PASADENA, Calif. – Recently, the Rent Stabilization Department provided information regarding tenants’ ability to utilize City resources when addressing habitability issues in their units. It is important to emphasize that the first step in the landlord‑tenant relationship is for both parties to make a good‑faith effort to collaborate within the terms of their contractual agreement. Many leases require tenants to first notify their landlords of any problems within their units, giving the landlord an opportunity to make necessary repairs.
The Rent Stabilization Department supports and encourages this initial step of reaching out to landlords to identify and resolve habitability concerns. The release of information regarding how to contact Code Enforcement was intended to ensure tenants are aware of their rights and to clarify that the Rent Stabilization Department does not provide those specific enforcement services. As always, communication among all parties remains essential to maintaining safe and habitable housing.
Renters who experience repair, maintenance, or habitability concerns should first notify their landlord or property manager of the condition, preferably in writing, and keep a record of the request. If the condition is not addressed, or if the renter has concerns about potential building, health, or safety code violations, they may file a complaint with the City of Pasadena’s Code Compliance Division. Code Compliance receives and investigates complaints involving residential property maintenance and potential health and safety code violations.
The City of Pasadena is committed to helping renters connect with the appropriate department when concerns arise in their rental units regarding repairs, property maintenance, or habitability. Knowing who to contact when one of these issues occurs can help make the process of addressing the concern easier. The Rent Stabilization Department’s Housing Counselors are a valuable resource for providing information to tenants and landlords about Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Charter, including rent increases, eviction protections, rental registration, petitions, relocation assistance, and other rent stabilization matters. However, Housing Counselors do not conduct property inspections or investigate potential building, health, or safety code violations.
Renters concerned about unsafe or unmaintained conditions may file a complaint with the City of Pasadena's Code Compliance Division. Code Compliance receives and investigates complaints involving residential property maintenance and potential health and safety code violations.
Concerns renters may report to Code Compliance include:
- Overcrowded buildings
- Sewer or appliance gas odors
- Unmaintained or unsafe buildings
- Hazardous trees on private property
- Accumulations of trash, junk, or debris on private property
- Illegal conversions of garages or other structures into dwelling spaces
- Termite damage involving weatherproofing or potential structural problems
- Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or other potential code violations
Once a complaint is received, it is logged and assigned to the appropriate City department for investigation. If the investigation identifies a violation of City code, the property owner is notified and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the violation. Property owners who fail to correct a cited violation may be responsible for the City's cost of enforcement and are subject to prosecution by the City Prosecutor.
Residents can also research a property's permit and case history using the Permit Center’s online Property Information tool, where they can look up permits on file, check the status of an existing case, and schedule an inspection.
Certain concerns may be handled by another City department. For example, complaints involving rats, mice, roaches, fleas, flies, stagnant swimming pools, or mosquitoes are handled by the Pasadena Public Health Department. Residents may report most concerns to the City Service Center online or by calling (626) 744-7311, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and have them routed to the appropriate department.
For questions about a property or a specific Code Compliance requirement, contact the Code Compliance Division at (626) 744-8633. To request an update on an existing Code Compliance complaint, call (626) 744-7282.
Visit the Planning and Community Development Department's File a Complaint webpage for more information or to submit a complaint.
To learn more about Pasadena's Rent Stabilization laws, contact the Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999 or visit CityOfPasadena.net/Rent-Stabilization.
Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
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UPDATED 8/17/26
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