and garbage, and passes the costs through to the tenants. (The applicants note that
they would like to pass through all costs to the renters.)
The tenants pay for electricity in their units.
The application included a completed:
Capital Improvement and Expense Worksheet for roof repair, HVAC upgrade, and
interior and exterior lighting. The applicants provided a spreadsheet version of the
financial information with additional details about expenses and capital improvements.
Owner Performed Labor worksheet for replacing power outlets, painting and cleaning
carpeting. Landlord-performed labor is compensated at reasonable hourly rates, if
documentation is provided showing the date, duration and the nature of the labor
performed. The maximum allowed under this provision is 5 percent of gross income
unless the landlord demonstrates that greater services were performed for the benefit
of the residents.
Staff reviewed the materials submitted by the applicants and worked with them to
finalize the application, then issued determination letters to the:
Applicants on February 27, 2026, granting approval of an exception to the rent increase
cap. The approved exceptions were:
Apartment A: 17.97%
Apartment B: 17.97%
Apartment C: 19.20%
Apartment D: 17.97%
Although Unit C was not included in the online intake form or the Rent Roll,
property-wide financials were provided. Therefore, a property-wide determination was
issued. Unit C was renting for a flat rate of $1,690 / month at the time of application.
Tenants on March 3, 2026, informing tenants that their landlord was granted an
exception to the rent increase cap and advising tenants of their appeal right she last
Fire Certificate of Occupancy inspection rated 1517 Portland Avenue as a Class B
property. A renewal inspection was due on June 22, 2025. There are no open
complaints for this property.
Marcia Moermond reviewed documentation submitted:
• Base year 2023
• 2025 data in its entirety and used for analysis
• Rent increase would be in effect in 2026 at the start of the next lease term in
accordance with local/state law
Michael Smith:
• Lived in building 10 years
• Building was sold a few years ago, Mr. Smith said that he had a terrible time with
realtor/people being in/out constantly. Building is for sale again.
• Stated there had been no maintenance in his unit until last year, he had to beg for
hot water to be fixed
• The last time rent was raised, they didn’t go through the city’s process
• Has only received 2 increase letters from the city
Marcia Moermond: Noted that landlords are permitted to increase rent up to 3% without
input from the city.
