In the ongoing search for an apartment, with walls that block out the neighbours urination and snoring sounds, and without too much of a tourist rate rental price, and many other unreasonable goals, I have become interested in the homegate website and others' experiences.

Frequently the regie or immobilier states that the current occupant is contacted for a visit (fine by me) but the occupant does not respond, reply or otherwise tell you to get lost. Contact the regie, they say, "oh well, some people work, you just have to keep trying". Repeat. The apartment stays advertised for weeks, or months. Not just one apartment - this is a pattern.

What am I missing?