Rent Control Protections Continue in Pasadena During Natural Disaster Emergency

On Thursday, the City of Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department reaffirmed key housing protections remain in effect during the ongoing natural disaster emergency involving wildfires, severe winds, and related conditions. The measures, established under the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment, include strict rent control provisions and eviction protections for certain rental units within the City.

The Rent Stabilization Department said these protections, created by the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing City Charter Amendment, aim to provide stability for renters and property owners even during challenging times.

Under the regulations, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months and must provide a 30-day written notice.

The maximum allowable rent increase from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, is capped at 3.0%.

Tenants retain the right to petition against any increases that exceed this limit unless previously approved through a petition process.

Notably, rent increases are prohibited if landlords fail to follow City rules, maintain habitable units, or make required repairs.

The protections strengthen eviction safeguards, requiring landlords to provide written notice with a valid “Just Cause” reason for eviction, even if disaster conditions damage units.

Valid reasons include failure to pay rent, owner or family member move-in, withdrawal from the rental market, major repairs requiring vacancy, or compliance with governmental orders to vacate.

Landlords are advised to consult with their attorneys regarding these obligations, the Dept. said in a statement.

Tenants facing eviction for reasons beyond their control qualify for relocation assistance under Chapter 4, Article III of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board Regulations.

Homeowners living in their primary residence can create temporary tenancies of up to 12 months exempt from these regulations, provided they state the length of tenancy in writing at inception and include notice that the tenancy may be terminated without relocation assistance.

The City’s anti-harassment provisions prohibit landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising their legal rights, including participation in tenant advocacy activities. Such retaliation serves as a defense against eviction.

Additionally, as announced in the City’s Jan. 13, 2025, press release, anti-rent gouging provisions under California Penal Code Section 396 prevent landlords from charging new tenants more than the previous maximum lawful rent during the emergency period.

Residents can verify if these protections cover their unit by visiting cityofpasadena.net/rent-stabilization/, contacting Housing Counselors at (626) 744-7999, or emailing rentstabilization@cityofpasadena.net.