I found three problems during my nearly two-month stay in this apartment, none of which were made aware to me in advance. I moved out early with Airbnb’s help because of one of them.
The first was a strong moldy odor that the host, Emma, fixed in about two weeks by replacing the washing machine.
The second was water leaking from the walls, because the building’s owner needs to repair or replace the pipes.
The third was a critter in one of the walls that leaked. The critter made noises that woke me up repeatedly and pushed debris from inside the damaged wall out into the living room. I was worried that it would emerge from the wall. As it was digging near a power outlet, I was also worried that it had eaten away at the electrical insulation. (I had almost stepped in a puddle near that wall one day after heavy rain.) Finally, I did not want to have to clean up the debris it pushed out of the wall, because cleaning up after certain types of rodents can be a health hazard. I had to travel for work when this happened, which complicated matters. I blocked the wall the best I could until I could recuperate my belongings, but there was a small gap that a mouse could have gotten through. I was anxious about going back, but I did not see or hear and critters upon my return.
Emma and I did not see eye to eye on rodents. Early in my stay, she had admitted to having had problems with mice. She recommended that I keep the windows closed, which I did, because I abhor mice. She didn’t think the critter was worth moving out early over and thought I should give her some time to solve the problem. In my experience, rodent exclusions take time and can be unclean and unpleasant.
I was sorry that I had to leave. The apartment has charm and is in an excellent location, and Emma is a nice person. When the problems are resolved, I might consider it again.