Today is day 13 of my 46-days stay in a 2-bedroom apartment in Dublin. 50% paid, and 50% pending.
3 days before arrival (no free modifications allowed), the host informs us of a problem with the bathtub, which has to be replaced. That's fine.
Our first weekend is quite uncomfortable and noisy, with the handyman replacing the bathtub for 2 days. No biggie! 🙂
The handyman confirms there are other problems though (low water pressure and defective water heater) and that somebody else will come soon.
Nobody calls, and nobody comes.
But things get worse: the floor in bedroom #1 has mould. The walls too. Several types of mould. There are also puddles on the floor (puddles of water, yes!). And the stink is outrageous.
After waking up with sore throat 3 days in a row, I'm forced to go sleep on the couch.
No more sore throat, needless to say. But bedroom #1 is definitely toxic and can't be used.
In addition, the low pressure of the hot water makes taking a shower impossible, and terrible noises coming from the defective water heater, at 5 am every 2 or 3 days.
We inform the host immediately but no reply in 4 days. Therefore, we decide to leave earlier and we let the host know.
We're denied a free cancellation (we didn't even want a refund, just to leave without paying anything more).
We already paid 50% of the total amount, and we want to leave only on day 16 of 46. Isn't it fair enough? 50% pay for 30% of stay in such circumstances?
The host's support team kindly refuses any free cancellation. After many calls and chats, Airbnb also denies the cancellation and allows the host to send someone to repair things.
But we're not here to pay rent while the host repairs their property, are we? We're not that stupid.
I'd like to gain some more perspective on the situation, and I'll appreciate any feedback.