[Notwithstanding Wells Fargo Bank’s contentions to the contrary, none of Plaintiffs’ claims question Wells Fargo Bank’s ability to charge fees or premiums related to force-placed insurance or to collect commissions from the force-placing of insurance. Plaintiffs only challenge the manner in which Wells Fargo Bank manipulated those charges and the force-placed insurance process in general. “A desire to limit a bank’s .authority to charge a fee is not synonymous with a desire to hold a bank liable for the bad-faith manner in which” it exercises that authority. The former is not permitted in light of the NBA’s preemptive reach, but the latter is. In the present action, Plaintiffs are not challenging the bank’s right to impose force-placed insurance policies. Instead, the issue is whether Wells Fargo has been unjustly enriched by manipulating the force-placed insurance process so as to obtain kickbacks, and whether by doing so, it has violated its duty of good faith and fair dealing under the contracts.
Williams,
Wells Fargo’s comparison to HOLA preemption is unavailing. As the Williams court noted, HOLA preemption is much broader, “ ‘occup[ying] the entire field of lending regulation for federal savings associations.’ ” Williams,
Accordingly, the Court rejects Wells Fargo’s NBA preemption argument.
2. Applicable Law
Because the Court does not find NBA preemption applicable, it must now address each state law claim asserted by Plaintiffs on the merits. As a preliminary matter, however, the Court must decide what substantive law applies to each claim.
The starting point for the choice-of-law dispute is the mortgage. Section 16 of the mortgage provides that “[t]his Security Instrument shall be governed by federal law and the law of the jurisdiction in which the Property is located.” FAC, Ex. A (Mortgage § 16). In light of this provision, clearly, Plaintiffs’ claim for breach of contract (including breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing) is
“In a federal question action that involves supplemental jurisdiction over state law claims, [a court] applies] the choice of law rules of the forum state— here, California.” Paulsen v. CNF Inc.,
As Plaintiffs indicate, the Eleventh Circuit (as well as Florida district courts) seem to view contractual choice-of-law provisions as inapplicable to tort claims. See, e.g., Cooper v. Meridian Yachts, Ltd.,
The Court agrees with Wells Fargo. Moreover, the Court agrees with Wells Fargo that there does not appear to be any authority as to what Florida state law would say about a contractual choice-of-law provision such as the one here and whether it applies to tort actions. See Docket No. 78 (Reply at 2 n. 1).) The Court was not able to locate any case based on its independent research. Wells Fargo contends that, in the absence of any authority, the Court should do what the California Supreme Court did in Nedlloyd — ie., in the absence of any authority about Hong Kong law, the California Supreme Court defaulted to California law in determining whether a contractual choice-of-law provision covers tort claims. See Nedlloyd, 3 Cal.4th at 469 n. 7,
Under California law, “[a] valid choice-of-law clause, which provides that a specified body of law ‘governs’ the ‘agreement’ between the parties encompasses all causes of action arising from or related to that agreement, regardless of how they are characterized, including tortious breaches of duties emanating from the agreement or the legal relationship it creates.” Ned
3. Breach of Contract
Plaintiffs have asserted a claim for breach of contract, including the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only. As discussed above, Fannie Mae is being dismissed without prejudice based on the Merrill doctrine. Therefore, the only question is whether a breach of contract claim is viable against Wells Fargo. Notably, here, the parties agree that Florida substantive law governs pursuant to the terms of the mortgage agreement. See FAC, Ex. A (Mortgage § 16) (providing that “[tjhis Security Instrument shall be governed by federal law and the law of the jurisdiction in which the Property is located”).
In its papers, Wells Fargo argues that the breach-of-contract claim should be dismissed based on the overarching arguments it made that the kickback theory is not viable (pursuant to the filed-rate and primary jurisdiction doctrines) and that the excessive coverage theory is not viable. While, as discussed above, the Court agrees that the excessive coverage theory is not viable, the kickback theory is. Moreover, Wells Fargo has failed to address the backdating theory.
However, there is a question as to whether Wells Fargo can be held liable for a breach of contract in the first place given that it was not a party to the mortgage agreement. See McKenzie,
4. Unjust Enrichment
Plaintiffs have asserted a claim for unjust enrichment against Wells Fargo and Assurant both. At this juncture, Assurant is dismissed without prejudice. Thus, the Court addresses only the claim against Wells Fargo. As to the claim against Wells Fargo, because the excessive coverage theory is out, the claim rests on the kickback and backdating theories only.
Under Florida law,
[t]o state a claim for unjust enrichment, a plaintiff must plead the following elements: 1) the plaintiff has conferred a benefit on the defendant; 2) the defendant has knowledge of the benefit; 3) the defendant has accepted or retained the benefit conferred; and 4) the circumstances are such that it would be inequitable for the defendant to retain the benefit without paying fair value for it. Courts have held that under Florida law, a claim for unjust enrichment, a form of equitable relief, cannot stand if an express contract exists.
