Chase Home Lending is using higher credit standards for its home equity loans, said spokeswoman Nancy Norris.

Home equity loans give homeowners a way to borrow money against the debt-free portion of their home’s value. When home values soared, homeowners saw their equity climb, too, boosting their ability to use homes as collateral for loans. Typical uses of home equity loans include home improvements, consolidating debt, or big-ticket consumer expenses.