Wait... he wasn't the landlord?

In this week’s Buzz:

• First snow falls on the mountains above Bansko and Dobrinishte

• Trying to open a business bank account in Bansko

• I think I’ve been involved in a rental scam

• T Market to open in Bansko in October

• Early bird season pass prices announced

• Finance Minister says Euro cannot be blamed for inflation in Bulgaria

• Schedule for Bansko Day celebrations

• Closure on the mountain road on Monday 28th

• Golden Eagle boxing tournament in Razlog

A tenant handed over €3,000 before finding out the man letting it to him was actually just the cleaner with a key

This week, someone posted on the notice board that he felt he'd been involved in a rental scam. He’d been renting from an individual who claimed to be the landlord, but a few weeks into the stay, he discovered the “landlord” was just the cleaner with a key.

He met the guy in a WhatsApp group about a monitor being sold and ended up renting an apartment. Later, he found out the actual owner had listed the apartment on booking.com. In total, he handed over around €3,000, and now says he’s been scammed and has reported everything to the local police.

Does this happen a lot in Bansko? It can happen, but it isn’t common.

What is more common is a landlord/agent keeping the security deposit and not returning it because of “damage” or something else. That happens all over the world, but in Bansko it seems harder to know where to go to complain or get your deposit back.

So, how do you know who to trust?

Often, it comes down to knowing people and speaking to them, which means being here. That’s annoying and not helpful, I know, but it is what it is.

If I were renting in Bansko for less than two weeks, I’d go the Booking/Airbnb route: they offer some protection if things go wrong, and they charge a premium for that.

For a longer stay, my first stop would be Phillip from Bansko Apartment Rental. He’s managed rentals in town for years and is a trustworthy guy (no connection, just someone I’ve used in the past).

I’d then look through the listings on Bansko Nomad Apartments or post my requirements on a group like Bansko Owners Renting (although the group doesn’t seem to be actively moderated, so expect spam and off-topic posts).

You can usually see information about who a person is (photos, friends, information, etc. on FB), but you only get what they've published on their profile.

So that means questions:

• Do they own the property or are they acting as an agent?

• How long have they been renting the place out?

• Do they rent other properties? For other owners?

• Do they live in Bansko full-time?

• How well do they know the building manager and other owners?

• How well do they know the area around the apartment building?

The answers will give you an indication of who this person is, and good landlords are usually helpful.

Also, I’d pay by an IBAN transfer or Wise/Revolut: then there’s a log of what’s sent. If they want cash, I’d have an independent witness (a friend) there with me to hand it over.

If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Trust your gut.

These types of instances aren’t common, but they do happen, just like in other parts of the world.

Plus Property Bansko: Your Real Estate Experts

If you own an apartment in Bansko and you’re thinking about selling, then we offer a free valuation and listing of your property. Currently, it’s the best time to sell in Bansko.

We guide you through the whole process to get the best price for your property, including a realistic asking price, ensuring all local property and maintenance fees are paid, showing prospective buyers around, and making everything easy.

If you’re looking for a local property expert who can help get the best price for your property, contact us today.

👉️ SELL YOUR BANSKO PROPERTY

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 51 New Posts, 💬 254 Comments, 👍️ 3,236 Reactions

Trying to open a business bank account in Bansko
Vera wants to open a business bank account in Bansko, but thinks the approval process at FiBank and DSK is long and pricey. See what people suggested.

I just paid €0.30 for an A4 black and white print at Office 1. Is this normal?
Христо went to print a page at Office 1 on Tsar Simeon Street and was shocked by the price. See what other people had to say.

First snow falling in Bansko
Elena posted a photo from the webcams on Todorka showing the first snowfall on the mountain. This was then followed by a little sprinkling overnight on Friday.

Where can I get a chip on my car’s windscreen fixed?
Dave has a chip on his car’s windscreen and wants to get it fixed before the cold sets in. See where people recommended he go.

Bansko & Beyond

Bansko has a new cinema!
On Friday, a new cinema opened in Bansko: two movie theatres of 29 seats each. They’ll be open every day, showing movies, and have already put together the movie schedule (see the link to the Kino Arena’s website for information on the schedule and the language/subtitles/dubbing). Read more.

Early bird season pass prices announced
If you buy a season pass for ski season, then the 2026/2027 early bird prices have been announced. An adult pass will cost €870, essentially the same price as last year’s early bird offer (so no increase). They go on sale on Thursday (1st). Read more.

T Market to open in Bansko
The popular supermarket chain in Bulgaria is set to open in Bansko. This will be where the large Aldo is/was above Queens Pub, opposite the new Sinsay. The rumour is that it’ll open on Thursday (1st). A new pet store has also opened in the same building (facing the Station), so it looks like that area is getting a nice uplift with new businesses. Read more.

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• New cycle path from Bansko to Razlog around 75% complete

• European Mobility Week (mobility for everyone) at schools in Bansko

• Finance Minister: Euro cannot be blamed for inflation in Bulgaria

• Property tax valuations set to double by 2029

• Bulgaria’s battery boom shields power sector from drought shock

• MPs reject bill seeking to remove physical stickers for vehicle insurance [Translation required]

Recommended Businesses

Travelling outside of your home country this year? Get travel insurance designed by travellers. True Traveller: one policy to cover all of your activities. Learn more.

Want to know about upcoming businesses opening, early rumours (that turn out to be true), and a bit more insight into what’s happening in Bansko? Join The Beehive. Learn more.

Shop online & receive packages delivered to Bansko with GGBG. Regular journeys from the UK, Germany and the USA to Bulgaria. See website for info.

👉️ Want to see your ad in the newsletter?
View Advertising Opportunities

Events Next Week

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz
Tomorrow (Monday 28th) is BSD’s final pub quiz of the summer, where teams come together to compete against each other to win the trophy. It will be at Hot Grill on Strazhite Street, which is running a special food & drink deal just for quiz night. The quiz entry fee is €5 per person and it starts at 7.30pm. More info.

Bansko Day Celebrations
Bansko will mark its own Liberation Day on October 5th, but celebrations will run from Thursday (1st) until next Monday (5th) and will include theatre, history, sport, film screenings, exhibitions, concerts and commemorations. More info. [Translation required.]

Camera! Rolling. Filming location – Bansko
On Thursday (1st) at 6.30pm the Bulgarian National Archive will show a few films back-to-back at the Tourist Information Center (near the old tree). These films will give “...residents and visitors the chance to travel back in time and see Bansko as it looked decades ago.” More info. [Translation required.]

Speak Bulgarian Social Club
On Thursday (1st), starting at 6.30pm, Anita’s Art Studio is having a Speak Bulgarian Social Club meetup. This is for individuals who want to practice their Bulgarian. More info.

The Golden Eagle boxing tournament (Razlog)
On Saturday (3rd) from 10.30am at Septemvri Sports Hall in Razlog, young competitors will take part in a boxing tournament. The organisers believe the sport (and the tournament) teaches young people discipline, self-control, perseverance, and respect. More info.

An evening of painting at Between the Mountains Camping
On Sunday 4th at Between the Mountains Camping (up past Regnum) at 4pm, drink some wine and paint the “…beautiful mountain landscape in turquoise, blue and white tones…” Transport is provided. Price: €30 per person. More info. [Translation required.]

Organising an event in or around Bansko? Submit it for consideration here.

Photo of the Week

Enjoying the last of the sunny days in town.

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

Before You Go…