(4) The lot being sold is free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and adverse claims except the following:
(i) Mortgages or deeds of trust which contain release provisions for the individual lot purchased if:
- (A) The contract of sale obligates the developer to deliver, within 180 days, a warranty deed (or its equivalent under local law), which at the time of delivery is free from any monetary liens or encumbrances; and
- (B) The purchaser's payments are deposited in an escrow account independent of the developer until a deed is delivered.
- (ii) Liens which are subordinate to the leasehold interest and do not affect the lessee's right to use or enjoy the lot.
- (iii) Property reservations which are for the purpose of bringing public services to the land being developed, such as easements for water and sewer lines.
- (iv) Taxes or assessments which constitute liens before they are due and payable if imposed by a state or other public body having authority to assess and tax property or by a property owners' association.
- (v) Beneficial property restrictions that are mutually enforceable by the lot owners in the subdivision. Restrictions, whether separately recorded or incorporated into individual deeds, must be applied uniformly to every lot or group of lots. To be considered beneficial and enforceable, any restriction or covenant that imposes an assessment on lot owners must apply to the developer on the same basis as other lot owners. Developers who maintain control of a subdivision through a Property Owners' Association, Architectural Control Committee, restrictive covenant or otherwise, shall transfer such control to the lot owners no later than when the developer ceases to own a majority of total lots in, or planned for, the subdivision. Relinquishment of developer control shall require affirmative action, usually in the form of an election based upon one vote per lot.
- (vi) Reservations contained in United States land patents and similar Federal grants or reservations.