We've rented through VRBO in many different cities, and never had any issues. Unfortunately that was not the case for this rental.

After doing much research, four months before our trip, we booked this apartment, based on what we saw on VRBO. We met Pietro in front of a store, near the Rialto Bridge, as planned. It was supposed to be a short walk to this apartment. After hauling our huge (and heavy) suitcases for 15 minutes through the alleyways and over the bridges, we found out that Pietro had decided to rent us an apartment near St Mark's.  The location was great, but only if you want to be near St Mark's. We had activities planned near The Rialto Bridge, which meant we had to walk back and forth to the apartment many times.  I still don't understand why Pietro switched us. I contacted him a couple of days before arriving, and he never mentioned anything then.  He didn't even know the address of the place we stayed in, which made me feel uncomfortable. 

The apartment we stayed in was on the third floor of a building that was under renovation. It included a kitchen (no living room) plus one bedroom and one bathroom, which were accessed through the kitchen. Since we had originally booked an apartment with multiple beds, Pietro also let us also one of the three bedrooms off the main hall in the apartment.

There were two other bedrooms off the main hall, with keys in the doors. I assumed we were renting the entire apartment.  Much to my surprise, three ladies showed up a little while later. They had the combinations to the two locks that were needed to get into the apartment, and they proceeded into one of the bedrooms. I asked if they were staying there, but they didn't speak English, other than 'good morning'. How bizarre. 

I tried to contact Pietro through the email address he had given me. After trying again, he finally responded around midnight. He didn't seem to know about the additional 3 ladies, but thought they must be staying there too.  We couldn't get the air conditioner working, and the lights would not turn on in the newly renovated bathrooms.  There was no solution to either of those problems. 

So, buyer beware.  We didn't let this bait and switch ruin our Venice vacation.  But we were unhappy with the change in location, and the extra people staying with us, and the lack of help with basic things like lights. In conclusion, I can't recommend this rental, because you may not get what you booked.