Civil Code section 2920

(a)

A mortgage is a contract by which specific property, including an estate for years in real property, is hypothecated for the performance of an act, without the necessity of a change of possession.

(b)

For purposes of Section 2924 to 2924h, inclusive, “mortgage” also means any security device or instrument, other than a deed of trust, that confers a power of sale affecting real property or an estate for years therein, to be exercised after breach of the obligation so secured, including a real property sales contract, as defined in Section 2985, which contains such a provision.

Source: Section 2920, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=2920.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1989; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 2920's source at ca​.gov