Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department Holds Off On Hiring Despite Reported $3 Million Surplus

Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department has collected approximately $6.2 million in rental housing fees this fiscal year but has left three staff positions unfilled—contributing to a $3.1 million budget surplus at the midyear mark, according to city documents.

The department spent just 41% of its $5.2 million annual budget through December 31, according to a report Executive Director Helen Morales will present to the Rental Housing Board Thursday evening.

The vacant positions—two in Outreach and Compliance, one in Rent Registration—account for much of the underspending. The department monitors revenue collection before recruiting for the openings, the report said.

Personnel costs show the widest variance. The department spent $1.3 million of its $3.3 million allocation, leaving 61% unspent. Services and supplies remain 66% unspent at $406,472 of a $1.2 million budget.

Revenue collections exceeded expectations. The approximately $6.2 million includes current-year fees, outstanding payments from last year, and $51,000 in late fees. Since the rental registry launched, cumulative revenue has reached $10.6 million.

Major expenses include the office lease at $132,000 and merchant transaction fees totaling $104,000. Translation and interpretation services through Translations4All cost $36,800. The Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution provides alternative mediation services for $30,000.

Internal service charges represent the department’s share of citywide costs, including the Capital Allocation Plan and information technology services.

The City Council approved a $46,000 budget adjustment in October for an office security enhancement spanning two fiscal years.

A Deputy City Attorney position dedicated to rent stabilization operates under a separate budget at $124,120 annually and reports to the City Attorney’s Office.

The department anticipates additional revenue from unregistered units and pending payments.

The Rental Housing Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. Thursday in City Council Chambers. The quarterly budget update is an information item requiring no board action, though board members may provide direction to staff.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. Pasadena City Hall, City Council Chambers, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena.