Pasadena landlords have until December 22 to register their rental properties in the city’s new online system after officials roll out an extensive outreach campaign Monday to ensure compliance with the rent control ordinance passed in 2022.
The Pasadena Rental Housing Board met Thursday and discussed the impending launch of the rental registry, a key component of the city’s rent stabilization program, among other agenda items.
Rent Stabilization Department Director Helen Morales presented details of the registration process and upcoming informational workshops for landlords.
“It is seven easy steps and I would impress on everyone to come in and register as quickly as possible and not wait until the deadline,” Morales told the Board.
The registration requirement applies to a wide range of rental properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, accessory dwelling units, and multifamily buildings with two or more units.
Landlords must provide information such as unit details, rent amounts, occupancy dates, and any exemption claims through the online portal, which is slated to be operational starting Monday.
To register, property owners will need a computer, email account, parcel number, and PIN.
The rental housing fee is $214.71 per unit, covering a two-year period from 2023 to 2025. Landlords must also update registration information within 30 days if there’s a change in ownership.
The City is offering in-person workshops at Jackie Robinson Community Center, Victory Park, and 199 S. Los Robles, as well as webinars to assist landlords with the registration process, starting September 24.
Board Members expressed concerns about potential technical issues if many landlords wait until the last minute to register.
Morales acknowledged this possibility. She said early registration is important, but her staff would work with stragglers if necessary.
Board Chair Ryan Bell urged patience from the public as the new program rolls out.
“There are bound to be snags along the way,” Bell said. “Please be patient with Helen and her staff because it’s a huge undertaking and they’re there to serve you.”
The rental registry is a crucial tool for implementing the City’s rent control ordinance, which voters approved in November 2022.
Morales warned that if landlords fail to register by the deadline, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, and landlords may be prevented from increasing rents or evicting tenants.
Landlords needing assistance can contact the Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999 or email rental.registry@cityofpasadena.net.
The Board also discussed other matters, including amendments to its rules of conduct, the adoption of an interest rate for security deposits, and reports from various ad hoc committees.
Members approved setting the 2025 security deposit interest rate at 0.12%, based on an average of rates from local banks.
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