Pasadena, CA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Pasadena, CA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- 2024-25 Cap
- 3.0% max increase
- 2025-26 Cap
- 2.25% max increase
- Banking
- Not permitted
- Registration
- Required before any increase
Summary
Pasadena voters approved Measure H in 2022 establishing rent stabilization. The max allowable increase is 3.0% (Oct 2024-Sept 2025) and 2.25% (Oct 2025-Sept 2026). No banking of unused increases. Landlords must register units and pay Rental Housing Fee before any increase.
1947.12. (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (b), an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5 percent plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. (2) If the same tenant remains in occupancy of a unit of residential real property over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than two increments over that 12-month period.
Full Breakdown
Pasadena enacted a tenant protection ordinance in 2022 establishing rent stabilization for multi-family units built before February 1, 1995. Annual rent increases are capped at 75% of the regional Consumer Price Index. Just cause eviction protections require valid reasons for tenancy termination. Relocation assistance is required for no-fault evictions. The Pasadena Rent Board oversees administration and handles disputes.
Violations & Fines
Overcharging: tenant recovery plus damages. Non-registration: penalties. Wrongful eviction: mandatory relocation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Pasadena apartment rent-controlled?
How much can rent increase?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
California rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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Rent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle rent control.