So, an expat convinced the landlord to allow HIM to pay to remodel a shitty apartment that should have been done by the landlord? Hmm. Ah...China. But of course the landlord was all for it because he didn't have to pay for it and after Persson moves out the landlord can triple or quadruple (or more) the rent for the new tenant.
Although I have to say it does look great now. So, I guess if Persson felt that was a good option to pay for the remodeling, then more power to him. And..now since it looks great...the 400 a month is a FANTASTIC deal on this place. Although, the way things work here, the landlord will probably jack up the rent on him soon despite the fact that he is not the one that paid for the renovations.