A recent housing event (Photo – Ryan Bell)
In light of the ongoing local emergency related to winds and fire, Pasadena’s eviction and rent increase protections remain in full effect.
By News Desk
These protections are outlined in the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment (Article XVIII) and continue to safeguard tenants throughout the city.
As highlighted on January 17, 2025, these safeguards include a variety of remedies—civil, criminal, and administrative—for any violations of the city charter. In a separate release from January 13, 2025, the city reaffirmed that price gouging remains illegal during the declared emergency.
Eviction Protections
Under the provisions of Article XVIII, landlords are only permitted to evict tenants for “just cause.” If a landlord fails to provide a valid reason as outlined in the city charter or does not follow proper notice requirements, the eviction notice becomes invalid. Furthermore, tenants who believe their eviction does not meet the legal standards can use this failure to comply as a defense in an eviction lawsuit.
Rent Increase Protections
Rent increases are strictly regulated under Article XVIII. Landlords can only raise rent once per year, with a maximum allowable increase of 3.0%. Tenants have the right to challenge improper rent hikes via petition. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from raising rent if they have not maintained habitability standards or made necessary repairs to the rental unit.
Anti-Harassment Protections
The city’s protections also extend to harassment and retaliation by landlords. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, including participation in tenant advocacy activities. Any retaliation or harassment is grounds for defense in eviction proceedings.
Enforcement of Protections
Violators of these protections are subject to civil, criminal, and administrative penalties. Tenants, the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, or the City Attorney’s Office can pursue enforcement actions. In civil cases, landlords found in violation may be liable for actual damages, reasonable attorney’s fees, and, in cases of willful or malicious conduct, treble damages.
Additionally, any violation of the city’s rental protections can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, or infractions as determined by the City Attorney or City Prosecutor. If a tenant does not take legal action, the Rental Housing Board or the City Attorney may intervene on their behalf.
Price Gouging Protections
The city’s earlier release also reminded the public that price gouging, as outlined in California Penal Code section 396, remains illegal. During the local emergency, landlords are prohibited from raising rents more than 10% above the amount charged before the emergency declaration. Furthermore, landlords cannot evict tenants to raise rents beyond what previous tenants were charged. Violations of price gouging laws can lead to severe penalties, including up to a year in county jail, fines up to $10,000, and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation. Violators are also subject to restitution and injunctive relief.
Reporting Violations
Pasadena residents who suspect they have been the victim of price gouging are urged to report the incident to the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.
The city has made it clear that violations of these protections will not be tolerated, and appropriate enforcement measures will be taken to ensure compliance during the current emergency.
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