As a newbie I am just learning and have found these forums SO very helpful. I just cannot figure out what the difference is between renting and trading points. I have tried to figure it out from the trade/rent board but haven't so far. Is "renting" to someone who is not a DVC member and "transferring" to someone who is? The board says no cash should change hands with transferring so I think it's probably different. I haven't received all of my DVC info and it's probably in there but the clock is ticking on my decision to bank or get rid of the 2005 points I received as part of F&F. Thanks for the info!
You can transfer points ONLY to another DVC member. Points themselves may only be used by the member who controls the account holding the points. DVC policy specifically states that transfers are not to involve the exchange of any money, but in practice there is no way (or desire) for DVC to monitor that - but the policy defines the fact that they will not intervene or mediate any dispute regarding such payment. All transfers are a final, irreversible transaction.
A member can make a reservation using points for anyone - other members and non-members alike. If you have a reservation that you will not be able to use yourself, a simple name-change may be made to provide that reservation to someone else. The original member will have full control over that reservation until the person check-in at the resort - thus some trust is required in these transactions.