Pasadena City Hall in the morning (Photo – Colorado Boulevard Newspaper)
Renters in Pasadena who have concerns about repairs, property maintenance or the safety of their rental homes have several city resources available to help them find the right department.
By News Desk
The City of Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department has Housing Counselors who provide information to tenants and landlords about the city’s Rent Stabilization Charter. They can answer questions about rent increases, eviction protections, rental registration, petitions, relocation assistance and other rent stabilization matters.
However, Housing Counselors do not inspect properties or investigate possible building, health or safety code violations.
When to contact Code Compliance
Renters who are concerned about unsafe or poorly maintained conditions can file a complaint with the City of Pasadena’s Code Compliance Division. The division receives and investigates complaints involving residential property maintenance and possible health and safety code violations.
Concerns that may be reported include:
- Overcrowded buildings
- Sewer or appliance gas odors
- Unmaintained or unsafe buildings
- Hazardous trees on private property
- Trash, junk or debris accumulating on private property
- Illegal conversions of garages or other structures into living spaces
- Termite damage involving weatherproofing or possible structural problems
- Potential structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other code violations
After a complaint is received, it is logged and assigned to the appropriate City department for investigation. If a violation of City code is found, the property owner is notified and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the problem.
Property owners who do not correct a cited violation may be responsible for the City’s enforcement costs and may be subject to prosecution by the City Prosecutor.
Check a property’s history
Residents can also use the Permit Center’s online Property Information tool to research a property. The tool allows residents to look up permits on file, check the status of an existing case and schedule an inspection.
Some problems go to other departments
Not every rental-related concern is handled by Code Compliance. Complaints involving rats, mice, roaches, fleas, flies, stagnant swimming pools or mosquitoes are handled by the Pasadena Public Health Department.
Residents can report most concerns through the City Service Center online or by calling (626) 744-7311, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Reports can be routed to the appropriate City department.
For questions about a property or a specific Code Compliance requirement, call the Code Compliance Division at (626) 744-8633. To request an update on an existing Code Compliance complaint, call (626) 744-7282.
More information and the complaint form are available through the Planning and Community Development Department’s File a Complaint webpage.
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