Rent increase applications at four Portland buildings
Summary
The board decided four rent increase applications totaling roughly 115 units, approving three and tabling one after tenant objections over unexplained legal and security costs. These decisions directly affect monthly rents for Portland tenants.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 23, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Approved increases add roughly $115 to $180 per month to affected units, with tenants at 439 Congress dodging an $18.64 increase for now.
Landlords at the approved properties gain authorized rent increases; 439 Congress tenants get a reprieve pending more documentation.
Tenants at the approved buildings face higher monthly rents, and 439 Congress tenants remain uncertain about the eventual outcome.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Rent Board - Oct 28, 2026
The Board was set to take up rent increase requests affecting roughly 147 units across four buildings — 439 Congress St (81 units), 117 Preble St (56 units), 90 Pine St (4 units), and 131 Sherman St (6 units) — plus a completeness review for 91 State St (10 units). Tenants in these buildings could see rent changes depending on the Board's decisions.
Rent Board - Oct 14, 2026
The board was scheduled to discuss how maintenance of net operating income (NOI) applications are handled. These applications let landlords seek rent increases based on operating costs, so process changes affect both landlords and tenants.
Rent Board - Sep 23, 2026
The board decided four rent increase applications totaling roughly 115 units, approving three and tabling one after tenant objections over unexplained legal and security costs. These decisions directly affect monthly rents for Portland tenants.
Rent Board - Jul 8, 2026
The board was scheduled to discuss its growing backlog of rent increase applications, which affects how quickly landlords and tenants get decisions on rent matters.
Rent Board - Jun 24, 2026
Landlord Wilbur Cheever sought increases across six units at two buildings. The board dug into his owner-performed labor and old base rents, found unit 1 at 72 William St. had been kept exceptionally low, and tabled both applications for validated numbers and banked-rent figures.
Related development
439 Congress St rent increase
The $18.64/month increase is on hold while the landlord gathers documentation on security and legal costs.
72 William St rent increase
Tenants at 76 William St should watch for a future hearing on the proposed increases.
91 State St rent increase
Rent levels for 26 tenant households could rise if the application is approved.
963 Washington Ave rent increase
Tenants in the four units will see the application proceed toward a merits hearing.
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