Pasadena Rental Board to Consider 2.25% Rent Cap for Eligible Units

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board is expected to weigh a proposal Thursday to limit rent increases to 2.25% for eligible residential units citywide, effective Oct. 1, pending board approval. If adopted, the annual general adjustment (AGA) would remain in place through Sept. 30, 2026.

The proposed adjustment stems from guidelines outlined in the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment—commonly referred to as Measure H—which restricts rent hikes to either an annual increase or an upward rent modification through board petition. The pending 2.25% cap reflects 75% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County region over the 12-month period ending March 2025. The CPI for that period rose by 3.0%, and under the charter formula, adjustments must be rounded to the nearest quarter percent.

Should the Board approve the resolution, landlords would be required to apply the increase only between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30 of the active year. Increases not implemented within that window would be rendered invalid for the period. The Board is also required to formally publish the approved adjustment by Sept. 1 annually.

The draft resolution has been deemed exempt from environmental review under the “common sense” exemption of the California Environmental Quality Act, as officials indicated the action would not lead to a significant environmental impact. No fiscal effect is expected on the Board’s or the Rent Stabilization Department’s budget.

Board Chair Allison Henry is scheduled to preside over the meeting. The Board is tasked with enforcing provisions of the Charter, including rent control and tenant protections within the City of Pasadena. The board will meet at Pasadena City Hall.