Do not trust them with your money. Your experience will largely depend on the 'listing agent' ie the agent who shows you the apartment you like. If you get a 'bad' agent, they will not return your calls, not let you know if you were approved or not, and once/if you are approved, then not get back to you regarding the lease. All this while holding one month's rent in the form of a certified check that you can't cancel anymore. Unprofessional is another word to describe this, though I can also think of extortion or torture. Will go with more established and reputable agencies in the future that will give you one dedicated agent whom you will work with from apt selection to lease signing. No other way to be held responsible or accountable for the client.