We have used VRBO for years Carol, and for us at least, what you read is what you get. We have never had a problem getting a refund as long as we were within the cancellation time period. As with any rental, just make sure to read everything about cancellation time period, etc. Every rental we have had, met or exceeded our expectations. One thing you might want to be wary of however, is if the rental has just recently joined VRBO, then there won't be much of a track record.