EAST PALO ALTO – East Palo Alto and the city's largest landlord are squaring off over the city's rent control rules.

Under its new name of Woodland Park Management, Page Mill Properties has filed three lawsuits against the city.

The apartment company – which rents out about 1,650 units in East Palo Alto – is challenging two recent decisions by the Rent Stabilization Board, as well as part of the city's rent stabilization ordinance.

Woodland Park is contending that a recent fee hike for apartment owners is illegal.

The landlord is also challenging new rules that change the way maximum legal rents are calculated.

Meanwhile, the city is considering its own legal action against the landlord over recent rent hikes.

Information from: San Mateo County Times, www.sanmateotimes.com