Unfortunately, there were problems.
I rented this unit for a week, despite uneven reviews from prior renters. Unfortunately, we experienced problems with unit cleanliness and had difficulty communicating effectively with Andrew.
We found a bloody pillow in the closet, as noted by a prior tenant. Of biggest concern was that the shower curtain and liner were pink with mold up to a full two inches from the bottom. At first, we thought that the curtain might have had a pink border, and therefore we did not report it to Andrew. To his credit, when we brought it to his attention he responded immediately and replaced it. However, renters should not have to identify such basic problems with cleanliness, especially when the owner lives less than six feet away from the unit.
In general, Andrew responds to our various messages (over 10 in total) five to six hours later. Most of our discussions were related to air conditioning. The rooms are cooled with portable air conditioners which are large and take up all space at the foot of the beds. Batteries were missing from one unit control, and two out of three units did not work consistently. We raised this issue immediately after move-in and did not hear back for several days. When we saw Andrew in his driveway and asked for an update he threw up his hands and said "I am not tech-savvy". Only after repeated requests, and the issue with the moldy shower curtain, did it seem as if we lit a fire under him. At that point, he came to the unit, witnessed the problem with one unit, and then arranged to replace them the next day. At that point, the heat had subsided.
We requested a reduction in our rate, he offered a lower amount, and we agreed. We checked out early and inquired when the credit would be processed. At that point, he indicated that he had changed his mind after speaking to other owners, and indicated that "his technician" had indicated that the AC issue was a user error". This is despite the fact that we have owned and used such units before, and that he witnessed the problems personally.
Other problems exist, along with strong points. The unit is clearly not new - walls are nicked and marked. The unit has no "city-view" at all. The back patio and rear of the unit face out over a half a block long and bleak stretch of roof-top. As other renters noted simply adding a trellis would help considerably and would turn what is a bleak and unhospitable rear exterior into something that might be pleasant.
The exterior is strongly lit, and light switches only turn off one light. The owner indicated that he did not know how to turn them off (!) The curtains are not blackout, and they have to fit around the lovely AC units. As a result, light and noise are constant problems. Sleeping and working in the unit was therefore difficult during the days where the heat index was high.
No hand sanitizer is present, nor cleaning wipes, which we requested. From a COVID perspective, this is unacceptable. Andrew showed proper social distancing and masking when he came to the unit, but we were amazed that we had to request disinfecting wipes and that no notices were left showing that the unit had been sanitized. These are typical steps required during a pandemic.
Shampoo, soap or other complimentary items are not available beyond a 2/3rd empty large pump bottle of conditioner. The side tables in the bedrooms are less than one foot off the ground and are tiny display tables.
There is no "welcome binder" for owners, but a religious workbook for women was prominently displayed on the small living room table (!!!)
The living/kitchen space itself is large and there is plenty of common room to spread out. However, several of the chairs in the dining area are stained. The blinds in the kitchen area are frozen in place, which meant that we had to sleep with our doors shut as we were unable to block out the light coming from the rear of the owner's home, which is directly in front of the Airbnb rental.
The location is good with a natural market close by and several permanent food trucks less than four blocks away.
We requested a reasonable adjustment in our rate. He countered, in writing, with a slightly lower amount, which we agreed to in writing. Unfortunately, our request to understand when the discount would be processed was met with a further email telling us that he had changed his mind and planned a (still) lower reduction. We indicated that we were unhappy with this decision. He did not respond, nor did he process the reduced counter offer. Rather than waiting on a message that may never come we elected to write this review, and to consider processing an appeal with Airbnb.
These issues might be minor for people who stay at the unit for a very short time, who do not rent based upon air conditioning, or who do not plan to work in the unit. As for us, our next trip to Portland nin two months is already planned and we have rented elsewhere.