Pasadena Expected to Move Forward with Rent Control Charter Amendments

The City of Pasadena is poised to vote on a resolution that would place revisions to the rent control amendment on the November ballot. 

The amendments, approved unanimously by the Council during its July 8 meeting, are aimed at refining existing provisions and addressing various ambiguities in the City’s rent control and eviction protections. These changes come less than two years after voters originally adopted the Charter amendment on November 8, 2022, which introduced rent control measures and just cause eviction protections.

Under the proposed revisions, which were recommended by the Pasadena Rental Housing Board and endorsed by City staff, several key adjustments are set to be implemented:

1. Revision of Rental Registry Deadlines: Removal of language setting deadlines for the implementation of the rental registry and adjustment of the annual registration deadline.
2. Compliance with Ellis Act: Amendments to comply with Ellis Act requirements, including notice periods and definitions related to senior and disabled tenants.
3. Relocation Assistance Timelines: Introduction of an alternative timeline for the disbursement of relocation assistance to tenants under specific circumstances.
4. Adjustment of Security Deposit Interest Rate Announcement: Change of the annual security deposit interest rate announcement date.
5. Exemption for Government-Subsidized Tenants: Introduction of a partial exemption from rent stabilization provisions for rental units occupied by government-subsidized tenants.
6. Board Member Removal Process: Establishment of an alternate process for the removal of Board members for misconduct, requiring a two-thirds vote.
7. Annual General Adjustment Date: Change in the date for the first annual general adjustment announcement.
8. Correction of Legal References: Correction of references within the City Charter for clarity and consistency.
9. Petition Procedures: Authorization for the City Council to adopt procedures for processing voter-initiated petitions for Board member removal.
10. Clarification of Legal Requirements: Clarification of ambiguous language and alignment of legal requirements with existing practices.

The Council’s decision followed months of deliberation by the Rental Housing Board, which received public input and worked closely with City departments to refine the proposed amendments. The amendments aim to streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and align Pasadena’s housing regulations with state laws and best practices.

Residents will have the opportunity to vote on these proposed amendments during the upcoming November 5. General Municipal Election. The ballot measure, if approved, will mark the latest step in Pasadena’s ongoing efforts to maintain fair and equitable housing practices within the City.