ADU Rental Restrictions: Carson vs Pasadena
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
ADUs in Carson cannot be rented for terms shorter than 30 days. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibits short-term rentals of ADUs statewide. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted and subject to AB 1482 statewide rent caps.
View full Carson rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
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
| Fact | Carson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum rental term | 30 days (state-mandated by Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)) | - |
| Short-term rentals | Prohibited statewide for ADUs | - |
| Rent control | AB 1482 cap of 5% + CPI applies (max 10%/yr) | - |
| JADU rental | Long-term only; owner-occupancy required for SFD or JADU | - |
| 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.
Carson FAQ
Can I list my Carson ADU on Airbnb?
No. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)) prohibits renting ADUs for terms under 30 days statewide.
Is my ADU subject to rent control?
If it meets AB 1482 criteria (typically buildings 15+ years old that aren't single-family homes sold separately), the 5% + CPI annual cap applies.
Do I have to register my ADU as a rental?
Carson does not have a separate rental registry, but the unit must be permitted and meet the 30-day minimum rental rule.
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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