How Much Is Pasadena Relocation Assistance? 2025-2026 Costs by Unit Size
Pasadena relocation payments for 2025-2026 range from $8,340 to $26,965+ per unit. A 2-bedroom unit with a tenant of 5 years requires $11,895 base + $1,620 moving allowance = $13,515 minimum. Special circumstances households - those with a member who is 60+, disabled, terminally ill, or has minor children - receive higher moving allowances ($4,890 instead of $1,620). Multi-unit buildings can face $50,000-$150,000+ in total relocation obligations before a single tenant moves out.
Why Relocation Math Matters Before You Decide
Most Pasadena landlords discover relocation assistance costs at exactly the wrong time - after they've decided to sell, do an owner move-in, or withdraw from the rental market via Ellis Act.
By then, the numbers feel like a punch to the gut.
Understanding these costs upfront changes the calculus. Sometimes relocation is a reasonable cost of exiting. Other times, it makes selling with tenants in place the smarter financial choice.
Let's break down the actual numbers from the official Pasadena Rental Housing Board schedule.
The 2025-2026 Base Relocation Payment Schedule
Pasadena's relocation assistance uses a three-tier structure based on unit size (number of bedrooms) and length of tenancy. These amounts are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Base Relocation Amounts by Unit Size
| Unit Size | 0-3 Years | 3-10 Years | 10+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency/Studio | $6,720 | $7,525 | $10,033 |
| 1 Bedroom | $7,525 | $9,385 | $12,542 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $9,385 | $11,895 | $15,860 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $11,895 | $13,245 | $17,660 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $13,245 | $17,660 | $22,075 |
Moving Expense Allowance (Added to Base)
Every tenant also receives a moving expense allowance on top of the base payment:
| Household Type | Moving Allowance |
|---|---|
| Eligible Tenant Household | $1,620 |
| Special Circumstances Household | $4,890 |
A household qualifies as "special circumstances" if at least one member is: 60 years or older, disabled, terminally ill, or has a minor child (19 or younger) as a legal dependent. Only one qualifying member is needed - the household receives the higher allowance regardless of how many members qualify.
Total Minimum Payments by Scenario
Combine the base payment and moving allowance to calculate your minimum relocation obligation:
Scenario 1: Studio, Young Professional (2-Year Tenant)
Base payment (studio, 0-3 years): $6,720
Moving allowance (eligible): $1,620
Total: $8,340
Scenario 2: 2-Bedroom, Family with Children (4-Year Tenant)
Base payment (2BR, 3-10 years): $11,895
Moving allowance (special circumstances): $4,890
Total: $16,785
Scenario 3: 1-Bedroom, Senior on Fixed Income (8-Year Tenant)
Base payment (1BR, 3-10 years): $9,385
Moving allowance (special circumstances): $4,890
Total: $14,275
Scenario 4: 3-Bedroom, Long-Term Disabled Tenant (15-Year Tenant)
Base payment (3BR, 10+ years): $17,660
Moving allowance (special circumstances): $4,890
Total: $22,550
Running these numbers for your building? I can help you calculate total exposure and compare your options.
📞 (213) 444-2225Multi-Unit Building Calculations
For landlords with apartment buildings, the math compounds quickly.
Example: 4-Unit Building with Mixed Tenancy
| Unit | Size | Tenancy | Status | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | 1BR | 6 years | Eligible | $11,005 |
| Unit 2 | 2BR | 2 years | Children | $14,275 |
| Unit 3 | 1BR | 11 years | Senior | $17,432 |
| Unit 4 | 2BR | 4 years | Disabled | $16,785 |
| Total Building Obligation | $59,497 | |||
That's nearly $60,000 before you've done any renovation, before you've paid any legal fees, and before you've lost any rent during the transition period.
For an 8-unit building with typical mixed tenancies: Best case (short tenancies, no special circumstances): $75,000-$90,000. Average case: $100,000-$140,000. Worst case (long tenancies, multiple special circumstances): $150,000-$200,000+.
