GUEST OPINION
Pasadena City Hall (File Photo – Sharon Hawley)
In a landmark decision that has been nearly two years in the making, the community of Pasadena has emerged victorious once again in its fight for tenant protections.
By Ryan Bell
Measure H, a ballot initiative passed by voters in November 2022, created desperately needed safeguards for renters in a city where housing affordability has become a crisis.
This victory at the ballot box was hard-earned, winning by a margin of over 7.5%. Yet, as is often the case when powerful interests feel threatened, the California Apartment Association (CAA) and specific landlords in Pasadena wasted no time in launching a lawsuit to overturn the measure, claiming that everything from its very structure to the composition of the Rent Board was unconstitutional.
Their arguments, which included claims that the Rent Board’s tenant-majority composition was unconstitutional, were aimed at derailing the will of the voters and maintaining the status quo, one that too often leaves working people vulnerable to the whims of landlords. In March 2023, the Los Angeles Superior Court ruled in favor of the community, but the CAA was not deterred. They appealed to the California Appeals Court, pushing the case into 2024, more than a year after the initial court win.
On December 18, after months of anticipation, the Appeals Court delivered its ruling, and once again, the community triumphed. The court upheld Measure H, affirming that it is not unconstitutional and that the tenant-majority Rent Board composition stands. While the decision isn’t entirely perfect—the court struck down one provision regarding relocation assistance for tenants facing steep rent hikes in non-rent-controlled units—the victory for tenants is undeniable. The court’s ruling solidifies that the protections we’ve fought so hard for are legitimate and legally sound.
This is the third time in this ongoing battle that we have successfully defended our community against the landlord lobby. It’s a powerful reminder that when we, as a community, stand together and fight for what is right, we can overcome the overwhelming power of corporate interests seeking to exploit vulnerable renters. It’s also an important message that our legal system, while not perfect, still provides a path for justice, even against entrenched, well-funded opposition.
This victory is both a relief and a source of pride. There’s something uniquely gratifying about defending yourself, your neighbors, your friends, and your family from predatory forces that seem more interested in profit than people. This win is not just for those who voted for Measure H, and not just for renters, but for all who recognize the need for balance in the housing market and the rights of renters to live with dignity and security.
This ruling is a tremendous gift, especially as we approach the holiday season. It’s a reminder that our work isn’t over. We’ll continue to advocate for tenants’ rights and fight against any attempt to roll back our hard-earned protections. But for now, we celebrate this crucial victory and the resilience of a community that refuses to back down in the face of injustice.
Ryan Bell is member organizer with the Pasadena Tenants Union and was a leader of the Measure H campaign. He currently serves on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, but the opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board.
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