Relocation Assistance Reforms Sent Back to Committee After Intense Debate
The Pasadena Rental Housing Board took a step back on Thursday night, opting to send proposed changes to the City’s relocation assistance policy back to committee after an emotionally charged five-hour meeting. The discussion centered on balancing relief for small landlords with protections for tenants facing displacement.
Exploring Relief for Small Landlords
Since its formation in August, the Board’s Relocation Assistance Policy Ad Hoc Committee has worked extensively to refine the relocation assistance program, meeting 14 times and reviewing input from various stakeholders. The focus has been on developing a two-tiered system that offers reduced payments for “small landlords”—defined as those owning three or fewer rental units in California—while safeguarding tenant benefits.
The Committee gathered input from landlords and tenants through stakeholder sessions held in October, along with dozens of emails from both groups. However, disagreements within the committee left the proposal unresolved.
Existing Relocation Assistance Requirements
Current regulations, enacted in September 2023, require landlords to provide relocation payments ranging from $6,411 for a studio to $21,286 for a four-bedroom unit, depending on the tenant’s length of stay. Additional allowances are mandated for special circumstances and moving expenses, totaling between $1,573 and $4,748.
Proposed Changes Under Review
The Committee presented three potential revisions to the Board:
- 10% Payment Reduction for Small Landlords: Offset by City funding to ensure tenants receive full benefits.
- Reduction Equal to One Month’s Fair Market Rent: Applied to base relocation assistance for small landlords.
- No Change: Retain the current policy.
During the meeting, Board Member Allison Henry proposed creating a City-funded hardship program for landlords, while Board Member Peter Dreier suggested using Measure A housing funds for a revolving loan program to ease the financial burden on property owners.
Balancing Perspectives
The meeting saw passionate testimony from both tenants and landlords. Tenants spoke of the devastating consequences of insufficient relocation funds, with some fearing homelessness. Conversely, small landlords described struggles to comply with high payment requirements, which in some cases prevent them from reclaiming their own properties.
Vice Chair Brandon Lamar emphasized the need for balance. “As a body like this, we must hear from both sides,” he said. “We must look at facts, we must look at research. And that’s what we’ve been committed to do.”
Board Member Dianne Romero Chavez shared her personal experience receiving relocation assistance, describing it as a lifeline. “It saved my family, my sanity,” she said.
Next Steps
The Board directed the committee to continue researching policies from other cities and consider creative solutions, such as having a hearing officer evaluate hardship cases on a case-by-case basis. Recommendations are expected at the Board’s January 17, 2025, meeting.
The delay underscores the complexity of balancing tenant protections with landlord relief in Pasadena’s evolving housing landscape. The next chapter in this debate will likely shape policies for years to come.
Published: Friday, November 22, 2024
