Pasadena, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

296(E)(1). Before the permit issues, the host must obtain a transient occupancy registration certificate from the finance department and sign a notarized affidavit confirming that the unit is the host's primary residence, that a responsible contact person or property manager is reachable 24 hours a day, that the space meets fire and life-safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and adequate egress, and that abutting neighbors have been notified before rental activity begins. Tenants who plan to sublease as a short-term rental must first notify their landlord in writing.

For properties with a legally permitted accessory dwelling unit or accessory structure built or permitted before January 1, 2017, both the main house and the accessory unit count as the host's primary residence and may be rented; any ADU permitted after that date is barred from short-term rental use entirely. Owner-occupants of duplexes, triplexes, or small apartment buildings may rent their own unit plus one additional unit on the same parcel. 296(E)(2)(f) makes clear the city's permit does not override a stricter HOA or condo association rule, and every host must sign an indemnification and hold-harmless agreement drafted by the city attorney.

A permit issued under this section is valid for one year from issuance, cannot be transferred, and does not run with the land; renewal requires paying the renewal fee, demonstrating substantial compliance for the prior year, and submitting the prior year's rental records. A permit not renewed within one year of issuance becomes null and void automatically.