It seems, the agency has been ignoring its customers' appalling reviews for years. Even locals find them unpalatable (Yelp.fr . hid all their 17 reviews but you open and read them http://www.yelp.fr/not_recommended_reviews/paris-attitude-paris-2 )Problems listed are numerous: late responses, agents late for check-ins/outs, missing documents, unjustified charges etc.etc. In many cases, you don't even get your security deposit returned. It's easy: the lease stipulates that you get your deposit back only when you surrender your keys before leaving the country. When you must take your flight you don't have time to wait and the agents simply do not show up. Good luck complaining after the fact, they simply ignore you or lie.
When you first contact the agency, they assign an agent to work with you as you cannot book online yourself or communicate with the owner directly. So if he does not reply on time, which is frequently the case, you'll be wasting your time. You pay the exorbitant fee upfront (half a month rent even if you stay only 1 month) and sign the lease without seeing the place. Moreover, if the apartment you pick is managed by another agency such as Acceuil Appartement, you are potentially open to more fees and abuses and you're not sure who is responsible for what when they play ping-pong referring you to one another.
In addition to Paris Attitude fees, you might be responsible for 40E - 125E ($60-150) each cleaning fee, laundry fee, "displacement" fee (when an agent has to come fix a problem), early or late check-in/out fee etc.etc. For them,, the cost of doing business and inconvenience must be borne by renters. You may also be responsible for utilities.
Some charges may not be posted and disclosed at the time of booking - you'll see them all only at the lease signing when you need a place asap. At that time, you don't know that agencies do not have a right to demand a copy of your photo, a letter from your employer or your previous landlord. You don't know that they must post their fees and average utility charges for each apartment.
Contrary to what the agency may tell you and some reviewer opinions, Paris Attitude IS responsible for your stay. If they are lessors on the lease they must sign it. If the lease is not signed, it's not valid and you may be entitled to a full refund. In some cases, rental agencies don't even notify owners who are unaware that their apartment was rented.
What can you do if you got screwed? Writing a review is a start. Spread the word on social networking sites and fight back. You can try calling your embassy or consulate or contact the French consulate back home. From the embassies, you can get a list of local attorneys who speak your language. You can try writing to Alain Bazot, president of a consumer organization UFC Que Choisir or to the Ministry of Tourism or its offices http://www.towd.com/search.php?country=France You can also vent to Rene Paillancourt, president of the industry association FNAIM, but membership is voluntary and many agencies don't join.
To prevent these pitfalls, you can deal with agencies based in your country - they might be more responsive in case of a dispute. Search for reviews and move on if there are many negative ones: good reviews might be bought, but there won't be too many "disgruntled" customers. Keep in mind that reputable businesses will abide by the rule "customer is always right", will not blame you for anything, will try hard to resolve the problem peacefully and without argument. If you see any inkling of "attitude" - that should be your warning sign. Don't trust fake smiles and ask for all the necessary documents - you'll be glad you did. You can find a reliable private landlord and avoid rental agencies' fees (not from craigslist which is infested with scammers). If tourists quit renting from local agencies en masse, private landlords would get a boost and stop hiring agencies that charge them listing fees on top of rental fees to tenants. Losing their roster of apartments will make the crooked agencies pay attention. Yes, there are honest agencies in Paris, but the bad apples reflect on everyone's business so it would behoove them to unite and do something about it.
Check this page for useful info including Direction Départementale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes [departmental consumer rights organization] of the Department where the incident occurred. http://www.francetourism.com/practicalinfo/locallaws.htm
French authorities would pay attention if enough complaints raise their awareness of the problem, so if you feel you've been cheated, make your voice heard. read more