Quick Answer
The Law Office of Zak Fisher represents tenants facing eviction in Pasadena. Pasadena adopted its Rental Housing Rights Ordinance in 2023, creating just-cause eviction protections, rent caps, and relocation assistance for most multi-unit residential rentals. AB 1482 also applies. Free 20-minute consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Pasadena adopted its Rental Housing Rights Ordinance in 2023.
- The ordinance establishes just-cause eviction requirements and rent caps for most multi-unit residential properties.
- AB 1482 statewide just-cause and rent caps apply to most Pasadena rentals built more than 15 years ago, the stricter rule controls.
- No-fault terminations require relocation assistance under both Pasadena’s ordinance and AB 1482.
- UD cases from Pasadena are typically heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in DTLA.
Pasadena Rental Housing Rights Ordinance
The Pasadena Rental Housing Rights Ordinance, adopted by voters via Measure H in November 2022 and effective in 2023, created complete tenant protections for most multi-unit residential rentals in the City of Pasadena. The ordinance is administered by the Pasadena Rental Housing Board.
- Coverage: Most multi-unit residential rental properties, with limited exemptions for single-family homes and certain newer construction.
- Rent caps: Annual increases capped at 75% of CPI.
- Just-cause: Required for all evictions of covered tenancies.
- Relocation assistance: Required for no-fault terminations.
- Registration: Landlords must register units with the Pasadena Rental Housing Board.
Common Pasadena eviction scenarios
- Owner move-in claims, increasingly scrutinized under the new ordinance.
- Substantial remodel claims requiring proper permits and intent.
- Alleged unpaid rent with rent control compliance issues.
- Habitability disputes in older Pasadena housing stock (Old Town and Bungalow Heaven historic areas have significant pre-1940 stock).
- Section 8 terminations for HACoLA voucher tenants in Pasadena.
Layered protections with AB 1482
California’s AB 1482 also applies to most Pasadena multi-unit rentals built more than 15 years ago. When both Pasadena’s ordinance and AB 1482 apply, the stricter rule controls.
Where Pasadena eviction cases are heard
Unlawful detainer cases from Pasadena are typically filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in DTLA (111 N. Hill Street). Note: this is different from the Pasadena Courthouse, which handles criminal matters from the San Gabriel Valley.
What to do if you receive an eviction notice in Pasadena
- Save the notice and document service.
- Confirm Pasadena Rental Housing Rights coverage with the City.
- For no-fault terminations, verify relocation assistance was properly tendered.
- Document any habitability problems.
- Contact a tenant attorney before any deadline expires.
Related guides
- I got served eviction papers, what to do now
- AB 1482 just-cause
- Owner move-in defects
- 30/60/90-day termination notices
- Looking for a Los Angeles eviction defense attorney? Our main tenant defense page covers the full eviction defense playbook.
- Eviction Defense Information Hub: comprehensive topic index for California tenants.
- What Happens After You File Your Answer
- How Long Does an Eviction Case Take in LA
- Neighborhood guides: Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Hollywood, Downtown LA
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