Rental Inspection Programs: Altadena vs Pasadena
How do rental inspection programs rules compare between Altadena, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
No data available yet for Altadena.
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena operates one of California's oldest mandatory rental-inspection programs — the Quadrennial Inspection Program, established 1987 and codified at Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 14.16 ('Inspection Ordinance'). Every multifamily rental property with 3 or more units must obtain a quadrennial certificate of inspection, valid 4 years, with a per-unit fee. Single-family and duplex rentals are inspected at sale or change of occupancy under PMC 14.17 (Presale Self-Certification Program).
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | - | PMC Ch. 14.16 (Quadrennial Cert) |
| Frequency | - | Every 4 years (3+ unit buildings) |
| Per-Unit Fee | - | $62/unit (2023-24); $161 occupancy |
| Single-Family/Duplex | - | PMC 14.17 presale ($29-$174) |
| Max Misdemeanor Fine | - | $1,000 + 6 months jail |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
No FAQs available.
Pasadena FAQ
Which Pasadena rental properties are inspected?
Under PMC Chapter 14.16, all multifamily rental properties with 3 or more units on one parcel must obtain a Quadrennial Certificate of Inspection every 4 years. Single-family homes, duplexes, and condos are inspected at sale or change of occupancy under PMC 14.17.
How much does the Pasadena rental inspection cost?
The 2023-2024 fee was $62 per unit for the quadrennial license; the Occupancy Inspection is $161 plus fees. PMC 14.17 single-family Certificate of Completion is $29; Certificate of Inspection (when self-certification fails) is $174. Re-inspection fees apply.
What's the penalty for skipping inspection in Pasadena?
PMC 14.16 makes operating without a valid certificate a misdemeanor — fine up to $1,000 and/or jail up to 6 months. Daily citations escalate $124, $255, $643, $1,000 per violation per day for repeat offenses. Each day is a separate offense.
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