Rent Control Outcome Cliff Hanger; Measure H Ahead By Less Than 1%

[Updated Wed., Nov. 9, 2022 |  3:30 a.m.] Reflecting the fierce battle fought leading up to the election, Pasadena’s Measure H, the rent control measure, is coming to the finish line hotly contested and just 114 votes ahead.

The latest results of the majority of votes cast show 11,928 votes or  50.26% of the count in favor of the measure, and 11,804 votes or 49.74% voting against it.

The Measure H ballot provision would amend the city’s Charter to cap annual rent increases at 2 to 3%.

Under the measure, landlords would only be allowed to evict tenants for just causes, like failure to pay rent. 

According to supporters, the charter amendment would stabilize rents by limiting increases to 75% of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index and limiting increases to once a year. A housing board would also be established to implement the regulations. 

Jay Trevino from Management Partners consulting firm said the measure’s implementation would cost $5.8 million in its first year. 

A coalition of the Pasadena Tenants Union and several partner organizations in the Pasadena community is behind the Pasadena Rent Control charter amendment campaign.

California rents are among the highest in the nation. In some areas rents on apartments now top $3,000.

About half of Pasadena tenants pay over 30% of their income in rent, according to the Coalition. A quarter of the city’s tenants are severely rent-burdened, paying over 50% of their income in rent.