The California Residential Mortgage Lending Act governs the licensing and business activities of mortgage lenders and services. An applicant can apply for a license as a lender, a servicer or both. Licensed lenders can also act as mortgage brokers.
All mortgage companies must report to the Department of Real Estate if they arrange or service any loan secured by real property consisting of 1 to 4 residential units. The Department also monitors the handling of trust funds by mortgage companies.