Pasadena residents suffering financial hardships because of the Eaton Fire will be able to avoid eviction for nonpayment of rent until July 31, according to an ordinance the City Council enacted last week.
The devastating wildfire that burned Jan. 7-31 and caused widespread destruction, loss of life and displacement throughout Pasadena, Altadena and nearby areas. At the request of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, the council OK’d the new ordinance to protect from eviction qualifying income-eligible tenants who have been financially affected by the disaster, city officials said.
Eligible tenants may not be evicted for not paying rent between Jan. 15 and July 31, according to the ordinance. To qualify for the eviction moratorium, tenants must:
- have lived in their rental unit before Jan. 7, 2025;
- have a 2024 household income at or below 150% of the area median income, which is $98,200 in Los Angeles County;
- have had a documented loss of at least 10% of monthly income directly resulting from the wildfire; and
- have started attempting to replace lost income by enrolling in or applying for rent relief programs, applying for unemployment benefits or actively job searching, including with assistance from the Pasadena Community Job Center, officials said.
Key provisions of the ordinance include a 12-month repayment period following the eviction protection time frame for tenants to repay back rent and “monthly self-certification requirements” for tenants to prove their income eligibility and direct financial hardships resulting from the fire. Tenants must submit the eligibility certification within seven days of each due date for rent or within 14 days after the ordinance takes effect for rent due in February and March.
Officials encouraged “tenants and landlords … to collaborate on repayment plans, and the Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department will provide resources and self-certification forms to streamline the process.”
The ordinance went into effect Thursday. This ordinance will remain in effect until July 31 unless the council extends or repeals it.
The ordinance is viewable on the city’s website.
More information and self-certification forms are also online at Bit.ly/PasadenaRSD or available from the Rent Stabilization Department, 626-744-7999 or RentStabilization@CityOfPasadena.net.
