Which law applies in Pasadena?
Pasadena Fair and Equitable Rent Charter Amendment (Pasadena City Charter Art. XVIII, §1808): Rent-stabilized units under Charter Article XVIII. The city says coverage varies by property and tenancy; confirm with Pasadena's Housing Counselors.
Covered units: up to 2.5%, one increase per 12 months, for increases taking effect Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027.
Before you raise rent in Pasadena:
- Coverage varies by property and tenancy in Pasadena; confirm with the city's Rent Stabilization Department.
- Rent can't exceed the unit's maximum lawful rent.
Units the ordinance doesn't cover usually fall under AB 1482: up to 8.7% for increases taking effect Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027, unless an exemption applies.
Rules checked against Pasadena's official pages, Oct 21, 2026
Check the address first. The city in a mailing address isn't always the city that governs the property, and boundaries change through annexation. Unincorporated areas follow County rules, where older buildings with 2+ units have a 1.919% cap.
How much notice to give
Under Civil Code 827, give at least 30 days' notice if the increase, together with any others in the past 12 months, is 10% or less. Above 10%, give 90 days.
Questions about Pasadena
How much can I raise rent in Pasadena in 2026?
For units covered by Fair and Equitable Rent Charter Amendment, up to 2.5% for increases taking effect Oct 1, 2026 through Sep 30, 2027. Other units usually fall under AB 1482, which allows up to 8.7% for increases taking effect Aug 1, 2026 through Jul 31, 2027.
How much notice do I have to give?
30 days if the total increase over the past 12 months is 10% or less, and 90 days if it is more than 10% (Civil Code 827).
Sources
- Pasadena Rental Housing Board Approves 2.5% Annual General Adjustment for 2026–2027 (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- CA Attorney General - Limits on Rent Increases (local ordinance chart) (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- LA County Auditor-Controller - 88 Cities Served by the County (accessed Oct 21, 2026)
- LA County DCBA - Rent Increases (accessed Oct 18, 2026)
- Cal. Civil Code 1947.12 (text read via california.public.law mirror) (accessed Oct 18, 2026)
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