1. If you are new to renting, only rent to those who are renting 2 months or more, ahead of check-in. That way you won't end up with points in holding if someone cancels.
2. Don't check ressies without a confirmation that they will accept your price for your points unless you are being generous. If you advertise, you will get at least 30 people who just want to know what's available, but they don't really want to rent your points, they are just "window shopping".
3. Decide when you want to have all your money. I usually make the ressies, and insist on $100 within a week, or else I will cancel the ressie. I then ask for 1/2 when they get the written confirmation from me, and the rest 45 days before check-in.
4. What about cancellations? You need to decide what to do, just in case. For me, once the points are rented, they belong to the renter to do with as he pleases, but I don't take returns. I will make alternate ressies, though.
5. Remember, you are ALWAYS in charge of the points, so you can't really get burned unless you ignore the above. The renter, on the other hand, is renting on faith, so a contract isn't necessary from your side, but might be for them. Make sure they know your rules at the beginning.
6. Checks are fine, as long as you have 45 days or more. Be sure to let the renter know that a bounced check jepordizes their ressie. I have never had one bounce, but I have had to be extra firm about getting the money on time. Remind your renter with an email when you want the money sent, add firmness if they don't answer with a second reminder.
7. Decide ahead of time about transferring points to someone else's account.
You lose control when you transfer the points, so you may want to have 1/2 the money up-front, with the remainder due once the renter can confirm the transfer. I was uncomfortable with this when I first began renting points.
Good luck!
