### Question
How does the law define mortgage?


### Answer
Under *12 U.S.C. § 1715z*, **mortgage** is defined as:

> a first mortgage or first lien on real estate, in fee simple, on all stock allocated to a dwelling in a residential cooperative housing corporation, or on a leasehold—


(A) under a lease for not less than 99 years that is renewable

#### Citation:
  - *12 U.S.C. § 1715z*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 13-NATIONAL HOUSING > SUBCHAPTER II-MORTGAGE INSURANCE**

