“Property improvement loan” means an advance of money, evidenced by a note, to finance rehabilitation and general repairs and improvements to a residence consistent with the purposes of this division. A property improvement loan may, but need not be, secured by a deed of trust. However, a property improvement loan made outside a neighborhood preservation area shall be unsecured and shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
Source:
Section 50093.6, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=50093.6..