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🏗️ Accessory Structures/ADU Rental Restrictions

ADU Rental Restrictions: Altadena vs Pasadena

How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Altadena, CA and Pasadena, CA?

Altadena, CA

Los Angeles County

No data available yet for Altadena.

Pasadena, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Pasadena ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must be rented for terms of 30 days or more under California Government Code §65852.2(a)(7). Short-term rental of ADUs is generally not available because PMC §17.50.296 (Ordinance No. 7317) requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least nine months per year, and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs covered by Pasadena's Measure H rent stabilization (built before Feb 1, 1995, or otherwise within scope) may also have rent-cap obligations.

View full Pasadena rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactAltadenaPasadena
Long-Term (30+ days)-Permitted, no separate license
STR Permit-PMC §17.50.296 (Ord. 7317)
Owner Occupancy-9+ months/year required
Un-Hosted Cap-90 days/year
Vacation Rentals-Prohibited citywide
State Law-Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Altadena FAQ

No FAQs available.

Pasadena FAQ

Can I rent my Pasadena ADU on Airbnb?

Generally no. PMC §17.50.296 requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least 9 months per year and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must also be rented for 30 days or more under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7). Long-term tenancy is the standard path.

Does Pasadena rent control apply to ADUs?

Possibly. Pasadena's Measure H (City Charter Article XVIII, effective Dec 22, 2022) covers most residential properties built before February 1, 1995 with rent caps and just-cause eviction protections. Whether a specific ADU is covered depends on the parcel's building history — consult the Pasadena Rental Housing Board for a unit-specific determination.

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