Complaint Review: Westside Rentals - Santa Monica California

I origially signed up for Westside Rentals $60 for 60 days apartment search, when it expired, I realized that I needed more help and signed up for the "gold" package- that's a joke!!!  I paid them on 9/24/11.  After not hearing from them for a whole week, I called them (appx 9/29) to ask why they haven't called and taken my search requirements.  They apologized and transferred me to another woman (they stated that that shouldnt have happened).  At that point, they took my criteria in which I stated that my "max" was $1100.  That was the whole point, the most important part of my criteria.  We also made an appt at that time to go out and view apartments on 10/9/11.  I received a voice message on appx 10/4 which stated that they "lost" my criteria. 

At this point, I was frustrated with this company, so I waited to hear back from them, wanted to see how much they were invested in getting this info from me.  They never called again!!  I ended up calling them on either 10/6 or 10/7, when I had an appt for 10/9.  At this point, they had sent me nothing through the website!  After calling and giving my criteria again, they did make appx 8-9 referrals.  Out of those, only 2 of them fit my "max" criteria.  The rest were over.  I recieved a call from Westside Friday or Saturday, confirming my appt.  I explained that I was concerned over the listings that they sent me, that they really didnt fit my criteria.  She told me to check online that evening for additional referrals.  I did look, there was nothing more sent to me. 

On the day of the appt, they had a total of 5 viewings for me, with one that was already rented out.  Out of those, only 1 actually met my criteria.  I was then told by the driver, that they dont take me out anymore than that!  What did I pay $350 for????  I needed help, instead, I was just "robbed".  I expressed my concerns about the process, in which the driver responded, I would agree with you, but I can't, don't want to get in trouble, but you know what I mean...even a Westside employee agreed with me!  He gave me the card for his manager, Martin, in the Santa Monica office.  I called Martin the following day and he was off.  He did return my call the next day, the only professional response I have received from this company.  When we spoke, he was rude, told me my criteria didnt exist (why didnt they say that upfront???) and told me he would only give me $50 back, that regardless of what they do, they do not give money back.  I told him that I would share my story with everyone, and he told me to "go ahead".  So that's my story.  Nobody called to tell me what to expect, I had no knowledge that I would only be taken out once.  This is a complete rip off.  I just moved here from New York and am trying to start a new life.  That alone is hard enough.  Now to have a company I sadly trusted take my $350, really $410 if you count the last membership, and not provide a service???  Please Do Not Sign up for this membership- you will find yourself out money and still without an apartment.