In response to the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire, the Pasadena City Council, at the request of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, has adopted a new ordinance to protect qualifying income-eligible tenants who have been financially affected by the disaster from eviction due to nonpayment of rent.
The Eaton Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, lead to widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement throughout Pasadena and neighboring communities. Recognizing the immediate housing instability faced by affected tenants, the City Council ratified a Declaration of Local Emergency on January 13, 2025, and has now moved to establish protective measures through this ordinance.
The ordinance provides a temporary affirmative defense to eviction proceedings for tenants unable to pay rent due to financial hardships directly related to the Eaton Fire. Eligible tenants may not be evicted for nonpayment of rent accrued between January 15 and July 31, 2025, if they prove compliance with the ordinance and prove that they meet the following criteria:
- Have lived in their rental unit before January 7, 2025.
- Have a 2024 household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income.
- Experienced a documented loss of at least 10% of their monthly income directly caused by the Eaton Fire.
- Began efforts to replace lost income through enrolling or applying for rent relief programs, applying for unemployment assistance, or actively seeking employment, including the services of the Pasadena Community Job Center.
In addressing the financial challenges faced by tenants, the ordinance includes the following key provisions:
- Temporary affirmative defense to an eviction for nonpayment from January 15, 2025, through July 31, 2025.
- A repayment period of twelve months following the protection timeframe, allowing tenants to repay accrued rent without eviction repercussions for inability to pay back the rent that accrued between January 15, 2025, and July 31, 2025.
- Monthly self-certification requirements for tenants to declare income eligibility and direct financial impacts resulting from the fire. (Tenants must submit this certification within seven (7) days of each rent due date, or within fourteen (14) days after the ordinance takes effect for rent due in February and March 2025.)
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to collaborate on repayment plans, and the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department will provide resources and self-certification forms to streamline the process.
The ordinance goes into effect upon publication, which typically occurs the Thursday following adoption. The ordinance was adopted on March 24, 2025. This ordinance will remain in effect until July 31, 2025, unless extended or repealed by the City Council.
To view the complete ordinance, click here.
For more information and to access self-certification forms, visit Bit.ly/PasadenaRSD or contact the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999 or RentStabilization@CityOfPasadena.net.