Pasadena Releases Self-Certification Form for Tenants Protected Under Eaton Fire Eviction Ordinance

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department has released an optional self-certification form for income-eligible tenants seeking eviction protection under the recently adopted Eaton Fire Emergency Ordinance.

The ordinance, adopted by the Pasadena City Council on March 24, 2025, at the request of the Pasadena Rental Housing Board, provides temporary eviction protections for tenants unable to pay rent due to financial hardship directly related to the Eaton Fire. To remain protected under the ordinance, qualifying tenants may submit the self-certification form each month through July 31, 2025, confirming their continued eligibility and documenting the financial impact of the disaster.

Note: The ordinance requires the Rent Stabilization Department to provide a self-certification form for optional use, but tenants may use whatever format they choose, so long as the self-certification contains the information required by Section 4(A) of the ordinance.

Key Instructions for Self-Certification:

• Deliver the completed self-certification form directly to your landlord.
• This form is only valid if submitted each month within seven (7) days of the rent due date.
• For February and March 2025 rent, the deadline to serve this form is April 10, 2025, which is fourteen (14) days after March 27, 2025, when the ordinance became effective upon publication.

Tenants may not be evicted for nonpayment of rent accrued between January 15 and July 31, 2025, if, in an eviction case, they can demonstrate that they complied with the ordinance and met all the following conditions:

• Lived in their rental unit before January 7, 2025.
• Had a 2024 household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income.
• Experienced a documented loss of at least 10% of monthly income directly caused by the Eaton Fire.
• Took steps to replace lost income, such as enrolling or applying for rent relief programs, applying for unemployment assistance, or actively seeking employment, including help from the Pasadena Community Job Center.

For more details, visit the Rent Stabilization Department website at Bit.ly/PasadenaRSD or contact us at RentStabilization@CityofPasadena.net.

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