Tenants in Pasadena's rent-stabilized apartments will see a higher ceiling on rent increases starting Thursday, Oct. 1, when the cap rises from 2.25% to 2.5%.

The Pasadena Rental Housing Board adopted the new rate, called the Annual General Adjustment (AGA), at its June 18 meeting. On a $2,000 monthly rent, the 2.5% cap means a maximum increase of $50, according to the city's Aug. 31 news release.

The AGA is the most a landlord can raise rent on an existing tenancy in a covered unit without filing a petition for more.

It runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

The Board calculates the cap at 75% of the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for the Los Angeles area over the 12 months ending in March. That index rose 3.4%, which works out to 2.55%. The city's charter requires rounding to the nearest quarter percent, landing at 2.5%.

Landlords can raise rent on a covered unit only once in any 12-month period and must give at least 30 days' written notice, the Rent Stabilization Department said. The notice must inform tenants of their right to petition against any increase above the AGA that lacks an approved petition.

No increase can take effect until all notice requirements are met. Increases are also blocked if a landlord is out of compliance with the charter, housing, building, health or safety rules, or orders of the Board. The cap covers fees for housing services such as parking, utilities and pets.

Landlords who skipped a raise or took less than 2.25% during the cycle ending Wednesday, Sept. 30, cannot bank the unused portion for a future year, per the charter.

Several types of units are exempt, including multifamily buildings constructed after 1995 and single-family homes or condos that can be sold separately. For a new tenancy, a landlord may set any initial rent.

A landlord cannot raise rent on a unit that is not registered in the city's Rental Registry or whose annual fee is unpaid. The 2026 registration period runs through Oct. 31, with a fee of $236.54 per unit. A grace period extends through Nov. 7 before late fees begin Nov. 8.

The Rent Stabilization Department is holding a walk-in registration session on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena Now reported. Staff will help owners complete registration and answer questions. Owners should bring their account login and current unit information.

Four more sessions are scheduled for October at the department's office, 199 S. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena Weekly listed sessions on Oct. 8, Oct. 13, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29.

The department's housing counselors can help tenants and landlords determine whether a unit is covered. Reach the Rent Stabilization Department at (626) 744-7999.