City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department Clarifies Requirements for Rent Increase Notices

The City of Pasadena's Rent Stabilization Department (Department) is issuing a clarification to address questions regarding rent increase notices and the forms required under Charter Article XVIII (Charter).

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board (PRHB) is not required to draft a Notice of Rent Increase or to include rent increase notices in the Notice of Existence of the Charter (formerly referred to as the "General Notice to Tenants").

Section 1808(c) of the Charter outlines the requirements for a landlord's notice of rent increase under the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), but it does not require the PRHB to create or issue a specific form for notices of rent increase. Landlords are not required to use a PRHB-issued form for this purpose. The required information must be included in the landlord's own notice of rent increase.

Per Sections 1808(c)-(e), a landlord's notice of rent increase must include:

1. A notice of the existence of the Charter,

1. The tenant's right to petition against any rent increase exceeding the AGA, unless the increase is based on an approved petition, and

Per Section 1808(d), no rent increase shall take effect until the requirements of this subsection have been met. Additionally, rent increases are not permitted if the landlord is out of compliance with the Charter, applicable housing, building, health, or safety regulations, or PRHB orders.

The Department recognizes that some questions may arise from Section 1807(c), which requires landlords to provide a Notice of the Existence of the Charter at the start of a tenancy, using a form created by the PRHB. This notice includes:

• A summary of the Charter's scope,

• Information about a tenant's right to petition certain rent increases, and

• Information about the Rental Registry.

This notice must be provided before or at the time the tenant takes occupancy and must be offered in the language used to negotiate the lease, or in another language upon request, if translations are available. Landlords may serve a Notice of the Existence of the Charter more often than required to provide additional notice or a reminder of a tenants' rights under Article XVIII. Doing so would not violate Article XVIII and would not invalidate the accompanying notice.

To confirm:

• The PRHB does not provide forms for notices of rent increase.

• The Notice of the Existence of the Charter is a required PRHB-issued form at the start of a tenancy.

A copy of the Notice of the Existence of the Charter (formerly referred to as the "General Notice to Tenants") is available on the Rent Stabilization Department's website and remains accessible.

Additionally, at its August 7, 2025, meeting, the PRHB approved a 2.25% AGA . This adjustment will apply to all rent-stabilized units under the Charter for the period of October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

For questions or assistance, tenants and landlords may contact a Housing Counselor through the Rent Stabilization Department's website.

For more information, visit the Rent Stabilization Department website or contact us at [email protected].

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net ; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

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