Degirmenci v. Sapphire-Fort Lauderdale, LLP,
Wells Fargo presents two arguments as to why the unjust enrichment claim should be dismissed: (1) because there is an express contract that governs and (2) because any enrichment cannot be considered unjust when Plaintiffs were the ones who failed to pay for insurance, thus leading to the force placement.
Both arguments are without merit. First, Wells Fargo is not a party to the mortgage agreement and it has not otherwise shown that it should be considered a contracting party. The unjust enrichment claim, therefore, is not barred by an express contract. Notably, the cases cited by Wells Fargo do not hold that a party is entitled to dismissal of an unjust enrichment claim where it is not a contracting party. For example, in Reese v. JPMorgan Chase & Co.,
Second, even if the force-placed insurance was procured because Plaintiffs failed to pay for their flood insurance, that does not mean that Defendants could do whatever they wanted with respect to the force-placed insurance. Cf. McNeary-Calloway,
The Court therefore denies the motion to dismiss the unjust enrichment claim.
5. Conversion
Plaintiffs have asserted the conversion claim against Wells Fargo only. In its
As discussed in conjunction with the claim for breach of contract, the mortgage does not bind Wells Fargo as it is not a contracting party. Furthermore, the tort by Wells Fargo is independent of the breach of contract as the contract does not on its face address kickbacks or backdating. Therefore, the motion to dismiss this claim is denied.
6. Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Plaintiffs have asserted a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo only. Because Fannie Mae is being dismissed without prejudice, the Court addresses only the claim against Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo argues for dismissal of the claim because Plaintiffs have alleged no special circumstances establishing a fiduciary relationship between the parties. Wells Fargo also invokes the economic loss rule once again.
The economic loss rule argument is rejected for the reasons already stated above. See also City of St. Petersburg v. Wachovia Bank, N.A., No. 8:10-cv-693-T-26TBM,
The special circumstances argument is also problematic. As a preliminary matter, the Court notes that, although Plaintiffs have argued for application of California as opposed to Florida law, they seem to agree with Defendants that, in any event, a fiduciary relationship exists only where there are special circumstances including where a defendant (1) takes on extra services for a customer, (2) receives a greater economic benefit than from a typical transaction, or (3) exercises extensive control. See Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 14-15 & n. 13) (citing Capital Bank v. MVB,
Plaintiffs argue that there are special circumstances here because (1) Wells Fargo took on extra services by providing force-placed insurance and because (2) Wells Fargo earned a greater economic benefit by getting kickbacks. The first argument is not persuasive. While the case law does not make precisely clear what is meant by “extra services,” here, Wells Fargo was simply providing force-placed insurance within the existing, arms-length servicer-borrower relationship.
As for the second argument, Wells Fargo contends that “[t]he alleged kickbacks cannot serve both as the basis for imposing a fiduciary duty (under the ‘greater
But Plaintiffs point to cases where courts have held that a fiduciary duty may exist where there is forced placement of insurance. Most notably, in Gordon v. Chase Home Fin., LLC, No. 8:11-cv-2001-T-33EAJ,
In the case at bar, the Court follows the Gordon case and not Nehrer, particularly because Nehrer did not provide any reasoning for its conclusion. Thus, because Plaintiffs allege that Wells Fargo received a great economic benefit than normal given the alleged kickback and backdating, the Court denies the motion to dismiss the claim for breach of fiduciary duty.
7. Section 17200
Finally, Plaintiffs have pled a claim for violation of § 17200, a California statute, against all Defendants. Because Fannie Mae and Assurant are being dismissed, the Court addresses only the claim against Wells Fargo.
As a preliminary matter, the Court notes that, as discussed above, Florida law governs, not California law, and therefore the § 17200 is dismissed on that basis alone. However, even if California law could apply, the § 17200 claim is still without merit because, as Wells Fargo argues, this case has an insufficient connection with California, and so § 17200 should not have extraterritorial application here.
Plaintiffs argue that there is no extraterritoriality problem because Wells Fargo has its principal place of business in California and “ ‘[a] California court may properly apply California laws to non-California members of a nationwide class where the defendant is a California corporation and some or all of the challenged conduct emanates from California.’ ” Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 3-4) (quoting Wershba v. Apple Comp., Inc.,
Even assuming this is the case, the question is whether Wells Fargo’s connection to California is enough to give rise to Plaintiffs’ § 17200 claim. “In determining whether the UCL ... applies] to non-California residents, courts consider where
The Court therefore dismisses the § 17200 claim.
E. Summary
For the foregoing reasons, the Court grants in part and denies in part Defendants’ motions to dismiss. The Court’s specific rulings are as follows.
