make sure you use a credit card so the deposit theives can't keep your money.

I am an owner who also uses vrbo and I have been a renter through the site as well. It is interesting how differently people operate. The person I rented from did not have a contract; all I had was the e-mail. I always use a contract. Also he never sent me any keys and just assured me someone would be there to meet me. Sure enough, someone was and everything went great. I always send my renters a key even though they should never need it; I also give them an access garage code. I think it just makes people feel better to have a key in hand. I have never withheld a single dollar of security deposit. I also am very upfront about any potential issues or challenges for the time period they are coming in. I consider them my guests and unless they love the property and have a great time, I would rather not rent to them. I have actually talked people out of renting from me....while my property is very special, it is not for everybody in the winter time. I recently had a lovely person from Australia who had never seen snow contact me and my place is on 13 acres in pristine wonderland but with challenging roads at times. I felt they would do better in a more conventional setting. I have had amazing renters and amazing luck with them. They have typically left the home spotless and are so appreciative of my "sharing" my home with them. Part of the reward of the experience for me is an emotional reward from these very gratifying experiences. Some of my renters stay in touch and send me e-mails throughout the year; it's really wonderful. And, my gosh, you get so much more for your money than in a hotel. You could not house 8-10 people in spacious 3 bedrooms with total privacy and glorious views for $250/night in nonpeak season. And the ability to have a wonderful kitchen to cook in and create family memories is hard to beat with any hotel. As the number of people increases the value of home rental rises exponentially.

I don't take credit cards but then I think my renters get a lot more for their money than otherwise. It keeps it simple for me and I keep the costs down for the renter. As a customer, I don't mind paying in advance and paying in cash rather than credit card to get the best deal possible. Another website to check out is homeaway.com. The advantage they have over vrbo is that they have a search by date function so it is much easier for you to only see the properties available on the dates you need.

I've used them over 50 times, never w/a problem. From the NC Mts. (most frequently to Paris to the Caribbean. They have a person(s) referred to as the 'Bear' who randomly checks properties as well. I think they do an outstanding job.