Advice to validate home ownership on a vacation rental site

[Michael Kugler]

Hello all, I am at the end of creating a website that will allow for peer to peer rentals. (similar to VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey). I have came to an area though that I am confused on and really don't have any solid solutions. Since many here work in the industry I thought I would turn to you for your input and advice.

Essentially, there is a lot of fraud out there regarding home listings that are bogus. In fact, I would never consider a home on Craigslist for this reason alone. 

I could require the owner of said property to submit a utility bill (scan or snail mail) before their listing is approved - but those can be photo shopped.

Same goes for a notarized copy of ownership. (Hassle of finding a notary, photoshop possible, etc)

Then I considered a sheriff's office form that could be validated, but a good friend of mine said the issue would be the sheriff's deputies putting a stop to it as it is outside the scope of their responsibilities.

Every idea has its pitfalls and I am frustrated. Would appreciate any advice on what you would think would be reasonable for the homeowner and convey sincerity to the traveler.

TIA, Mike