What do usury laws regulate?

Usury laws specifically address the maximum interest rates that lenders can charge borrowers. These laws are designed to protect consumers from excessive fees and ensure fair lending practices. By capping interest rates, usury laws help mitigate the risk of predatory lending where individuals, especially those in vulnerable financial situations, could be charged exorbitant rates that lead to an unmanageable debt burden.

The focus of usury laws is particularly important in promoting fair practices in the lending industry, helping to maintain a balance between the interests of borrowers and lenders. This regulatory framework aims to foster a more equitable financial environment while stimulating responsible lending practices.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the core function of usury laws. The regulation of agents acting on behalf of principals, the definition of void contracts, and property performance values are governed by different legal principles and areas of law, such as agency law, contract law, and property law, respectively. Thus, the correct answer reflects the specific intent of usury laws in the context of lending practices.