Civil Code section 1918.5

As used in this chapter:

(a)

“Evidence of debt” means a note or negotiable instrument.

(b)

“Secretary” means the Secretary of Business and Consumer Services.

(c)

“Secretary’s designee” means the director of a department within the agency that licenses or regulates the institutions, organizations, or persons engaged in a business related to or affecting compliance with this chapter.

(d)

“Security document” means a mortgage contract, deed of trust, real estate sales contract, or any note or negotiable instrument issued in connection therewith, when its purpose is to finance the purchase or construction of real property occupied or intended to be occupied by the borrower, containing four or fewer residential units or on which four or fewer residential units are to be constructed.

(e)

The amendments made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall become operative on July 1, 2026.

Source: Section 1918.5, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1918.­5.­ (updated Jun. 29, 2026; accessed Aug. 17, 2026).

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Verified:
Aug. 17, 2026

§ 1918.5's source at ca​.gov