(1) Fannie Mae is dismissed without prejudice. Plaintiffs have leave to amend but only if they can allege in good faith that Fannie Mae authorized Wells Fargo’s conduct. If Plaintiffs do amend, they should plead only claims consistent with the rulings in this order.
(2) Assurant is dismissed without prejudice. Plaintiffs have leave to amend to add in ASIC as a defendant. Any claims pled against ASIC should be consistent with the rulings in this order. Plaintiffs shall have some leeway in discovery to explore whether Assurant or another affiliated entity wasalso involved in the alleged wrongdoing.
(3) All claims against Wells Fargo, whether based on federal or state law, are dismissed to the extent they are based on a “pure” excessive coverage theory.
(4) As to the kickback and backdating theories asserted against Wells Fargo:
(a) The motion to dismiss the TILA claim is denied. The Court notes that Plaintiffs have abandoned their claim of equitable tolling.
(b) The motion to dismiss the RESPA claim is granted. Dismissal is with prejudice.
(c) The motion to dismiss the claim for breach of contract (including the implied covenant) is granted. Dismissal is with prejudice.
(d) The motion to dismiss the unjust enrichment claim is denied.
(e) The motion to dismiss the conversion claim is denied.
(f) The motion to dismiss the claim for breach of fiduciary duty is denied.
(g) The motion to dismiss the § 17200 claim is granted.
The amended complaint shall be filed within thirty days of the date of this order.
F. Waiver of Jury Trial
Finally, the Court addresses Wells Fargo’s contention that Plaintiffs’ demand for a jury trial should be dismissed or stricken. In support of this contention, Wells Fargo points to the mortgage that Plaintiffs signed, which contains the following provision: “25. Jury Trial Waiver. The Borrower hereby waives any right to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim, or counterclaim, whether in contract or tort, at law or in equity, arising out of or in any way related to this Security Instrument or the Note.”
Plaintiffs do not dispute that a party may waive a right to a jury trial in a contract. Plaintiffs emphasize, however, that for such a waiver to be enforceable it must have been knowingly and voluntarily made. Plaintiffs argue that the waiver here was not knowing and voluntary because
[t]he jury waiver provision is located at the end of the mortgage and it is not set apart from the other sections of the contract. Most importantly, Plaintiffs had no opportunity to negotiate the terms of their form mortgage contract. Plaintiffs’ mortgage is a standard national Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac mortgage, and the contract terms were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis.
Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 26). Plaintiffs also argue that, even if the Court deems the jury waiver valid, that does not mean all of the claims are subject to a bench trial — i.e., “claims that do not arise out of the mortgage contract” are still subject to a jury trial. Docket No. 70 (Opp’n at 27).
This issue is a close call. The right to a jury trial is a fundamental one, and therefore there is a presumption against its waiver. See, e.g., Merrill Lynch & Co. v. Allegheny Energy, Inc.,
In evaluating whether a waiver is enforceable, courts commonly consider the following factors: “ ‘1) the negotiability of contract terms and negotiations between the parties concerning the waiver provision; 2) the conspicuousness of the waiver provision in the contract; 3) the relative bargaining power of the parties; and 4) the business acumen of the party opposing the waiver.’ ” Price v. Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.,
1. Negotiability of Contract Terms
There does not appear to be a dispute that the mortgage signed by Plaintiffs was a form contract. While this does not necessarily mean that there was no room to negotiate, Wells Fargo and Fannie Mae have not offered any evidence that Plaintiffs could have negotiated contract terms, or at least the jury waiver provision. This factor is thus essentially neutral.
2. Conspicuousness of Jury Waiver Provision
As for the conspicuousness of the jury waiver provision, this is not a situation where the provision was especially hidden or buried deep in the contract. The mortgage contract itself is fourteen pages; the jury waiver provision is on the thirteenth page and is actually the last provision in the mortgage; on the very next page, Plaintiffs provided their signatures. However, there is nothing that makes the jury waiver provision stand out either. For example, the font size is the same as the font size throughout the document. The waiver provision does not appear to have been bolded
3. Relative Bargaining Power of the Parties
This factor does not require that “the parties stand on precisely equal footing.”
Here, Plaintiffs were arguably in a weaker bargaining position given that they were individuals. On the other hand, Plaintiffs could have walked away from the deal, and they have not explained why they could not have walked away (e.g., because this was the only lender who was willing to extend them credit). See Acciard v. Whitney, No. 2:07-CV-00476-FtM-36DNF,
4. Business Acumen of Plaintiffs
Neither side has offered any evidence regarding the business acumen of Plaintiffs. This factor militates against Wells Fargo as it is Wells Fargo’s burden to prove the waiver was knowing and voluntary.
