Realtor to rent a SFR based on trust, and no contract?

[Account Closed]

Found a realtor through a local (Houston TX) contact who helped her find a good tenant. I strongly believe in only hiring through verified contacts. That said, the realtor says he didn't have a contract with her and does not need a contract with me either and he works based on trust. Thoughts please! (I will insist on a contract, but I don't want him to think I don't trust him.) Is a contract necessary in all cases? I checked his listings. He seems to have very few but the rentals move fast, although not the sales.