City Publishes Pasadena Rent Control Measure H Webpage

The City Manager’s Office has established a webpage where the public can see updates about Measure H, the rent control charter amendment approved by local voters in November.

“At this time, the webpage provides an update on the background of the Charter Amendment, Measure H implementation, responsibilities of the future Rental Housing Board and the proposed appointment process for the Rental Housing Board,” according to a City memo released last week.

The webpage also provides a form where the public can submit their comments or questions. 

The Measure H-Rent Control Charter Amendment webpage can be accessed at www.cityofpasadena.net/measure-h.

Measure H, which provides eviction protections, rent increase limits and rent rollbacks, passed with 53.8 percent of the total votes cast despite a vigorous opposition campaign spearheaded by the California Apartment Association (CAA).

In December, the City was served with a lawsuit filed by the CAA and individual property owners in the City challenging the validity of Measure H on a number of grounds.

Despite the lawsuit, the City is moving ahead with establishing a Pasadena Rental Housing Board required by the Measure. The Rental Board will be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of charter amendments related to the passing of Measure H.

During the City Council’s meeting last Monday, City Attorney Michele Bagneris told the Council that nothing in the ongoing lawsuit would preclude the Council from moving forward with creating the Rental Housing Board.

Earlier this month, Superior Court Judge Mary Strobel denied CAA’s restraining order request against Measure H. The two sides are scheduled to meet in court again later this month.

In her ruling, she said she was “not convinced that the amendment itself is unconstitutional.” She added that the Association’s argument regarding that issue was “not particularly strong.”

During Monday’s City Council meeting, City Clerk Mark Jomsky presented updates related to applications and requirements for membership to the housing board.

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board will consist of 11 members, composed of seven tenant members (one from each Council District), and four at-large members that may reside in any Council District in Pasadena, as well as two alternate members; one for the tenant group and one for the at-large group.

The board is expected to hold its first meeting on or about May 17.

For more information about the proposed process and draft set of appointment rules, visit the Pasadena Rental Housing Board Application & Appointment webpage.