August City Workshop Explores Base Rent, Rent Rollbacks and Annual Increases

Under Pasadena’s Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment, lawful rent for a covered rental unit is based on a fixed reference point known as the “Base Rent.” Generally, the Base Rent is the rent in effect on May 17, 2021, or the initial rent charged at the beginning of a tenancy that started after that date.

To help tenants and landlords understand how these requirements apply to them, the Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) is hosting a free community workshop on Tuesday, August 11 at 6 p.m.  The workshop will explain how Base Rent is established, when a rent rollback may apply and how allowable annual rent increases work in practice.

The workshop will be held at the RSD office, 199 S. Los Robles Ave., First Floor Conference Room, with a virtual option available via Zoom at Bit.ly/MonthlyRSDWorkshops. Spanish interpretation will be available for both in-person and online participants.

Attendees will walk away with answers to questions like:

• What is my unit’s Base Rent, and how was it calculated?
• When does a landlord owe a tenant a rent rollback, and how do I find out if I qualify?
• What’s the maximum allowable annual rent increase, and when can it be applied?
• If I believe my rent was raised unlawfully, how do I file a downward adjustment petition?
• What notice, documentation and other requirements apply when increasing rent?

Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how these requirements may apply to their rental housing situation. Whether you are a tenant seeking to understand a recent rent increase notice or a landlord reviewing the requirements before increasing rent, this workshop will provide practical information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

For more information, contact the Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999 or RentStabilization@CityofPasadena.net.