New Pasadena Rental Housing Board

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (“Rent Board”) held its first meeting on May 24, 2023, and has officially commenced operations.  The Rent Board’s primary focus is to implement and enforce compliance with the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment (Pasadena City Charter, Article XVIII).

By News Desk

The Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment, commonly known as Measure H, was approved by voters in the General Election and came into effect on December 22, 2022.  This significant amendment has provided a comprehensive set of protections for tenants residing in qualified properties.

Communication and outreach

The Rent Board is dedicated to effective communication and outreach, utilizing various methods such as community posters, mailers, resident workshops, and collaborations with key stakeholders. Their goal is to support compliant landlords by sharing information and resources, ensuring swift and streamlined compliance with the Pasadena Fair and Affordable Housing Charter Amendment. Ultimately, the Rent Board aims to expedite resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants to ensure that tenants are protected from unlawful evictions and illegal rent increases and landlords receive a fair return on their property.

The Rent Board has the authority to impose fines and penalties on non-compliant landlords under the Pasadena Fair and Affordable Housing Charter Amendment. However, the board remains optimistic that instances of non-compliance will be minimal. When the Rent Board begins to implement the Charter Amendment it will be providing resources and tools for both landlords and tenants to assist with compliance.

Under the Measure H provisions, new protections and policies include:

• New “Base Rent” Determination
  For tenancies commencing on or before May 17, 2021, the new base rent is the rent in effect on that date. For tenancies commencing after May 17, 2021, it is the rental rate paid by the tenant upon initial occupancy.
• Limited Rent Increases
  Rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months and capped at no more than 75% inflation. Currently, the maximum lawful rent increase until September 30, 2023, stands at 6%.
• Just Cause Eviction Protections
  Tenants now enjoy enhanced safeguards against unjust evictions, ensuring security and stability in their housing.

The Rental Housing Board wants to emphasize the importance of immediate compliance with the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment and encourages landlords to accurately apply the rent rollback to qualified tenants’ new base rent, diligently adhere to the allowable annual general adjustment for rent increases, cease all evictions without just cause, and provide accurate notice as stipulated by the Pasadena Fair and Affordable Housing Charter Amendment. Doing so ensures that the rights and protections outlined in the amendment are upheld, fostering a fair and equitable housing environment.

For comprehensive information, visit the Pasadena Rental Housing Board’s official website. Regular meetings of the Rent Board are scheduled for 6:00 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at the Robinson Park Recreation Center. Members of the public can also participate in these meetings remotely via Zoom.

> To contact the Pasadena Rental Housing Board–email: rentalboard@cityofpasadena.net.