Air bnb attempts to avoid human contact by all means, the phone number alone is hard to find.
Most important is the DEPOSIT to the homeowner is not TAKEN at all. Legally, this is NOT a deposit. In the event of VIOLATION of no pet policy they require proof of damage and the homeowner to go through hell to get any type of deposit. In addition, The Homeowner, the one taking all of the risk in this lease, does not get paid until the guest are in the house for a min of 24 hours. This is a terrible situation for a homeowner since a total stranger can take possession of a home with no money transferred. Go TO VRBO/HOMEAWAY,, if someone traveling does not have a deposit, you do not want that traveler. 25 years experience at renting here.