"Unearned fees" refers to money that a person or business receives for services or work that they have not yet completed or delivered. It is income that is yet to be earned through future work or fulfillment of obligations. Full definition
The Consumers asserted that a 2001 policy statement issued by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development («HUD») prohibited the collection of unearned fees for real estate settlement services and therefore any of the Lender's charges where no services were provided violated RESPA. (nar.realtor)
You may not put money received for unearned fees in any other place, including your firm's operating account. (lawyerist.com)
These judicial interpretations of Section 8 (b) led HUD to issue a Statement of Policy on Oct. 18, 2001, reiterating its position on unearned fees under RESPA. (realtormag.realtor.org)