City Department Reports on Eviction Notices, Majority for Unpaid Rent

The Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department reported 148 eviction notices served to tenants during the first quarter of 2025, with 120 specifically citing failure to pay rent, according to a report presented Thursday.

The quarterly analysis, covering January through March, revealed that 140 of the notices were three-day notices to cure or vacate. Other common grounds included breach of lease (10), nuisance complaints (4) and subtenant in sole possession (2).

The Department also recorded six no-fault termination notices under the 30/60/90-day termination category, including owner move-ins (3), failure to pay rent (1), Ellis Act withdrawals (2) and subtenant in sole possession (2).

Housing counselors recorded 962 contacts from residents during the quarter. Concerns about rent increases topped the list with 182 inquiries (18.9%), followed by general questions about rent stabilization laws (133) and repairs or habitability issues (130).

Between February 6 and May 9, 2025, 19 petitions were filed with the Department. Eleven came from landlords, primarily objecting to denied exemption requests, while eight came from tenants seeking downward rent adjustments. The status breakdown shows eight petitions were rejected, two withdrawn, one with settlement conference date set, one settled, and four with hearing dates set. Tenant petitions specifically addressed failure to maintain habitable premises (6), decrease in housing services (1), and unlawful rent (1).

Registration data shows increased compliance with city requirements for rental unit owners to register and pay a fee. Since September 2024, the Department has recorded 4,904 registrations covering 19,332 units. December 2024 accounted for 41% of all registrations—a significant spike of 1,996 registrations compared to monthly averages of 300-400 in other months.

Property owners have paid $3.57 million in registration fees, with over $2 million collected in December alone.

The Department reported it conducted multiple outreach efforts during the quarter, including two public workshops, a Lunch and Learn session, and community engagement at Pintoresca Library and the Black History Festival.