The California Apartment Association has filed its opening brief ahead of a hearing on its legal challenge to the Pasadena rent control measure adopted in the November election. CAA filed the lawsuit in December and, under the terms of an agreement struck with the city, it is set to be heard on an expedited schedule. The hearing on the merits of CAA’s challenge is set for March 28.

CAA contends that the law effects an unlawful revision to the city charter, imposes unconstitutional limits on who may serve on the rent board created to administer the rent control program, and improperly seeks to regulate rents on properties that are exempt from rent control under Costa-Hawkins.

The answering briefs of the defendants – the City of Pasadena and the measure’s proponents – are due March 13.