Here are the highlights of lasnight’s City Council Meeting where the Pasadena City Council voted unanimously Monday night to direct City staff to draft an ordinance that will mirror Los Angeles County’s six-month eviction protections for renters impacted by the Eaton Fire. The action comes after a recommendation from the city’s Rental Housing Board, which had suggested a longer, one-year protection period.
Read original article here or highlights below:
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Council Action on Eviction Protections
- Pasadena City Council unanimously voted to draft an ordinance mirroring L.A. County’s six-month eviction protections for Eaton Fire-impacted renters.
- The Rental Housing Board had initially recommended a one-year protection period.
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Reasoning Behind the Decision
- Councilmember Rick Cole argued for consistency with L.A. County’s approach rather than crafting a unique city-specific ordinance.
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Rental Assistance Exploration
- Staff was directed to return within 30 days with options for providing rental assistance to affected tenants.
- Funding sources could include private donations or public funds.
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L.A. County’s Existing Eviction Protections
- Provides an affirmative defense against eviction for non-payment of rent if tenants prove financial impact from the fire.
- Eligibility: Tenants must show a 10% income loss, earn at or below 150% of area median income, and seek assistance from FEMA, SBA loans, unemployment, or County relief funds.
- Tenants must notify landlords within seven days of inability to pay rent.
- Repayment period: 12 months to repay accumulated rental debt after the protection period ends.
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County Relief Fund Details
- Applications due by March 12.
- Grants available: $6,000, $12,000, or $18,000 (amounts not guaranteed).
- Fund holds approximately $8.7 million.
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Pasadena’s Legal Position
- As a charter city, Pasadena is not automatically subject to L.A. County’s ordinance.
- City Attorney Michelle Bagneris reaffirmed Pasadena’s legal independence under state law.
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Additional Tenant and Landlord Support Measures
- Rental Housing Board passed resolutions allowing landlords to lower rents voluntarily without affecting base rent.
- Protections extended for unauthorized fire victims staying in rental units.
- Prorated refunds issued to landlords whose properties were destroyed.
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Public Comment Highlights
- Tenants worried about displacement, landlords concerned about financial burden.
- Landlord Deborah Lutz warned about economic hardship: “We cannot keep treading water. We are sinking.”
- Tenant Marley described paying rent for an unlivable unit due to fire damage.
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Mediation and Loan Assistance
- City launching mediation program in partnership with Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution to facilitate landlord-tenant agreements.
- Small Business Administration presented low-interest disaster loans for affected homeowners, businesses, and landlords (rates as low as 2.5% for homes, 4% for businesses).
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Next Steps for the Ordinance
- First reading expected on March 17, second reading on March 24.
- Ordinance would take effect shortly after adoption.
