Rental Registration Grace Period Ends Saturday; Late Fees Start Sunday

Pasadena property owners who have not completed their 2026 rental registrations have until Saturday, Nov. 7, to avoid late charges that begin Sunday, Nov. 8, according to a Nov. 4 announcement from the City of Pasadena. 

The original registration deadline was Oct. 31. The city’s Rent Stabilization Department has allowed a seven-day grace period for owners to finish registering their units and paying the annual Rental Housing Fee, which is $236.54 per unit unless an exemption applies. The extra time ends Saturday, after which charges rise in stages depending on how long payment remains outstanding. 

From Nov. 8 through Dec. 15, the late fee is 15% of the annual charge, or $35.48 per unit. It increases to 30%, or $70.96 per unit, from Dec. 16 through Jan. 29, 2027. Beginning Jan. 30, the fee rises to 50%, or $118.27 per unit. Each late charge is added to the original fee, the city said. 

The registration requirement is part of Pasadena’s rental housing system established under Article XVIII of the City Charter. The city’s online registry collects information about covered rental properties, individual units, owners and tenancies. Both properties subject to rent stabilization and units governed by just-cause eviction protections may fall under the registration requirement, according to the department’s guidance. 

Owners can submit registration information and make payments online through the city’s Rental Registry. The department says the portal accepts credit cards and electronic checks. 

Owners who prefer to pay in person may use cash, checks, credit cards or debit cards at Municipal Services, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Room N106, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. They should bring their registration invoice. Payments are not taken at the Rent Stabilization Department office, and partial payments are not accepted. 

Some properties and rental units may qualify for an exemption from registration or the fee. The department directs owners seeking an exemption to review eligibility rules and submit an application through the registry for review. Individual appointments with staff can also be scheduled online. 

Property owners needing assistance may contact the Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999 or RentalRegistry@CityOfPasadena.net. 

NEED TO KNOW: The grace period for Pasadena’s 2026 rental registration ends Saturday, Nov. 7. Late fees begin Sunday, Nov. 8. Registration and exemption information are available at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/rent-stabilization/rental-registry/. The department’s assistance number is (626) 744-7999.