Pasadena Rental Housing Board to Discuss Regulatory Amendments and Compliance Issues

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board will convene its regular meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider significant amendments to rental housing regulations and review the department’s recent operational achievements.

The board will primarily focus on two key regulatory changes, according to the agenda posted last night.

First, members will examine proposed amendments to Chapter 9 of the Rental Housing Board Regulations, which would remove existing rent withholding provisions for property registration non-compliance. Staff recommends eliminating these provisions after finding they were rarely utilized, with only six petitions filed and none progressing to hearings.

“Staff recommends eliminating the rent withholding provisions,” the agenda report states, citing low usage and potential risks to tenants. Instead, the department proposes implementing a system of progressive late fees for landlords who fail to comply with registration requirements.

The meeting will also address proposed amendments to Chapter 6 hearing procedures, clarifying the finality of hearing officer and board decisions. These changes aim to align regulatory language with the city’s Charter Amendment, ensuring clear processes for judicial review and decision implementation.

The board is scheduled to receive a comprehensive monthly report highlighting significant achievements. Notably, the Rental Registry has seen progress towards completion, with 5,878 property registrations completed as of August 18, representing 74% of targeted properties. The department has collected $4,782,879.96 in registration fees.

Compliance efforts have already yielded tangible results for tenants, the Rent Stabilization Department said, including guiding a 31-unit property through rent rollbacks that resulted in over $75,000 returned to renters. Housing counselors have also assisted residents in addressing illegal rent increases and filing adjustment petitions.

The PRHB meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at Pasadena City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249.

Members of the public can participate in-person or via videoconference. Virtual attendees can join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816590299 or dial 1-669-900-6833 (Meeting ID: 898 165 902 99).

Public comments will be accepted both in-person and virtually. Those unable to attend can submit written correspondence to rentalboard@cityofpasadena.net. Spanish language translation services will be available.