An Apartment building on S. Eculid Avenue in Pasadena (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net).
The City of Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department reminds tenants and landlords that protections are still in effect during the ongoing natural disaster and proclaimed state of emergency.
By News Desk
These protections, created by the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment, aim to provide stability for renters and property owners during challenging times and apply to certain rental units in Pasadena.
To find out if your unit is included or to get help, visit this website, call a Housing Counselor at (626) 744-7999, or email rentstabilization@cityofpasadena.net.
Key Provisions
Rent Increase Protections:
- Annual Limits: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must give a 30-day written notice. From October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the maximum rent increase allowed is 3.0%.
- Contesting Rent Increases: Tenants can petition against rent increases that exceed the limit unless the increase has been approved through a petition. Rent increases are not allowed if landlords fail to follow city rules, keep units habitable, or make required repairs.
Eviction Protections:
- Just Cause Requirement: Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice that clearly states a valid, legal reason (“Just Cause”) for eviction. This applies even if a rental unit has been damaged by the wildfires, severe winds, or related conditions.
Landlords should consult with their attorneys to determine their obligations. Examples of “Just Cause” reasons:
- Failure to pay rent
- The landlord or a family member moving into the unit
- Withdrawal of the rental unit from the market
- Major repairs requiring tenants to vacate
- Following a Governmental Order to vacate
- Relocation Assistance: If tenants are evicted for reasons beyond their control (e.g., owner move-in, necessary repairs, and governmental order), they are entitled to relocation assistance. For more information about relocation assistance, please refer to Chapter 4, Article III of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board Regulations.
- Additional Homeowner Protections: Homeowners living in their primary residence can create temporary tenancies (up to 12 months) that are exempt from the Pasadena Fair And Equitable Housing Charter Amendment as long as the length of the tenancy is stated in writing at the inception of the tenancy, along with a statement that the tenancy may be terminated, and relocation assistance shall not be provided.
- Anti-Harassment Protections: Landlords cannot harass or retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, including participation in tenant advocacy activities. Such retaliation is a defense to eviction.
- Price Gouging. As further detailed in the City’s January 13, 2025 press release, the anti-rent gouging provisions of California Penal Code Section 396 are in effect during the current proclaimed state and local State of Emergency. State law prohibits landlords from charging new tenants more than the maximum lawful rent that was charged to previous tenant.
For more information, resources, or assistance, visit this website or contact a Housing Counselor at (626) 744-7999 or rentstabilization@cityofpasadena.net.
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