Shawn Lavi, CPA, is the principal and the author of this page. Elias Lavi is co-owner and founder.
Pasadena runs a rental registry for every residential rental and a permit system for short stays. Both come with deadlines and fees that end up on your Schedule E. We help Pasadena owners stay current with the city and keep the books ready for tax time.
LaviCPA is Shawn Lavi, CPA and Elias Lavi, CPA. Our only office is at 7707 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, and we work with Pasadena owners there or by Zoom.
The Pasadena Rental Registry
Every residential rental property in the City of Pasadena has to be registered with the Rent Stabilization Department's Rental Registry. The 2026 cycle opened September 1 and closes October 31, 2026. The fee is $236.54 per unit.
There is a grace period through November 7. After that a late fee is added to each unit: 15% through December 15, 30% through January 29, 2027, and 50% after that.
The registry fee is a deductible rental expense in the year you pay it. A late fee is a penalty, and we track it separately.
Short-term rentals: residents only
Pasadena allows short-term rentals only by a primary resident who lives at the property at least nine months a year. Vacation rentals are not permitted anywhere in the city. A Type 1 permit covers hosted stays, where you stay on site. A Type 2 permit covers unhosted stays while you are away. The permit fee is $123, and Pasadena does not require a separate business license for it.
Hosts owe a 12.11% transient occupancy tax and a 4.89% tourism district assessment, the TBID.
Quarterly reports, even when Airbnb pays the tax
Since April 1, 2026, Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit both the TOT and the TBID on Pasadena bookings. You still file a quarterly report with your nights and taxable receipts. Reports are due April 20, July 20, October 20, and January 20, even for a quarter with no bookings. A host who skips them will not get the permit renewed.
Because you live in the home, the federal rules for renting part of a residence apply on your return.
Selling in Pasadena
Pasadena has no city transfer tax. A sale pays the LA County rate of $1.10 per $1,000. See our 1031 exchange page if you plan to buy again.
Pasadena FAQs
When is the 2026 Pasadena rental registration due?
October 31, 2026, with a grace period through November 7. The fee is $236.54 per unit.
Do I still file a quarterly report if Airbnb collects the tax?
Yes. Every permitted host files a quarterly report, even if a platform remits the tax and even if you had no bookings.
Does Pasadena have its own transfer tax?
No. Only the county's $1.10 per $1,000 applies.
Book a free 30-minute New Client Introduction
Send us your registry invoice and last return. We will make sure the city and federal numbers match.
Book a free 30-minute New Client Introduction
General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and rates change, so we confirm them before you act.