Host took me down to the basement apartment where we found a live cockroach. There were also a cricket and a spider hanging out in the bathroom. Appreciate that he killed and disposed of them, but it did leave me wondering the rest of the time about these unwelcomed guests. Returned from my workshop the next day to find about a dozen big black house flies and more crickets. Host brought down a fly swatter and had bog spray available (although I try not to use poisons in my living spaces). DC was also experiencing a cicada infestation. The stairs leading down to the basement apartment were crunchy from all the dead carcasses. Would have been nice for someone to have kept the steps clean and clear. Leaving the apartment one rainy evening, I slipped and fell on loose stone off the back deck, which really needs to be set in place for safety purposes. Other aspects of the apartment could use some attention and updating: namely, there appears to be water damage and mold on the ceiling above the bathtub, some of the furniture is rather beat up, and freshen the old, chipped paint and walls that were patched but not painted.
Listing does note that "those of us living in the main house" may come down to use the laundry during certain hours. Not a big deal, except that once I was there I realized that it was not just the host family that would have access to the basement. It was not clear from the listing that there are other renters (two, I think) staying in the main house who may be coming down to use the laundry. This would not be much of a concern if it was possible to secure your belongings, but the bedroom door cannot be secured with a key.
Pros: good location on a quiet street just a short walk from many bars and restaurants. Great water pressure. Bathtub (I was in town for an exercise workshop, and really wanted to be able to soak in a tub at the end of each day, and most listings only have standing showers). Everything you need to prepare your own meals.