Pasadena Scrambles to Register Rental Properties Ahead of Stabilization Program Deadline

Pasadena’s new rent stabilization program faces compliance challenges as the Rental Registry’s December 22 deadline approaches, with about half of rental properties yet to register.

“We have 2,975 properties in substantial compliance, representing 48% of what we’re anticipating required to register,” said Pasadena’s Housing Director Helen Morales said Thursday at the Pasadena Rental Housing Board meeting.

Pasadena’s Rent Stabilisation Department began sending registration notices to landlords in September. So far, about 21% of properties, 1,329 units, have completed the full registration process.

Another 933 properties are in various stages of review, with landlords requesting exemptions or working to resolve discrepancies in the City’s records. However, 3,253 properties, about 52% of the total, remain in “registration open” status, meaning they have not yet begun the registration process.

Morales said the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department is working to contact landlords, especially managers of larger properties, to encourage compliance before the deadline. The City is expected to send warning letters and make phone calls to those who have not registered.

“Property owners, if you are out there and you’re waiting till the last day, know that you will not be in compliance” by the deadline, Morales said, “because … it takes a while to get all this data in.”

Once the deadline passes, tenants will be able to file petitions if their landlord has failed to register. Landlords who do not register will not be able to raise rents or evict tenants.

There are plans for the City to work with the Pasadena Apartment Owners Association and other landlord groups to help spread information about the registration requirements. Morales noted that the City’s goal is to achieve a high compliance rate, similar to the 99% registration her previous municipality attained, though she acknowledged that could take time.

“My goal is to get everybody registered and to collaborate with our landlords and get the information out,” Morales said.