A property owner’s organization called Pasadena Housing Providers issued an urgent call on Saturday, Jan. 11 asking the Pasadena City Council to temporarily modify local rental regulations to address the housing crisis sparked by catastrophic fires across Pasadena and neighboring cities.
The organization’s 6:30 p.m. statement detailed its concerns about the immediate need to house thousands of displaced residents.
The organization said it believes that “under Pasadena’s Measure H, property owners cannot help displaced fire victims by offering temporary accommodations because almost all rental contracts are automatically permanent under the new regulations.”
“This prevents the many vacant apartments, ADUs and other units from being used to house fire victims while they work to find a long-term home,” the group said.
A select 10-member committee from the organization is requesting that the Council use its emergency powers to extend Section 1805(a) of Measure H, which currently allows only single-family homeowners to offer one-time 12-month rental contracts, to all property types. This provision, originally designed by Measure H’s authors, could enable owners of apartments and accessory dwelling units to provide temporary housing solutions while supporting local owners rather than large corporate interests, the group said in a statement.
Pasadena Housing Providers also said that any temporary rentals must comply with state anti-price gouging laws. The organization explicitly warned that such practices are “both illegal and immoral” and urged “property owners with vacant apartments, empty ADUs, and other accommodations to work with the City of Pasadena” to assist displaced neighbors.
The announcement also called on all parties to work together in rebuilding Pasadena and addressing the urgent housing crisis caused by the fire.
The organization represents individuals and families who have acquired, maintained, and renovated rental homes in Pasadena, describing themselves as “families providing housing for families.” Ita mission includes advocating for property owners at the City Council, Rental Housing Board, and ballot box while promoting “fair and equitable regulations that do not drive up the cost of rental housing in Pasadena.”