When I first left home for the student life I had found the then perfect location, negotiated a deal and arrived. The house had not been cleaned in at least three to six months. The landlord was a nice man but as I learnt later did not understand the hygienic standards of the Netherlands. He originated from the country in Surinam, a rural Hindu family.

The first few days I cleaned the most important spaces. The once white kitchen had turned brown-yellow. After a while though the kitchen was acceptable again and people could live there. I worked in hospitality and catering back then, understanding the hygiene code was a basic requirement. 

Every time my landlord prepared dinner he made good food. The problem was that he could not clean. One day after weeks of annoyance with the uncleanliness in the house he one day had a big slaughtered duck or chicken. He placed the corps on the counter and without notifying the others nor placing a shield to stop flying bits he started chopping like a mad man. The bits flew everywhere and I was disgusted and did not eat the food.

Since that day I avoided entering the kitchen. The landlord had not cleaned up and I refused to clean up again for that inconsiderate idiot. A few weeks later I left that house. The house was good, the landlord was disgusting... 

In Malaysia, the places that serve the best tasting food often appear somewhat unhygenic. Just saying that your experience pretty much passes as the norm for someone originating from a 3rd world country.

Speaking of students, I knew a guy who apparently, loved the smell of damp, mildew-ridden clothes. I nearly puked from the smell, just from entering his room.

My old landlord had lived in the Netherlands for at least 40 years of his life. He almost allowed a house to rot away which was still in good condition. When choosing between good food and a hygienic environment I choose the latter first. In a clean kitchen you can really cook. In a dirty kitchen you have to clean first. 

Hope you never need to shake hands with that guy!

A guy I know rented his fathers apartment to a student. That student just disappeared after about an year leaving apartment in really bad state. There were about 500 bottles of beer filled, but not with beer.