5. Summary
At the end of the day, this issue turns on the burden of proof. Wells Fargo has not adequately carried its burden of demonstrating that the waiver was knowing and voluntary. Although Wells Fargo has pointed to cases in which a jury waiver provision was upheld in a mortgage contract, those cases are largely distinguishable based on the conspicuousness of the jury waiver provision. For example:
• Madura v. BAC Home Loans Serv’g L.P.,
• Collins v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.,
• Allyn v. Western United Life Assur. Co.,
• Correa,
But see Acciard,
Accordingly, the Court denies Wells Fargo’s request to dismiss or strike the jury demand.
III. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court grants Fannie Mae’s motion to dismiss, grants Assurant’s motion to dismiss, and grants in part and denies in part Wells Fargo’s motion to dismiss.
This order disposes of Docket Nos. 57, 59, 60, and 61.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Notes
. See also United States v. Flemmi,
. In their papers, Plaintiffs argue that, if the Court does take judicial notice of a Fannie Mae Servicing Guide, see Docket No. 62 (RJN, Ex. A) (Fannie Mae Servicing Guide for 2006 and 2011), then that document establishes Fannie Mae’s authorization of Wells Fargo's unlawful conduct. Plaintiffs point out that the Servicing Guide contains the following statement: " 'The contracts with the borrower should include information ... that the servicer or one of its affiliates may be paid a commission.’ " Docket No. 69 (Opp'n at 8). This argument has several problems. First, the Court agrees with Plaintiffs that it is questionable whether the Servicing Guide may be judicially noticed. Second, even if the document could be judicially noticed, Plaintiffs have not in their FAC objected to the fact of a commission per se; rather, their theory is that there are no true commissions (and there are only illegal kickbacks instead) because Wells Fargo gets a percentage of the premiums for providing no services at all — insurance is automatically placed with ASIC.
. Some of these arguments are echoed in Fannie Mae and Assurant's papers as well.
. The doctrine protects two separate interests, "one concerned with potential 'discrimination' in rates as between ratepayers and the other concerned with the 'justiciability' of determining reasonable rates.” Wegoland,
. The Court also notes that several courts have expressly rejected the filed-rate doctrine where the plaintiffs have articulated a kickback claim predicated on RESPA. The rationale is typically that used by Judge Alsup in Kay v. Wells Fargo & Co.,
Statutes like RESPA are enacted to protect consumers from unfair business practices by giving consumers a private right of action against service providers. Plaintiffs may not sue under the veil of RESPA if they simply think that the price they paid for their settlement services was unfair. Alternatively, plaintiffs bringing a suit under RESPA may allege a violation of fair business practices through the use of illegal kickback payments. The filed-rate doctrine bars suit from the former class of plaintiffs and not the latter.
Id. at 576; see also Alston v. Countrywide Fin. Corp.,
. In patent law, the definite article "the” is used to refer to an antecedent, not to a “subsequent.”
. Section 226.18 provides in relevant part as follows:
For each transaction, the creditor shall disclose the following information as applicable:
(a) Creditor....
(b) Amount financed....
(c) Itemization of amount financed....
(d) Finance charge....
[etc.]
12 C.F.R. § 226.18.
. The Court also limits its consideration of the TILA claim in terms of time because Plaintiffs have abandoned their assertion of equitable tolling. Although equitable tolling allegations were made in the complaint, Plaintiffs failed to raise equitable tolling in its opposition papers, even though the statute of limitations was expressly raised by at least some of the defendants.
. Wells Fargo does not make any argument for dismissal based on 12 C.F.R. § 226.4(d)(2), which provides that a creditor may exclude a property insurance premium from the finance charge if certain conditions are met.
. Notably, in an earlier opinion, the Travis court took note of this very Commentary. The court only found the Commentary inapplicable because at issue in Travis was the forced purchase of default insurance, not the forced purchase of property insurance. See Travis v. Boulevard Bank, N.A., No. 93 C 6847,
. At the hearing, Plaintiffs expressly disavowed that they were bringing any claim pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 2605.
. The Barnett standard was basically codified by Congress in 12 U.S.C. § 25b, a statute that took effect on July 21, 2011. See 12 U.S.C. § 25b(b) (providing that a state consumer financial law is preempted if, e.g., in accordance with the legal standard for preemption in Barnett, "the State consumer financial law prevents or significantly interferes with the exercise by the national bank of its powers”).
. For the one state statutory claim — i.e., the violation of § 17200 — clearly, California law governs. Here, the parties have a dispute as to whether a California law claim is viable. Defendants take the position that the § 17200 claim is not viable because, in essence, there is an insufficient connection to California.
. Compare Norwest Mortgage, Inc. v. Superior Court,
. Arguably, Wells Fargo cannot invoke the jury waiver provision in the mortgage because it is not a party to the mortgage contract. See Williams v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., No. 11-21233-CIV-ALTONAGA/Simonton,
. It is not clear from the copy of the mortgage that was submitted to the Court whether the title of the provision "Jury Trial Waiver” was in bold.