What some folks would be willing to do to secure a 5000 dollar rental is likely more than someone would be willing to do for a 500 dollar one. There is quite simply no way to author an article that covers each and every possible situation, we simply do our best.
The idea is to provide options and suggestions that give the renter and or owner a level of comfort before money changes hands. if that cannot be established on both sides, I would always urge not moving forward period as it is simply not worth the risk. While that does not require 100% compliance with all suggestions, if there is stiff resistance on either side for even the most basic steps of the rental process, you should not proceed with that rental period.
In fact every single rental scam that has been reported was a result of either none of the suggestions being attempted, or one side chose to ignore the red flags that were uncovered applying some or all of the suggestions in the article. We are always happy to make updates to things on TUG that make things better for all owners!
also note that the article was not written for the LMR section specifically, but all timeshare rentals.
I think some version of your second paragraph would be a great addition to the page. For me, doing a LMR, or even a further out rental on the marketplace, I’d never do a notarized contract but I would do one with all of both party’s info on it and have it signed. While it sucks to give out your email/address/phone to mostly strangers, that plus a signature will hold up in most courts. Especially with a paper trail (which can be screenshots of the chat history here on the bbs or emails). For folks renting out a lot, investing in a P.O. Box would be worth it to protect your privacy.
And I get the idea behind the deed, I really do, but owners don’t always receive this. So someone not having one shouldn’t always be a red flag.
Lastly, I’d add something to the effect of: as a renter who secures a rental with a deposit and asks for proof of name change before paying the full fee, if this occurs and you change your mind and do not pay the whole fee, you should consider that deposit to be non-refundable due to the cost associated with guest certificates.
Alternatively, instead of trying to incorporate my suggestions, would a draft with the revisions be helpful? And would you consider a LMR specific advice page in addition to the one on TUG?