Pasadena rental board adopts protections for Eaton fire victims

PRHB amended its regulations to temporarily prevent evictions for tenants who are sheltering people displaced by the fire. It will be in effect for 90 days from adoption on Feb. 28.

It follows similar action by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors last week.

The supervisors’ resolution covers tenants throughout Los Angeles County who are financially impacted by the January wildfires, who have signed up for relief programs, unemployment insurance or emergency benefits, owing to a loss of at least 10% monthly income.

Landlords will be prohibited from imposing late fees, interest, or other charges on rental debt, but allowed to challenge a tenant’s eligibility for free of charge.

The resolution will remain in effect until July 31

The board was created as part of Measure H, which was approved by Pasadena voters in 2022. It is made up of seven tenant members and four at-large members.

From March 8 to May 1, the city will be extending temporary housing protections for displaced people staying in hotels, motels, inns or similar accommodations. During this time period these units will not be classified as covered rental units.

A board amendment will allow landlords to temporarily reduce rent for fire-impacted tenants while preserving their right to restore rent to the previous amount without it being considered a rent increase.

Finally, the board approved a prorated refund of the annual registration fee for landlords who paid and whose covered units were destroyed by the fire.

For more information, visit the Rent Stabilization Department website or email RentStabilization@CityofPasadena.net.