Sarah's place was not fit for Airbnb guests; it was filthy, grimy and dusty. The dust was visible on surfaces in all rooms and the hallway. There were insect traps in several places, and particles on the bed and floors that may have been bedbugs or other insects. Every window was dirty and streaked. The owners had not even sprayed and wiped down the tabletops to clean and remove fingerprints, germs, dust and smudges. There was a large ping pong table where a proper kitchen or dining room table and chairs should be, and along with dust, it had a handprint and boot print in different places. The living room rug was stained and filthy. The bedspread on the main bed was grungy, ripped in many places, the filling was coming out. I could go on... All of this was alarming, particularly because I have several serious allergies (including to dust mites) and asthma and my son has a weak immune system. In short, the apartment was uninhabitable and I was forced to make last-minute arrangements for a week's worth of lodging, in the middle of my vacation. I immediately notified the host and requested a refund. I took pictures, went through the proper (though tedious) complaint process with Airbnb. I engaged 2 different customer service employees and the result: neither the host nor Airbnb have agreed to refund what I paid for this rental. After much back and forth, the host agreed to refund a $50 "cleaning fee," of all things. Airbnb says it can't do anything more, takes no responsibility, and has agreed to refund nothing.
My family and I have stayed in many Airbnbs over the years. We assume the places we rent will be CLEAN and SANITARY. This was by far the absolute worst apartment I've seen in Sweden over many visits and one of the worst I've seen in my travels around the world. (By contrast, the Airbnb I stayed in nearby, earlier in the month, was quite clean and tidy - the standard most adult travelers expect. See my 5-star rating and review of Janusz' place in Liljeholmen, Sweden, June 1-17.) It makes me sad to write this review, because Sarah's apartment is in a good location and has a great layout for 2 or more guests.
Consumers beware: Airbnb has refused to take any responsibility for branding, warranting, advertising and serving as a vehicle to collect my money for a substandard accommodation. I am now out $644 for a rental I could not stay in for even one night. I am continuing to pursue my claim with Airbnb and will take legal action if necessary.