We rented Neil's apartment from Dec. 27 to January 1st, we chose it because we wanted to be near where my cousin lives and because we were a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenagers).
Upon arrival, our first impression was that it was a nice bright apartment, with big bathroom, nice kitchen, living with 2 big sofas and bedroom, but...not very tidy and in a need of a big clean-up! (Vegetables and other stuff were dying in the fridge, sticky floor)
We had to unclog the sink in the bathroom, no clean towels available, just dirty ones lying around, no sheets available either for the sofa and the sheets on the bed were just disgusting (as well as the pillows and mattress...) and the bed was broken, holding up with a pile of books... Well, luckily we were able to borrow some sheets and towels from my cousin so we could sleep and after some cleaning felt a bit better. We also tried to "fix" the bed better with a wood box instead of the books.
When contacted, Neil explained that previous hosts left just the day before (and from the comment they left, they found the place in pretty much the same condition, they even had to buy and change light bulbs so they could see at night and clean the toilets before use...) A bit light for an explanation in my opinion. Would have been nice to have somebody clean up in between. I think the number one condition when you expect guests is to clean and offer decent bedding. Didn't feel like we were welcome at all.
Really a pity because the apartment in itself is very bright and nice, with great view and I love this neighborhood (great couscous place downstairs). In a note left on the kitchen counter, we were kindly asked to leave the place as we found it but I think we left it in a better state (with an unclogged working sink). Come on Neil, clean-up!! You are so lucky to be living here! Anyway, it didn't spoil our stay in Paris (well, maybe a little bit...)