Rent Control in Pasadena

Last updated: January 2026

Local rent control plus California's AB 1482 tenant protections.

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Multi-family properties (2+ units on a lot) built before February 1, 1995. Single-family and condos exempt.
  • Rent Increase Cap: 2.25% for September 2025 - August 2026 (70% of CPI, max 3%). Banking up to 10% in a single year.
  • Just Cause Protection: Required under Pasadena Tenant Protection Ordinance.
  • Local Help: Pasadena Housing Department.

1. Overview of Rent Control in Pasadena

The City of Pasadena has a Rent Stabilization ordinance established by Measure H - Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment (Article XVIII). The measure was approved by voters in December 2022 and became effective on December 22, 2022.

Important Note: Pasadena is an independent city within Los Angeles County, separate from the City of Los Angeles. Each city has its own rent control ordinances that apply exclusively within their respective municipal boundaries. Properties in Pasadena are subject to Pasadena's rent stabilization ordinance, not the City of Los Angeles's rent control laws.

Since January 1, 2020, California's statewide rent law (often called state rent control or AB 1482) also protects many units that are not covered by Pasadena's local ordinance. For those units, annual rent increases are generally capped at 5% + inflation (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower, for tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months.

This article is a high‑level guide based on public resources such as the City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department and the Pasadena Municipal Code Article XVIII. It is not legal advice.

2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in Pasadena?

Pasadena's rent stabilization ordinance applies to multi-unit residential rental properties built before February 1, 1995. However, there are several important exceptions:

  • Single-family homes – Single-family homes are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482).
  • Condominiums – Condominiums are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482.
  • Newer construction – Residential rental units built on or after February 1, 1995 are exempt from the ordinance, though they may still be protected under AB 1482. Note: Since we only have year-level data, properties built in 1995 may be covered if built before February 1, 1995, but we cannot determine this without month-level information.
  • Special facilities – Hospitals, medical facilities, treatment/recovery programs, educational dorms, convents, and nursing homes are exempt.
  • Subsidized units – Subsidized units owned by a government agency or by a nonprofit and subsidized by tax credits are exempt.

Tools like RentCheckMe can help you check whether your building is likely covered based on its construction year and property type.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Annual rent increases for covered rental units are capped by the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), which is set by the Rental Housing Board and becomes effective on October 1st of each year.

Current rent increase limits:

  • October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026: 2.25% AGA
  • October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025: 3% AGA

Key rules for rent increases:

  • Landlords may only increase rents once every 12 months, with a written 30-day notice.
  • Landlords are prohibited from raising the rent under specific circumstances, such as when there are significant habitability issues.
  • The AGA may change each year and is announced by the Rental Housing Board.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Pasadena's rent stabilization ordinance includes just cause eviction protections that help prevent arbitrary evictions and ensure tenant stability. Landlords may only evict a tenant for valid reasons, including:

  • Failure to pay rent
  • Owner or owner-relative move-in
  • Withdrawal of the rental unit from the market
  • Breach of lease
  • Nuisance
  • Necessary and substantial repairs
  • Failure to give access to the unit
  • Refusal to execute a new lease
  • Other reasons specified in the ordinance

Relocation Assistance: Landlords seeking tenant relocation are required to provide assistance based on tenancy length and household type. Effective October 1, 2024, relocation fees range according to factors such as tenancy duration and special household circumstances. Additional moving expense allowances are also detailed to ensure comprehensive support for eligible households.

5. Using RentCheckMe with Official Resources

By combining our automated check with trusted resources like the City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department and the Pasadena Municipal Code Article XVIII, you can get both a quick snapshot and deeper, individualized help for your situation.

After you run an address through RentCheckMe, consider:

  • Contacting the City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department for information about rent stabilization, eviction protections, and compliance
  • Speaking with a Housing Counselor for personalized assistance
  • Consulting with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization
  • Reviewing the Tenant FAQs and Landlord FAQs on the city's website

6. Resources for Pasadena Tenants

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is intended as a readable, high‑level overview of rent control in Pasadena, drawn from public resources like the City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department and the Pasadena Municipal Code Article XVIII. It does not cover every exception or nuance and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws change, and how they apply can depend on the specific facts of your tenancy. For binding guidance about your rights or obligations, speak with the City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department, a Housing Counselor, a qualified attorney, or a tenant‑counseling organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pasadena have its own rent control ordinance?

Yes, Pasadena has a local rent control ordinance that provides protections beyond California's statewide AB 1482. The local ordinance typically covers more properties and may have stricter rent increase limits.

How much can my landlord raise rent in Pasadena?

For units covered by Pasadena's local ordinance, rent increases are limited by the local rules (often based on CPI). For units only covered by AB 1482, the cap is 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.

What protections do I have as a tenant in Pasadena?

Tenants in Pasadena may have just cause eviction protections under both the local ordinance and AB 1482, meaning landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict you after you've lived in the unit for a certain period.

Other Cities in California

Learn about rent control in other cities in California:

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