Full Breakdown
Portland Rent Board Orders Landlord to Repay $30,000 for Overcharged Rent
2/18/2026, 11:01:27 AM
Rent Control Violation Findings
The Portland Rent Board has determined that landlord Atanas Dinkov must repay approximately $30,000 to former tenants due to violations of the city’s rent control ordinance. The board unanimously concluded that Dinkov did not reside in the basement of his three-unit building at 33 State St. during the period from April 2024 to April 2025, as he claimed. Dinkov had raised rents by as much as 87%, asserting that he qualified for an owner-occupied exemption under the ordinance, which allows such exemptions for buildings with fewer than five units if one unit is occupied by the owner.
Disputed Living Arrangements
Dinkov purchased the property in January 2024 and subsequently increased rents to around $2,000 per apartment. He contended that he lived in the basement unit, which was under renovation and described by the Portland Tenant’s Union as a boarded-up room lacking plumbing. The union filed a complaint in May 2024, leading to an investigation that ultimately rescinded Dinkov's owner-occupied exemption. Although the city initially granted the exemption after Dinkov claimed he had moved to the basement, the board later found insufficient evidence to support his claim.
Board's Deliberation and Recommendations
After five months of discussions, the rent board voted to recommend that Dinkov repay the overcharged rent and face fines of approximately $4,000. The decision was not reached easily; board members debated whether it was "more likely than not" that Dinkov lived in the basement. Dinkov criticized the board's decision-making process, arguing that it disregarded substantial evidence in his favor, including appraisals and inspections that described the basement as finished.
Criticism of Enforcement Practices
The Portland Tenant’s Union has raised concerns about the broader implications of Dinkov's case, suggesting it reflects a pattern of landlords misusing owner-occupied claims to bypass rent control laws. Union member Lila Kohrman-Glaser emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of owner-occupancy proof requirements to prevent similar situations. Former tenant Sophia Thomas criticized the city for inadequate oversight, stating that better diligence could protect tenants from fraudulent practices.
Next Steps and Appeals
The rent board's ruling will be finalized in March 2026, at which point city officials will determine how to enforce the penalties. Dinkov has indicated his intention to appeal the decision once it is formalized. The ongoing challenges in enforcing Portland's rent control ordinance have drawn criticism from residents and city councilors, who argue that the lack of clear mechanisms for collecting fines hampers effective governance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was found exempt from the city. I haven’t done anything wrong.” — Atanas Dinkov, Landlord
- “The city simply needs to collect proof of owner occupancy during rental registration to stop this widespread corruption,” — Lila Kohrman-Glaser, Portland Tenant’s Union Member
- “If city staff would just do their job, we could save the rent board a lot of time and save tenants from being taken advantage of by fraudulent landlords,” — Sophia Thomas, Former Tenant
This case highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding rent control enforcement in Portland, raising questions about landlord accountability and tenant protections.
