Do not stay here. My experience with the stay and exchange with the host made for a terrible experience.
On my second day, when I opened the storage door under the oven, a MOUSE jumped up and tried to run out. I quickly closed the door before the mouse could run into the kitchen. Upon further inspection, I noticed mouse feces throughout the kitchen and in parts of the bathroom. After this incident, I tried to work directly with the host to resolve the issue and he was not willing to engage in a productive conversation. I was able to work with Airbnb, and with photo evidence of the mouse droppings, was permitted to vacate the apartment on the third day (my original reservation was for five days).
The host has since retaliated and falsely accused me of damaging his apartment. However, as I departed the apartment I was on the phone with the Airbnb service agent and took photos of the apartment with a timestamp showing I left no damage. Also, reviews of my previous Airbnb stays demonstrate I have been a stellar guest over the last 6+ years.
Further details:
Prior to check-in, Erol, the host, sent a message informing me not to talk to other residents regarding this being a short-term rental (text below). This request made for uncomfortable exchanges in the hallways.
Host: “Please don’t talk with anyone in the building and if you do/someone asking you what are you doing there just said that you’re Orel’s&Tony’s guest. Please don’t remind the fact you’re there for short term visit”
Day 1 (check-in): There were already a few concerns: no coffee machine, a long black hair on bed sheets, an older comforter with noticeable stains, an unclean toilet seat, thin sheets, no hangers, and paper shades in the bedroom. While this wasn’t ideal, I figured it would be fine for a short stay.
Day 2: As I was looking for a wine bottle opener in various kitchen cabinets and drawers, I opened the storage drawer under the oven and the mouse jumped up and tried to run out. I immediately called the host and explained the situation, and I shared that I was shaken up as the mouse was a bit of a shock. I then noticed mouse droppings around the kitchen and under the bathroom heater. The host shared that his husband would arrive with a bottle opener and check the apartment. His husband did arrive and quickly handed me the bottle opener and was about to leave in a rush. I asked him to check, but of course, the mouse had hightailed it out of there.
I’ve lived in big cities, and I understand that these situations happen, and they are unfortunate. However, I booked an Airbnb over a hotel to use the kitchen, and I no longer felt comfortable using the kitchen.
Day 3 - To demonstrate I tried to work in good faith with the host, below are the email messages between the host and me. His response demonstrated that he was not willing to fulfill the responsibilities of a reasonable Airbnb host. There were not several calls, and no remedies were offered to me other than his partner dropping off the bottle opener and taking a quick look.
Josh8:50 AM
Hello Orel,
I have a couple of work calls and will be out rest of the day so I am emailing to discuss the mouse situation. I have never experienced this situation so thank you for the day to think.
I selected an Airbnb vs a hotel so I could have use of a kitchen, etc. I no longer feel comfortable using the kitchen.
I am asking for 20% off the total amount to make up for the cost for eating out, etc.
Or to allow me to check out Saturday as I’ll need the time for find a hotel or another AirBNB. I would be reimbursed for the difference in the amount of staying three nights vs five nights.
Please let me know if one of these works best for you. I look forward to remedying this unfortunate situation.
Thank you,
Joshua
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Orel9:46 AM
Hello Joshua
Unfortunately I do not intend to give a 20% discount on your reservation.
After several cell phone calls yesterday and several solutions that were offered to you and you chose to refuse them, I can not do anything about your complaint.
My partner checked the kitchen and the rest of the apartment with your approval despite your refusal that someone would come to check and nothing was found.
I'm so sorry if you're having a horrible experience in my apartment that you claim the mouse was seen yesterday around 2:30 p.m.
You claim you were shocked and your body trembled with fear and yet you chose to stay the night in my apartment and try your luck again today.
Unfortunately I can not do anything about it
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