South Pasadena Guidance on Tenant Protections & Rent Regulations
Published on February 06, 2025
City of South Pasadena Provides Guidance on Tenant Protections and Rent Regulations Amid Regional Housing Impacts
In response to the recent windstorm and fire emergency in Los Angeles County, the regional housing market is experiencing significant impacts, with reports indicating rising rent prices since the emergency declaration on January 7, 2025. The City of South Pasadena is committed to ensuring residents are aware of their rights and protections during this challenging time.
Several state and local measures have been implemented to regulate rent prices and strengthen tenant protections, helping to prevent housing instability for South Pasadena residents. Key provisions currently in effect include:
Rent Increase Limitations
Under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), rent increases for most residential tenants in South Pasadena cannot currently exceed 8.9 percent over a 12-month period. This cap will remain in place until August 1, 2025, when it will be reset based on updated local inflation data.
Eviction Protections
California law requires landlords to provide just cause before evicting a tenant. More information on the Just-Cause Eviction Requirement can be found at the State of California Department of Justice Landlord-Tenant Issues webpage. For details on South Pasadena’s local Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance, visit the City of South Pasadena Housing Division webpage.
Price Gouging Protections
California’s anti-price gouging statute (Penal Code Section 396) prohibits landlords from increasing the price of rental housing by more than 10 percent of the previously charged or advertised price.
For rental housing that was not rented or advertised prior to the emergency declaration, the price cannot exceed 160 percent of the fair market rent value as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Current fair market rent values for homes in South Pasadena (zip code 91030), categorized by bedroom count, can be found here.
Temporary Protections for Tenants Housing Fire Victims
The Governor’s office has issued an executive order temporarily prohibiting landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants who offer shelter to individuals displaced by the fire emergency. While this order prevents eviction for this reason alone, it does not override other lease provisions. This order is in effect until March 8, 2025, but may be extended.
Enforcement and Reporting Violations
The state of emergency protections, including price gouging and temporary eviction restrictions for tenants housing fire victims, are set to expire on March 8, 2025, unless extended.
Tenants who suspect price gouging violations should keep records and receipts and may file complaints with the District Attorney and/or the State Attorney General’s Office:
For additional information about South Pasadena’s housing programs and resources, please visit the City of South Pasadena’s Housing Division webpage.
The City of South Pasadena remains committed to supporting community members during this emergency. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and reach out for assistance if needed.