A newly built mixed-use development on E. Walnut St. and El Molino Ave. (Photo – W.K.)
The City of Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department has issued an official clarification regarding rent increase notices and required forms under Charter Article XVIII, following recent inquiries from both landlords and tenants.
By News Desk
The clarification emphasizes that the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) is not responsible for drafting or issuing a Notice of Rent Increase form. Additionally, rent increase notices do not need to be included with the Notice of the Existence of the Charter (formerly known as the “General Notice to Tenants”).
Requirements Under the Charter
According to Section 1808(c) of the Charter, landlords must include specific information in their own rent increase notices when applying the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), including:
- A statement regarding the existence of the Charter; and
- Notification of the tenant’s right to petition against rent increases that exceed the AGA, unless already approved.
Landlords are not required to use a PRHB-issued form for rent increases but must ensure the required content is present.
Under Section 1808(d), rent increases cannot legally take effect until all notice requirements have been satisfied. Furthermore, increases are prohibited if a landlord is out of compliance with:
- The Charter,
- Applicable housing, building, health, or safety regulations, or
- Any PRHB orders.
Clarification on Charter Notice Requirements
Confusion has arisen from Section 1807(c), which mandates that landlords provide a Notice of the Existence of the Charter at the beginning of every tenancy. This PRHB-issued form includes:
- A summary of the Charter’s scope,
- Information on tenant rights regarding rent increases, and
- Details regarding the Rental Registry.
This notice must be provided before or at move-in, in the language used to negotiate the lease—or in another language upon request, if available.
The Department clarified that landlords may choose to distribute this notice more frequently to reinforce tenant rights. Doing so does not violate the Charter or invalidate rent increase notices.
Summary of Key Points
- The PRHB does not issue rent increase notice forms.
- The Notice of the Existence of the Charter is a mandatory PRHB form, required at the start of each tenancy.
- A copy of the required Charter notice form is available on the Rent Stabilization Department’s official website.
A copy of the required notice form is available on the Rent Stabilization Department’s official website (or email at RentStabilization@CityofPasadena.net).
Annual General Adjustment Update
In related news, the PRHB approved a 2.25% Annual General Adjustment (AGA) at its August 7, 2025, meeting. This adjustment will apply to all rent-stabilized units from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
For further information or clarification, both tenants and landlords are encouraged to contact a Housing Counselor via the Rent Stabilization Department’s official website.
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