Tip of the Month

Did you know some rental units and properties in Pasadena may be exempt from certain requirements under Charter Article XVIII, including the Rental Registry and the Rental Housing Fee? If you believe your unit or property qualifies for an exemption, you must still log into the Rental Registry and submit an exemption application to claim that status. Below is a list of common reasons a property or unit may qualify for exemption from the Rental Registry or Rental Housing Fee:... continue reading »"November: Understanding Pasadena’s Property and Unit Exemptions"

Avoid Late Fees, Register Your Rental Units Before October 31. The 2025 Rental Registration deadline is fast approaching! All landlords must register their residential rental units and submit payment by Friday, October 31, 2025, to avoid late fees. Don’t wait until the last minute! Log in, review your property information, and complete your registration. Late fees will begin accruing per unit starting November 8, 2025, following a one-week grace period. Reminder: If you have not yet registered your units for... continue reading »"October: Avoid Late Fees"

Landlords, Gather Your Registration Info Rental Registration is now open through October 31, and landlords must be prepared with key information to complete the process smoothly. To register, you'll need your property’s Assessor Parcel Number (APN) and unique PIN, which were mailed by the Rent Stabilization Department to the address on file. Didn’t receive the letter? Call (626) 744-7999 or schedule an appointment to request your APN and PIN. What You’ll Need to Register:  Unit Details • Unit address and... continue reading »"September: What You’ll Need to Register Your Units"

Pasadena’s annual Rental Registry period runs from Monday, September 1 through Friday, October 31. If you own or manage a rental property in Pasadena, now is the time to prepare. Before registration opens, take a few minutes to review your property and unit information in the Rental Registry portal. This will help ensure you’re ready to register on time and avoid delays or penalties. Helpful tips for this year’s registration: Log in early to check that your contact information, ownership... continue reading »"August: Prepare for the Rental Registry"

Security Deposits: Are You Getting Your Interest? Did you know? Pasadena landlords are required by Article XVIII, Section 1806(f) to pay tenants annual interest on all security deposits held for at least one year. The interest rate is set every October 1st by the Pasadena Rental Housing Board. The interest on security deposits to be paid to tenants during the period from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, is .12%. Payment to tenants for this period is due by... continue reading »"July: Security Deposit Interest on Rentals"

Did You Receive a Noncompliance Letter? The Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department recently sent Noncompliance Letters to landlords who may not have registered their covered rental units as required by Charter Article XVIII. Affected tenants have also received notices informing them of their rights. What Does This Mean for You? If your landlord has not registered your rental unit, you have the right to file a Petition for Rent Withholding with the Hearings Division. If authorized by a hearing officer, you... continue reading »"June: Petition for Rent Withholding"

Did You Know? You May Qualify for a Rent Rollback  If your landlord raised your rent above legal limits after May 17, 2021, you may be eligible for a rent rollback, which could lower your current rent and potentially entitle you to a refund of overpaid rent.   What is a Rent Rollback? A rent rollback adjusts your rent back to the base rent. Tenants can use the Request for Rent Rollback Form to initiate this process by serving a copy... continue reading »"May: Understanding Rent Rollback"

Are you being asked to move out in exchange for money or other benefits? This is called a buy-out agreement, and under Pasadena’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, you have specific rights and protections. What is a Buy-Out Agreement? A buy-out is when a landlord offers a tenant money or other compensation to voluntarily vacate their rental unit. These agreements are legal but must follow strict rules. Your Rights as a Tenant: The Right to Say No: You are not required to... continue reading »"April: Buy-Out Negotiations"

Did you know? Tenants and landlords of rent-stabilized covered units in Pasadena can now access important resources on the Petitions and Hearings page of the Rent Stabilization Department’s website. This platform enables tenants in covered units to file petitions for rent adjustments, maintenance issues, and other housing concerns, ensuring a fair and transparent process.                                                    ... continue reading »"March: Hearing and Petitions"

If your rental property was impacted by the Eaton Fire or other recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, the City of Pasadena encourages you to take the following steps: Seek FEMA Assistance FEMA offers Displacement Assistance to help individuals and families secure temporary housing if their property is unsafe or uninhabitable due to fire damage. Eligible renters and homeowners may receive rental assistance or support for other recovery needs. To apply: Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA app. Phone:... continue reading »"January: Steps to Take if Your Property Was Damaged by the Eaton Fire"