In my thirteen years as a host, and traveler, this is by far, my most disappointing experience. I urge anyone to check my rating when reading this... I am a woman, and was made to be problematic from this host.
I booked a monthly stay at Mike's place, and expected it to be clean, light-filled, and the true display of an Airbnb Super Host. Unfortunately, upon checkin time, my communication with the host stopped. The only redeeming quality about this listing is the backyard and location. The outdoor is shared between 3 units. Inside the unit, there is a very old mildew/mold stench that made it hard for me to breathe. If you have migraines, breathing issues, or auto-immune issues I'd refrain from the listing. When I entered the bathroom, there was hair in several spots on the floor along with crumbs on the floor in the kitchen. It was clear the property had not been cleaned.
I called/messaged Mike, and heard no response for 4 hours. After I received his response, I was further outraged. He advised that the place was just cleaned and was in good condition. He advised that there would absolutely be no refund, and that I could wait until Monday when a professional cleaner could come to potentially feel better about the listing (this was Friday). He said my breathing/illness was irrelevant and cleaning was subjective. No apology or resolution from him but he sent his mother-in-law to the unit. We came to realize she lived next door and was also the housekeeper/cleaner after she advised how thorough she cleaned. I insisted on a professional cleaner due to the standard I expect, the global pandemic, my health issues, and the cost of the monthly stay. The situation was rectified by her putting bath towels on the bathroom floor to make me feel more comfortable with the cleanliness...
We stayed the night, and I couldn't breathe. All night, we heard the listing upstairs moving furniture, watching TV, and their dog barking. I immediately began searching for a new place to stay. I offered to pay 2 nights and any service fee for Mike to allow cancellation for the month. He refused, and said he was following all Airbnb protocol, and that if I left, I would be breaking our original agreement -- I was at fault. I advised he could rent out the place (all places were more expensive and unavailable), avoid a review from me, but the answer was still no.
I hate to write this, but Airbnb was founded on the principle of community, entrepreneurship, and quite frankly, karma. To me, what was the most disturbing outside of the lack of cleanliness, was Mike's attitude and behavior. No apology, no remorse, no empathy. We all hope to never have to cancel our reservations -- as a host, or traveler, but when someone expresses concern, or is at risk with their health, or feels unsafe for any reason, compassion should be a priority -- especially after the last 2+ years we have all endured. Kindness goes a long way.