What is the purpose of an acceleration clause in a mortgage?

An acceleration clause in a mortgage serves the critical function of enabling the lender to demand full repayment of the loan if the borrower defaults on their payment obligations. This clause provides the lender with a mechanism for protecting their financial interests in the event of non-payment. Essentially, if a borrower misses a specified number of payments or otherwise breaches the terms of the mortgage, the acceleration clause allows the lender to expedite the repayment process, requiring the entire outstanding balance to be paid immediately.

This is particularly important in lending situations where timely payment is crucial for the lender's risk management. By having an acceleration clause in place, lenders can take action more swiftly to recover amounts owed, potentially minimizing losses that might occur due to prolonged defaults.

The other options do not accurately capture the function of the acceleration clause. Adjustments in interest rates pertain to variable-rate loans but are not connected to default rights. Similarly, clarifying the payment structure of the loan relates more to the amortization and repayment terms, while increasing the loan amount does not involve the consequences of default outlined by the acceleration clause.