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).
PMC § 14.16.030 requires that no person occupy, sell, exchange, rent, or re-occupy a vacated unit until a certificate of inspection or quadrennial certificate of inspection is issued. The administrator inspects for compliance with the City's housing code, zoning, and ordinances relating to health and safety of residents (PMC 14.16). The 2023-2024 per-unit fee was $62 for the quadrennial license. Inspectors check smoke alarms, exits and fire egress, electrical, plumbing, structural integrity, and habitability. Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and duplexes are covered by PMC 14.17 ($29 Certificate of Completion via self-certification, or $174 Certificate of Inspection if self-certification eligibility fails). Temporary certificates valid up to 6 months may issue for good-faith corrections.
Under PMC 14.16, violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months. Code-citation penalties escalate by violation count: $124, $255, $643, and $1,000 per violation per day (1st-4th offenses). Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Operating a rental without a valid certificate is independently enforceable.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle rental inspection programs.
See how Pasadena's rental inspection programs rules stack up against other locations.
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