TL;DR
Pasadena adopted the Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment (Measure H, 2022). The Rental Housing Board sets the annual cap (a percentage of CPI), administers registration, and enforces just-cause from day one on covered units. Costa-Hawkins exempts post-1995 construction, SFRs, and individual condos.
What Measure H created
Measure H amended the Pasadena City Charter to establish:
- A rent stabilization framework for pre-1995 multi-unit rentals (Costa-Hawkins limit).
- A Rental Housing Board to administer the framework.
- An annual allowable rent increase tied to CPI.
- Just-cause eviction requirements from day one of covered tenancies.
- Mandatory annual registration with per-unit fees.
- Relocation requirements for no-fault terminations.
Coverage — Costa-Hawkins lines
The Pasadena framework operates within the state Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which exempts post-1995 construction, single-family rentals, and individually-owned condos from local rent control. Most pre-1995 multi-unit properties in Pasadena are covered.
The Rental Housing Board
The Board administers the program: setting the annual cap, processing registrations, hearing rent adjustment petitions, and enforcing the just-cause framework. Pull the current allowable rent increase from the Board's website before any notice goes out.
Pasadena owners coming from elsewhere in LA County
Unincorporated LA County and most LA County cities don't have city-level rent control — they sit on AB 1482 alone. Pasadena is different. The cap is lower than AB 1482's in most years, just-cause is day-one rather than after 12 months, and registration is mandatory.
Common questions — Pasadena landlord laws
Does Pasadena have rent control?
Yes, since Measure H passed in 2022. Administered by the Pasadena Rental Housing Board.
What units are covered?
Pre-1995 multi-unit rentals within city limits (Costa-Hawkins line). SFRs, individual condos, and post-1995 construction are exempt.
What is the cap?
Set yearly by the Board as a percentage of CPI. Pull the current allowable from the Board's website.
When does just-cause apply?
From day one of covered tenancies under the Pasadena framework.
Is registration mandatory?
Yes for covered units. Annual, per-unit fee. Non-registration bars lawful rent increases.
CA Landlord Laws