Lead for Measure H Widens Monday Afternoon After More Results Released

A local rent control measure has opened a wide lead after more election results were released on Monday.

Measure H now leads with nearly 52% of the vote. The measure has garnered 18,355 votes. So far, 16,956 votes against the measure have been tallied.

If passed, the measure would establish an appointed independent board, with no oversight by the City Council, City Manager, or City Attorney, limit rent increases to 75% of the CPI percentage increase and provide eviction protections, limiting them to just-cause conditions, such as nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, creating a nuisance and eight other conditions.

The rent-increase caps do not apply to multifamily rental units built after February 1, 1995, and most single-family homes and condominiums; however, the eviction protections do apply.

According to organizers of the measure, a rollback on rent to May 2021 protects tenants from rent increases after the passage of the measure.

An analysis by Pasadena’s City Attorney estimates the Measure will cost an estimated $5,453,460 annually, based on approximately 26 employees needed to support the board’s activities.

Proponents say the measure would protect tenants from skyrocketing rent increases.

California rents are among the highest in the nation. In some areas rents on apartments now top $3,000.

About half of Pasadena tenants pay over 30% of their income in rent, according to the Coalition. A quarter of the city’s tenants are severely rent-burdened, paying over 50% of their income in rent.