The Department of Housing and Urban Development this week clarified its interpretation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act in relation to yield-spread premiums, which could force courts to re-examine cases where class certification already has been granted. HUD’s action is expected to eliminate the legal uncertainty of yield-spread premiums following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in June to uphold class certification in the Culpepper v. Irwin Mortgage