**Public Service Announcement: DO NOT RENT FROM THIS HOST**This was one of the most horrific rental experiences I have ever had.The problems started the moment we arrived. The apartment's doorknob was visibly broken. When I contacted the host through the VRBO messaging system, she immediately tried to move the conversation to WeChat, which was the first major red flag. She then sent me a separate text message from her personal phone requesting payment through Zelle, which is clearly against VRBO policy.While attempting to open the already damaged door, the key snapped off in the lock. I contacted the host again, but she ignored my messages. When I called the phone number she provided, she responded by verbally attacking me, calling me names, and demanding additional money.At that point, all of our belongings were locked inside the apartment, and we could not access them. The host informed us that the only way to retrieve our belongings was to pay her "contractor" 350. Based on how quickly he arrived with all the necessary equipment and gained access to the apartment within minutes, it seemed like this was not the first time this situation had occurred.I was later informed that this host was supposed to be blacklisted from VRBO. I also noticed that the property appears to have been relisted under a different name. I will be reporting this to VRBO to help ensure that no one else has to endure the experience we went through.Renters should proceed with extreme cautio