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Pasadena · Renting & eviction

Short-term rentals in Pasadena

Pasadena allows permitted short-term rentals of a host's primary residence, plus 1 more unit on owner-occupied properties; unhosted stays at most 90 days yearly.

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Key points

  • Short-term rentals: Pasadena allows permitted short-term rentals of a host's primary residence, plus 1 more unit on owner-occupied properties; unhosted stays at most 90 days yearly.

Each rule below links to the section of the Pasadena Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Pasadena's code says

Pasadena code What Pasadena's code adds
Allowed
  • Yes, in the host's primary residence, with a short-term rental permit.
    Applies: Houses, duplexes, condos, townhomes and apartments; not affordable or Section 8 units. Unhosted stays up to 90 days a year; hosted stays unlimited.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    Short-term rentals shall be permitted in single-family residences, duplexes, condominiums, townhomes, and multi-family rental units, except covenant restricted (affordable) and Section 8 units.
  • No. Vacation rentals are not allowed.
    Applies: Homes that are not a primary residence and are rented for short stays for pay.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    Vacation rentals, as defined in this section, are a prohibited use and shall not be operated in the city.
Cap on rentals
  • The owner's primary residence plus 1 more unit on the property.
    Applies: Owner-occupied properties with several units, such as duplexes, triplexes or apartment buildings.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    the owner of such property may short-term rent his/her primary residence plus one additional dwelling unit on the property.
Permit or registration
  • A short-term rental permit and a transient occupancy registration certificate are required.
    Applies: Before renting any primary residence to a short-term guest.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    The host is required to obtain a short-term rental permit from the city, pursuant to the provisions of this section, before renting any primary residence to a transient occupant/guest.
Primary residence
  • Yes.
    Applies: All short-term rentals. The host must live there at least 9 months a year.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    The short-term rental unit is his/her primary residence and that the local responsible contact person or property management company will be available 24 hours per day.
  • Yes, for the main home; the second unit may also be rented.
    Applies: ADUs or accessory structures built or permitted before January 1, 2017. Units permitted after that date may not be short-term rented.
    § 17.50.296 · code text
    both of which can be used for short-term rental activity provided the main structure is the host's permanent residence.

Who this affects

TenantsLandlordsProperty managers

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent out my home short-term in Pasadena?

Pasadena allows permitted short-term rentals of a host's primary residence, plus 1 more unit on owner-occupied properties; unhosted stays at most 90 days yearly.

General information, not legal advice.

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