Pasadena’s new rent stabilization program is facing significant compliance hurdles as the December 22 deadline for the Rental Registry approaches, with nearly half of rental properties still unregistered.
“As of now, 2,975 properties are in substantial compliance, representing 48% of those required to register,” said Pasadena Housing Director Helen Morales during Thursday’s Pasadena Rental Housing Board meeting.
Since September, the Rent Stabilization Department has been sending registration notices to landlords. To date, only 21%—or 1,329 units—have fully completed the registration process. An additional 933 properties are under review as landlords seek exemptions or address discrepancies in City records. However, 3,253 properties, approximately 52% of the total, remain in “registration open” status, meaning the process has not yet begun.
The City is ramping up efforts to encourage compliance, with plans to send warning letters and make phone calls to non-compliant landlords. Morales emphasized the urgency for landlords to act promptly. “Property owners, if you’re waiting until the last day, know that you will not be in compliance by the deadline because it takes time to process all the data,” she said.
After the deadline, tenants will have the ability to file petitions against landlords who fail to register. Unregistered landlords will be prohibited from raising rents or evicting tenants.
To boost compliance, the City plans to collaborate with the Pasadena Apartment Owners Association and other landlord groups to spread awareness about the registration requirements. Morales expressed her determination to achieve a high compliance rate, aiming for success similar to her previous municipality’s 99% registration achievement.
“My goal is to get everyone registered and to collaborate with our landlords to ensure the information reaches them,” Morales said.
