As an owner, I always insist on a contract and always insist on credit card transactions through the VRBO system. It just seems much safer that way. I've only had one disaster - a renter had a huge party, disturbed the neighborhood and trashed some of the furnishings, resulting in me having to find alternative accommodation for the next renters over the July 4 weekend. I withheld the deposit, the renter tried to do a chargeback but I prevailed. I was still out of pocket and I'm still very upset about the whole episode.