When Relocation Assistance Is Required
Relocation assistance applies to no-fault evictions under Measure H:
| Eviction Type | Relocation Required? |
|---|---|
| Owner move-in | YES |
| Ellis Act withdrawal | YES |
| Demolition | YES |
| Substantial repairs (30+ days) | YES |
| Government order (red-tag, etc.) | YES |
| Non-payment of rent | NO |
| Lease violation | NO |
| Tenant voluntary move-out | NO |
The California Court of Appeal struck down Pasadena's requirement that single-family and condo landlords pay relocation when tenants leave after a rent increase exceeding 5% + AGA. This only affects Costa-Hawkins-exempt properties (SFRs and condos). Multifamily landlords still face relocation obligations for all no-fault situations listed above.
Not sure which rules apply to your property? Happy to take a look - no strings attached.
📱 (213) 444-2225Payment Timing and Process
When Must You Pay?
| Timing | Amount |
|---|---|
| Within 10 days of serving eviction notice | 50% of total |
| 28 days before notice expires | Remaining 50% |
Critical: If you don't pay the first installment on time, your eviction notice may be invalidated. The Rental Housing Board tracks compliance closely.
Before Serving Notice
Landlords must file a Notice of Intent to Terminate Tenancy with the Rental Housing Board at least 30 days before serving the actual notice to tenants. The Board will then mail information to tenants about their rights and relocation claim process.
Additional Requirement: Security Deposit
Under the Board's regulations, tenants are entitled to a full security deposit refund in addition to any relocation payments received - even if there's normal wear and tear that would typically be deducted.
The Hidden Math: Relocation vs. Selling With Tenants
For many landlords, the question isn't "how much is relocation?" but "is it worth paying?"
Comparative Analysis: 4-Unit Building
| Option | Estimated Cost/Impact |
|---|---|
| Ellis Act + Relocation | ~$60,000 relocation + $10,000 legal + 6-12 months vacancy = $100,000+ total |
| Sell with tenants in place | 15-25% lower sale price, but immediate liquidity |
| Negotiate tenant buyouts | Variable - often similar cost, but faster and more predictable |
There's no universal right answer. The calculation depends on your property's value vacant vs. occupied, your timeline, your tenants' situations, the buyer market, and your tax situation.
Weighing Ellis Act vs. Selling With Tenants?
The math isn't always obvious. Sometimes paying $60K+ in relocation makes sense. Sometimes selling as-is nets you more.
Free consultation - no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Pasadena relocation assistance?
Base amounts range from $6,720 (efficiency, 0-3 years) to $22,075 (4+ bedrooms, 10+ years). Add a flat $1,620 moving allowance for eligible households or $4,890 for special circumstances households. Total payments typically range from $8,340 to $26,965+.
When do I have to pay Pasadena relocation assistance?
50% must be paid within 10 days of serving the notice of termination. The remaining 50% is due no later than 28 days before the notice expires.
Do I pay relocation for an owner move-in in Pasadena?
Yes. Owner move-in is a no-fault eviction under Measure H, requiring full relocation assistance including base payment plus moving allowance.
What about Ellis Act relocation in Pasadena?
Ellis Act withdrawals require full relocation assistance for all tenants, plus extended notice periods and right of first refusal if you return to the rental market.
Does Pasadena relocation apply to single-family homes?
Yes, for no-fault evictions like owner move-in or Ellis Act. However, the December 2025 court ruling struck down relocation requirements when tenants leave after a rent increase on Costa-Hawkins-exempt properties.
What is a special circumstances household in Pasadena?
A household with at least one member who is 60+ years old, disabled, terminally ill, or has a minor child (19 or younger) as a legal dependent. These households receive higher moving allowances ($4,890 vs $1,620).
Does Pasadena relocation assistance apply to ADUs?
Yes. If you're evicting a tenant from an ADU for a no-fault reason, full relocation assistance requirements apply regardless of when the ADU was built.
Can I negotiate a buyout instead of paying relocation?
Yes. Many landlords find negotiated cash for keys buyouts more predictable than formal eviction. The buyout amount often equals or exceeds official relocation amounts, but the process is typically faster and smoother.
