The Rent/Trade Board is not a discussion board. It has been provided as a "classified ad" area to facilitate renting from
DVC members. If anyone wishes to discuss rental policies and seek advice before renting, please feel free to post that discussion on this board (DVC). If you have a general question about "how to rent", the Rent/Trade board is fine.
Since the DIS is not involved in any transaction on that board, the burden lies on every participant to make sure they understand and agree on all aspects of any rental. This would include payment schedules, payment type, cancellation policy and refund policy.
Most have found it practical to make sure these issues are understood in advance before any money changes hands.
If the renter asked for a contract from the member before sending any money, they would have at least something in writing. If the member had provided a written contract (as required by DVC), some issues could possibly be avoided.
The Rent/Trade FAQ does make some suggestions about the process. Some have heeded that advice and even asked for suggestions on this board. Obviously, some have chosen to ignore all advice provided in search of a "bargain".
The DIS has never received a complaint that someone arrived at a DVC resort and had no reservation after paying someone for same thru the Rent/Trade Board. I did receive a complaint today from someone who sent payment last Wednesday and has not yet gotten a confirmation for a date sometime in the future (this was the first complaint ever received from a renter). Possibly, if the renter had heeded advice given in the FAQ and on this board, the problem wouldn't have occurred.
I have also received one complaint from a member who made a reservation for a renter for a date within 1 week in the future. When they did not receive payment, they failed to cancel the reservation and the "renter" enjoyed their stay- never paying the member. Had the member heeded advice- that never would have occurred. (IMO, no reservation should be made within 30 days without full payment in advance- or the reservation should be cancelled in the very least if payment is not received.)
Both members and renters should have an understanding of what is expected of them. If the member insists on payment before the resrervation is made, make sure you can tolerate a wait until receiving the confirmation- or don't send the payment.
If you are unsure of the cancellation policy of the member (most will insist that the renter "owns" the points and will receive no refund- only assitance changing the name on the existing reservation or assitance in making another reservation with the same points- but not a refund)- don't send any payment until satisfied with the policy.
Disney, the DIS and DVC will not intervene with these transactions. Everything is to be handled directly between the parties involved. If you want references, ask for them in advance. If you want to pay by credit card, demand that privilege. If you expect a written contract, demand receipt before sending any payment.
This board will not provide a forum to embarass or expose any transactions in disagreement. All DVC Rent/Trade transactions are between consenting parties.
Discussion of the issues involved are certainly welcome on this forum.
The complaint was simple "removed" and the person's post still offering the points for rent remains. How are we supposed to know if they are safe to buy from? I'll personally have to go on the assumption that they are not. 
