---
kind: "section"
citation: "24 C.F.R. § 26.14"
title: "24"
number: "26.14"
heading: "Answer."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/24/26.14"
---

# §26.14. Answer.

- (a) Respondent shall file an answer within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, unless otherwise specified in this title or ordered by the hearing officer.
- (b) **The answer shall—**
  - (1) Respond specifically to each factual allegation contained in the complaint;
  - (2) Specifically plead any affirmative defense; and
  - (3) **Set forth any mitigating factors or extenuating circumstances.**
- (c) A general denial shall not be permitted. Allegations are admitted when not specifically denied in respondent's answer.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

### Source

Source: 73 FR 76833, Dec. 17, 2008, unless otherwise noted.