Quick Answer: Pasadena voters approved “Measure H” in 2022, amending the city charter to add rent stabilization, just-cause eviction protections, and a Rental Housing Board. A sale of the property is generally not, by itself, a recognized reason to end a covered tenancy — a seller can list, show, and close on an occupied property, but ending the tenancy specifically requires one of a defined list of grounds. A December 2025 Court of Appeal ruling also struck down part of the ordinance’s relocation-payment structure, so this is an area worth double-checking for current status before relying on any older summary.
Does selling the house count as a reason to end a Pasadena tenancy?
No — sale isn’t among the recognized just-cause grounds under the charter amendment. A pending sale doesn’t, by itself, give a landlord grounds to end an existing tenancy.
Do these protections apply to every rental in Pasadena?
No — coverage depends on the type of property, and it’s more layered than a single yes/no. Certain categories (some single-family homes, some newer construction, certain condo situations) may fall outside rent stabilization specifically while still being covered by just-cause eviction protections, or vice versa. This is not a case where “single-family home” reliably means “fully exempt” — it needs a direct check against the property’s specific facts.
What if I need the unit vacant — is there a lawful path?
Generally, yes, through defined processes like a qualifying owner move-in or a formal withdrawal of the unit from the rental market — but both typically come with strict conditions (who qualifies to move in, how long they have to actually live there, minimum notice periods) and real legal exposure if the conditions aren’t met. This is squarely something to work through with an attorney before serving any notice, not something to attempt from a general understanding of the rules.
What changed with the December 2025 court ruling?
In a December 18, 2025 decision, a California Court of Appeal found that part of Pasadena’s charter measure — specifically, a relocation-payment requirement tied to certain rent increases, along with an added eviction-notice requirement — conflicted with state law and struck those provisions down. Other core provisions of the measure (including rent caps, just-cause protections, and the Rental Housing Board itself) were upheld. Because this is recent and the city’s own published materials may not have fully caught up to it at any given moment, it’s worth confirming current guidance directly with the Rental Housing Board rather than relying on an older printed FAQ.
What does a buyer inherit when purchasing an occupied Pasadena property?
Generally, the existing lease terms and rent history carry over — a new owner typically doesn’t get a “fresh start” on rent levels, and specific notice obligations (giving the tenant updated contact information within a defined window) usually apply right after closing.
Related reading: Selling a Tenant-Occupied Home in Burbank, CA and Pasadena vs. Glendale: Point-of-Sale Rules for Sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask a tenant to move out just because I’m listing the house?
No — and refusing reasonable access for a showing can itself be treated as a violation on the tenant’s part, which cuts the other way. Access for showings is generally protected, but vacancy is not something a landlord can require solely because of a pending sale.
Does the tenant have a right of first refusal to buy the property?
Generally, no general right of first refusal on an ordinary sale — rights of that nature, where they exist in these kinds of ordinances, are typically tied to no-fault eviction situations, not to a sale itself.
Is relocation assistance still required if I use a no-fault ground to end a tenancy?
This is exactly the area affected by the 2025 court ruling — some relocation obligations remain intact, others were specifically struck down. Confirm current status for the specific ground being used before budgeting for or promising any relocation figure.
Does a duplex with an owner living in one unit get an exemption?
This depends on the specific structure of Pasadena’s rules, which in some published versions require more than just living in the building (such as sharing a kitchen or bathroom) to qualify for certain owner-occupancy exemptions. Don’t assume a standard “mom-and-pop duplex” exemption applies without checking the specific conditions.
General information about a city charter provision and a recent court decision, not legal advice. This area of law is unsettled following recent litigation — confirm current requirements with the City of Pasadena and a qualified attorney before serving any notice.
About Will Flannigan
Will Flannigan is a California licensed real estate agent (DRE #01951292) and Certified Trust & Probate Specialist (CTPS) with The Nell Team at Equity Union Real Estate. A former attorney, Will brings a background in property management and over a dozen home flips to every transaction, and has been licensed since 2014. A 20+ year resident of Burbank Rancho, Will specializes in Burbank, Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, and the greater San Gabriel Valley, with fluency in Mandarin serving clients in San Marino and beyond.
Selling a Pasadena rental with tenants in place? The rules here are still moving — having an agent who reads the fine print, and knows when to bring in an attorney, matters. Let’s talk about your property.
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