Sadly, I cannot recommend this apartment. Throughout my 2-week stay, I overheard ongoing, regular gunfire from the blocks nearby. This apartment sits just below Rio's Cantagalo favela, and I was often awakened overnight or early in the morning with the loud, echoing sounds of repeated gunshots that would last up to 10 - 15 minutes. I'm fluent in Portuguese and spoke to the neighbors (and the local police on the street) about it, and they've become accustomed to the sound, but no one feels safe here. It's hard to sleep when you're being awakened by gunshots.
I've stayed in many AirBNB's before. This apartment itself is comfortable, if a bit lacking. The kitchen cupboard had no bowls; a clock on the wall mysteriously had no hands to tell the time. The entry way to the building is under construction, requiring entrance through a dank parking garage. Several wall outlets don't work, the water pressure would often be so low that the shower would stop working, and the quality bedding / pillows could be improved.
The host, Levy, is quite welcoming and helpful, but the apartment does not match his level of hospitality, I'm afraid. I would look elsewhere for your next trip to Rio.