The City of Pasadena continues to investigate all complaints related to wildfire smoke, ash, or soot. In October 2024, new state law (Senate Bill 610) updated wildfire debris inspection standards. Under SB 610, the presence of debris from the Eaton Fire disaster, regardless of volume, constitutes a substandard condition until it is confirmed the debris does not contain toxic substances. These changes strengthened protections for tenants living in wildfire-impacted areas. Fast-Track Remediation Program To provide timely inspections and remediation in...
News and Announcements
50% Late Fees Begin February 6 for Unpaid Registrations
The City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) is reminding landlords that the final late fee increase for unpaid 2025 Rental Registry fees will take effect on Friday, February 6, 2026. The deadline to complete rental registration and submit payment for the 2025 Rental Registry was October 31, 2025. Landlords who have not completed their registration and paid the registration fee have accrued late fees. Beginning February 6, 2026, late fees will increase to 50%, adding an additional $119 per...
Latest News from the Rent Stabilization Department – February 2026
The Rent Stabilization Department’s February 2026 Newsletter includes important updates and resources for Pasadena’s rental housing community. This month’s issue highlights the final late fee tier now in effect for rental registration, reminding landlords of the 50% late fee applied to unregistered units. The newsletter also shares information on contacting a Housing Counselor, who can assist both tenants and landlords with questions about rent stabilization laws, tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, and common landlord–tenant matters. In addition, the newsletter...
January 31 Deadline for Security Deposit Interest Payments
The Rent Stabilization Department is reminding landlords of the upcoming deadline to issue interest payments on tenant security deposits, which must be paid no later than January 31, 2026, pursuant to Article XVIII of the Pasadena City Charter and Chapter 10 of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board Regulations. These requirements apply to all covered rental units, including units that are exempt from rent stabilization. Under Article XVIII, Section 1806(f) of the Pasadena City Charter and Chapter 10 of the Pasadena...
Pasadena Rental Housing Board Seeks Applicants to Fill At-Large Member Vacancy
The Pasadena City Council is accepting applications to fill an unscheduled vacancy in one At-Large Member seat on the Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) following the resignation of Arnold Siegel. The PRHB was established under Section 1811 of the Pasadena City Charter and is responsible for enforcing Article XVIII, the Pasadena Fair and Equitable Housing Charter Amendment. The Board includes eleven members: seven Tenant Members, four At-Large Members, and two alternates, one Tenant Alternate and one At-Large Alternate. The selected...
Latest News from the Rent Stabilization Department – January 2026
The Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) has released its January 2026 Newsletter, highlighting key updates, tools, and upcoming events for Pasadena’s rental housing community. Security Deposit Interest Requirements This month’s newsletter includes important reminders about security deposit rules and interest requirements in Pasadena. For newer tenancies, limits apply to the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit, and landlords may not increase deposits during an ongoing tenancy. Property owners are also required to pay interest on security deposits, with...
Emergency Rent Relief Program Launches to Help Residents Recover from 2025 Wildfires
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), in partnership with The Center by Lendistry (TCbL), launched a new Emergency Rent Relief Program aimed at assisting landlords, homeowners, and renters across Los Angeles County who have been impacted by the 2025 wildfires and faced financial hardship. The application period is currently open and will close at 4:59 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Emergency Rent Relief Program will provide financial assistance to: Landlords whose tenants were...
Late Fees Increase December 23 for Unpaid 2025 Rental Registry Fees
The City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) reminds landlords that the deadline to complete the 2025 Rental Registration and pay the annual rental registration fee was October 31, 2025. Landlords who have not completed registration and paid their invoice have accrued late fees and may face increasing penalties. Beginning Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the late fee will increase to 30% for unpaid registration, adding an additional $71.40 per unit on top of the $238.00 per-unit rental registration fee. After...
Latest News from the Rent Stabilization Department – December 2025
The Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) has released its December Newsletter, featuring key updates and resources for Pasadena’s rental housing community. This month’s issue highlights RSD’s upcoming Festive Open House, taking place on Tuesday, December 16, from 4:00–5:30 p.m. at 199 S. Los Robles Ave., Suite 350. Community members are invited to stop by, meet the RSD team, and enjoy warm refreshments, seasonal treats, and holiday music while learning more about the services the department provides throughout the year. The newsletter...
Rent Stabilization Department Spreads Holiday Cheer at Festive Open House
The City of Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Department (RSD) invites the community to its Annual Festive Open House on Tuesday, December 16, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Los Robles Building, 199 S. Los Robles Ave., Suite 350. Residents, property owners, and community members are encouraged to stop by, meet the team, and enjoy an afternoon of seasonal cheer. The Holiday Open House offers a warm and festive environment for attendees to learn more about the services RSD provides year-round,...