Caltech’s Acquisition of Pasadena Apartment Complex Sparks Backlash Over Tenants’ Rights

Caltech’s purchase of a Pasadena apartment complex to use for student housing and the termination of tenancy notices it sent to as many as 20 renters at the complex have ignited a firestorm of protest from the tenants and the Pasadena Tenants Union.

The developing situation contrasts property owner rights against tenant rights and pulls into focus Pasadena’s recently approved Measure H, the rent control initiative which garnered 57% of votes cast in December.

The complex, located at 400 South Mentor Avenue, was sold on May 31 to Caltech for $7.5 million, according to Redfin real estate services. It was built in 1966, reportedly by the seller’s father.

It is reported to contain 21 apartment units.

“Caltech purchased the property at 400 S. Mentor to convert it into Caltech residential student housing. We have more graduate students on campus who have requested to live in Caltech housing than we currently have units available to support,” Caltech Chief Communications Officer Shayna Chabner told Pasadena Now on Sunday.

“Caltech would like to transition the space into graduate student housing as soon as we can, but the Institute is ultimately committed to being good neighbors and will work with the tenants in that process,” Chabner said.

The Pasadena Tenants Union, the grassroots organization which created the Measure H initiative, gathered 15,352 signatures and saw it succeed at the polls, said Sunday it is actively organizing with the tenants at the apartment complex to form the Phoenix 400 Tenants Association.

“We support their demands for Caltech to formally rescind the eviction notices for any tenants wishing to stay in the building, issue an apology, and make a public commitment to keeping all tenants in place until, and if, they choose to move,” PTU spokesperson Jane Panangaden said Sunday.

Panangaden said PTU members have seen notices to quit served by Caltech to the tenants on June 8 which state that the tenants must vacate by September 30th or face legal action. 

“It is unconscionable for Caltech to attempt to evict Pasadena community members — and our neighbors — for no fault of their own,” Panangaden said.

The PTU also alleged that Caltech has ignored multiple requests for dialogue from the tenants. 

Chabner said Caltech will be reaching out to the tenants this week.

“As noted previously, we are prepared to be as flexible and understanding as is reasonably possible in the conversion process and think the situation would benefit from direct connection and conversation with the tenants,” Chabner said.

Measure H was certified as approved by voters in the November 8 General Election results, and the City Council adopted the resolution certifying the results on December 12. The Charter Amendment took effect on December 22. It requires landlords who decide to remove units from the rental market to provide tenants with a minimum of a 60-day eviction notice.

The amendment also mandates that such landlords provide relocation assistance.

Chabner said Caltech has already “shared information on the financial support that Caltech will provide, including moving allowance and relocation assistance, and a no-inspection return of their security deposits.”

Meanwhile, the Pasadena Tenants Union announced a 6 p.m. press conference at the complex by the newly formed Phoenix 400 Tenants Association on Wednesday.

“Our goal is to highlight the implications of these evictions and its impact on residents as well as the community as a whole. We invite local media, community leaders, and residents of Pasadena to attend and lend their support.”