Rental Board to Review Tenant Anti-Harassment Regulations at Thursday Board Meeting

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board will consider regulations protecting tenants from landlord harassment and retaliation at its upcoming meeting.

The public meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. December 5 in the Pasadena City Hall’s Council Chamber will feature a study session examining existing federal, state and local tenant protections alongside proposed new local regulations.

The draft regulations detail prohibited landlord behaviors including violations of ‘quiet enjoyment,’ habitability issues, privacy intrusions, forced vacation tactics, discrimination, and interference with tenant organizing rights.

Landlords found in violation could face civil penalties of up to three times actual damages or a minimum of $1,000, with additional damages up to $5,000 for offenses against elderly, disabled, or terminally ill residents.

The Rent Stabilization Department reported it has handled exactly 1,628 inquiries and investigations between March 1 and October 31, 2024, primarily involving rent increases and eviction issues.

Members of the public can attend the Board’s meeting in person or participate virtually via Zoom (ID: 898 165 902 99) or telephone (1-669-900-6833).

Public comment is limited to 30 minutes at the start of the meeting, continuing at the end if needed, with individual comments limited to 3 minutes. Spanish translation and assistive listening devices are available.

Written comments can be submitted to: rentalboard@cityofpasadena.net.