Exploring Mortgage and Charge in Company Law

Uncover the key aspects of mortgages and charges in company law. Learn what they mean for businesses and how to navigate them.
Loan Against Property
5 min
29 May 2024

Understanding the mechanisms of mortgage and charge in company law is crucial for businesses aiming to leverage assets for financial growth. This knowledge is especially vital when considering options like a loan against property by Bajaj Finance, which can provide the necessary funds while ensuring legal compliance and asset security. This article delves into the intricate relationship between mortgages and charges under company law, providing a clear guide for businesses to navigate these complex legal landscapes.

Understanding Mortgage and Charge in Company Law

A mortgage in company law refers to a secured loan where a company borrows money against the security of its tangible or intangible assets. The lender, or mortgagee, has the right to seize the mortgaged property if the borrower, or mortgagor, fails to repay the loan according to the agreed terms.

Charges, meanwhile, are broader in scope. They involve securing borrowings against the company’s assets and can be either fixed or floating. A fixed charge is tied specifically to identifiable assets like buildings or equipment. A floating charge, on the other hand, is not attached to any specific asset but floats over all the assets of a company, such as stock and debtors, and becomes "fixed" upon the occurrence of specific events, like the company going into liquidation.

Scope of Mortgage and Charge in Company Law

  1. Creation of security: Both mortgages and charges serve as instruments to create security over a company's assets, thereby providing reassurance to lenders that their loans are protected against default.
  2. Flexibility in asset management: Floating charges provide companies with the flexibility to use their current assets (like inventory) without needing constant lender approval. This is beneficial for companies that need fluid asset management for operations.
  3. Priority in repayment: In the event of insolvency, secured creditors through mortgages and fixed charges are paid before unsecured creditors and those secured by floating charges. This hierarchy influences the company’s strategic financial planning.
  4. Regulatory compliance: Under company law, both mortgages and charges need to be registered with the appropriate legal bodies. In many jurisdictions, this registration is crucial to ensure the enforceability of security against third parties.
  5. Restructuring flexibility: Mortgages and charges can be restructured as part of financial adjustments or in corporate recovery scenarios, offering businesses avenues to renegotiate terms under distress.

Benefits of Mortgage and Charge in Company Law

  1. Access to capital: Secured loans like those backed by mortgages or charges typically attract lower interest rates, giving companies access to capital at more affordable costs.
  2. Risk management: By using assets as security, companies can manage risk better, ensuring that they do not over-leverage unsecured debt, which could jeopardise their financial stability.
  3. Enhanced credibility: Companies that effectively manage mortgages and charges are often viewed as creditworthy and reliable, enhancing their reputation in the eyes of lenders and investors.
  4. Strategic asset utilisation: Especially with floating charges, companies can strategically utilise their assets to generate revenue while also securing funding, and maximising asset utility without stagnation.

How Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property can help with mortgage and charge in company law?

Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property, as one of India's leading Non-Banking Financial Companies, plays a crucial role in assisting businesses with the legal and financial intricacies of mortgages and charges under company law. Here is how they facilitate and streamline this process:

  1. Expert financial products: Loan Against Property by Bajaj Finance offers a range of tailor-made financial products for businesses seeking to leverage their assets. Loans against property allow companies to secure funding against their real estate assets. Such products are structured to comply with legal frameworks, ensuring that both mortgages and charges are managed correctly according to company law.
  2. Legal compliance and registration assistance: Navigating the legal requirements of mortgages and charges can be complex. Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property provides guidance and assistance in registering these securities with the appropriate regulatory bodies, a mandatory step for enforcing these financial instruments. This service ensures that all legal bases are covered, protecting both the lender and the borrower.
  3. Flexible repayment options: Understanding that each business has unique cash flow patterns, Loan Against Property by Bajaj Finance offers flexible repayment plans. This adaptability is crucial for managing the financial health of a business without compromising its operational capabilities, especially when dealing with floating charges, which may convert to fixed charges upon certain events.
  4. Risk assessment and management: By conducting thorough risk assessments before granting loans, Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property ensures that the business’s assets are appropriately valued and that the loan does not exceed a safe margin. This prudent approach minimises the risk of default, ensuring that the mortgage or charge remains a secure and viable source of funding.
  5. Quick disbursement: For businesses that need quick access to funds, Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property ensures fast processing and disbursement of loans. This rapid service is vital for companies needing immediate capital to seize business opportunities or manage sudden financial obligations.

In these ways, Bajaj Finserv Loan Against Property supports companies in effectively managing their financing needs under company law, providing the tools and expertise necessary for successful mortgage and charge arrangements.

Mortgage and charge in company law form an integral part of company law, providing a secure means for companies to access necessary funds while protecting the interests of lenders. For businesses looking to explore secured financing options, understanding these legal tools is essential. If your company is considering leveraging its assets, Loan Against Property by Bajaj Finance offers competitive options. These financial solutions come with the assurance of transparency and compliance, aligned with company law requirements.

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

What are mortgages and charges?
A mortgage is a legal agreement where a borrower (mortgagor) pledges property as collateral to secure a loan from a lender (mortgagee). Charges refer to financial claims or liens on an asset, including mortgages, where the asset serves as security for a debt or obligation.
What are mortgages and charges in the Companies Act 2013?
Under the Companies Act 2013, mortgages and charges refer to the legal mechanisms by which a company can secure its debt. A mortgage is a type of charge created on an immovable property as security for a loan. Charges, in general, include any interest or lien created on the company's assets or property (both movable and immovable) to secure the repayment of debt. The Act requires companies to register these charges with the Registrar of Companies to be enforceable.
What is a mortgage under company law?
Under company law, a mortgage is a legal agreement where a company uses its immovable property as collateral to secure a loan. This creates a charge on the property, giving the lender (mortgagee) the right to sell the property if the company (mortgagor) defaults on the loan. The mortgage must be registered with the Registrar of Companies to be enforceable.
What is a charge in company law?
In company law, a charge is a form of security interest created over a company's assets or properties (movable and immovable) to secure the repayment of a debt or performance of an obligation. Charges must be registered with the Registrar of Companies to be legally enforceable.
Show More Show Less