Had a lot of conflict with the owner, Max, throughout the booking. Here are my experiences at this airbnb written down in as much detail as possible:
- I booked accidentally before noticing there was no window. Within 15 minutes of booking I asked for a refund, but they would not, no matter what, give a refund. Max wanted me to pay her ~$400 to be able to cancel the reservation. Of course I didn't want to just lose this amount of money so I just decided to stay there. Later I tried to report to Airbnb and see if I can get a refund that way, long story short they sided with her and the compromise was that she installs a window into the common area hallway. No natural sunlight in this room. The room is decently sized for NYC however.
- Smell of weed frequently. Because there is no real window in the room, it takes about 30-40 minutes to air out.
- This is a listing that was about 3 bedrooms that got converted into 6 bedrooms. "Flex" rooms most people call them. So you are dealing with all different types of roommates that come in and out of this place.
- No lock on door (the lock turns but the door doesn't close fully so you can't lock the door. so when you lock it, you can still push the door open)
- There is no air conditioning so it gets pretty hot in the summer time. Even in the fall it's quite hot. So I do have the fan blowing at me the entire time
- The location is very good, convenient to get anywhere. I often walk downstairs just to grab cheap eats since this apartment is basically in/next to Chinatown
- Toilet paper is not provided, we need to buy our own. And just another indication of what the owners are like at this place, this is the exat message sent in the group chat of people that lived in the apartment (mostly all of is through airbnb): "Hi guys, it has come to my attention that some of you are not cleaning up after themselves and not buying toilet paper. I just want to let everyone know that I will next Time someone doesn’t clean up after themselves I will be deducting money from their security deposit in Order to hire the Cleaning Lady." - Like this is just an incredible message. Firstly, who the hell starts threatening everyone that lives there and to say it with so much attitude? I have never had a landlord be this rude before. Secondly, is that I was never told we needed to buy toilet paper. How can they be angry at someone for breaking a rule that they were hearing about for the first time? Every airbnb I've stayed at provided these basics. This is not an independent occurence.
- When I decided to leave because I could not take this place anymore, I was told I had to get out the same day (first of the month) or stay until the end of the month (my original duration) to get 50% refund. She said this because she found new tenants moving in same day, her friend, and still she only decided to give me 50% refund. I was in the middle of my housing search, so I had no place to go so I had to stay in hotel.
- All I can say is that this booking has caused my so much headache and it was not worth it for a second.