Timeshare Exit FAQs

Utilize the Recession Period

If you’ve recently purchased a timeshare but have quickly determined that timeshare ownership is not for you, look into your state’s rescission law. Recission is a procedure created by state law which allows recent buyers of timeshare to cancel their contract without penalty. Typically, the period to rescind timeshare ranges from three to fifteen days after signing your contract. If you’re still within this timeframe, act quickly by sending a certified timeshare cancellation letter to the developer. Some states even allow email rescission. Ensure all details, such as the names on the contract, contract/member number, purchase date, and a statement of cancellation, are included to avoid any disputes.

If you have exceeded the recission period in your state, there are still several other options for safely and efficiently exiting your timeshare. 

Developer Buy-Backs

Utilizing a developer’s timeshare buyback program is the most direct way to exit a timeshare, as this process does not involve third-party timeshare exit companies or timeshare resale companies.  To qualify for a timeshare buyback program, owners typically must be current with their maintenance fees and on their mortgage payment.      

Click here for our Developer Page or Resort Search.

If your timeshare resort developer is not listed, your exchange company may be able to connect you to your resort or owners’ association, as well as provide additional information that can help to inform your decision, including usage options, in addition to selling your timeshare. 

Selling

Selling your timeshare on the timeshare resale market is another option. The most efficient way to sell timeshare on the timeshare resale market is to enlist the help of a resale company. Visit the Resale Provider Directory to explore trusted third-party resale sites and brokerage companies that will manage your timeshare listing for you while guiding you through the resale process from start to finish. 

Always check reviews, look for complaints online, and ensure the company is registered with relevant authorities. Our Resale Directory, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are great sources for verifying companies and avoiding scams.      

• Read our Blog on How to Spot Timeshare Exit Fraud

Gifting

Gifting your timeshare to a family member or friend is another option, but ensure they understand that they will be taking over any maintenance fees or other property obligations. If you are considering this route, legal counsel can help draft a transfer agreement to formalize the gift and outline any conditions.

If your developer cannot help you and you choose to enlist a resale company, make sure to thoroughly vet them to ensure they are reputable.

Renting your timeshare offers several advantages to selling your timeshare, including your ability to retain ownership and resume use when you’re ready. 

Timeshare rental income can also help cover maintenance fees, taxes, or loan payments. Generating income from rentals can help you stay current on payments and the risk of foreclosure on your timeshare.

How to Rent Out Your Timeshare

If your timeshare company does not have a program for you, or you wish , we recommend you call one of the trusted resale or rental companies on our site to discuss your options.  Or, explore an owner forum, like Timeshare Users Group, for additional options.

Please visit our resort listing page to find your developer’s contact information.

Yes, you can assist a family member or friend in moving through the process; however,  when executing legal documents, you will likely need the signature and authorization of the original owner.

No third party can relieve you of these obligations without the lender’s approval. Factors like how much you owe, the balance and terms of your mortgage, and more will determine your eligibility to exit. Contact your lender and timeshare resort company to learn more about your options.

While it is always best to seek exit options directly from your developer first, if they are unable to assist you, ask if they have resale or rental companies that they recommend working with. Alternatively, you may use a trusted resource to find a solution [link to our page on third-parties]  that works for you. 

It’s always crucial to know the signs of an exit scam and stay alert to possible fraudulent activity. Some red flags for third-party companies include large upfront fees, mentioning that exiting may take several years, or asking for monthly payments for their services.  

Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

The best way to avoid a timeshare exit scam is knowing how to recognize and protect yourself against potential fraudulent companies. These companies use deceptive actions for their own financial gain, and typically use high-pressure sales tactics, guarantees of quick exits, and demands for large upfront payments. 

Here are a few red flags to look for in order to avoid scams:

• If someone contacts you and says they have an “interested buyer” for your timeshare, that’s the first red flag. No legitimate company will proactively contact you about your timeshare. 
• If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a representative of ARDA or ARDA-ROC. ARDA and ARDA-ROC DO NOT respond unless you reached out first. 
• Be wary of companies that contact you with false promises of modifying, cancelling or transferring your timeshare for an upfront fee. These are almost always fraudulent.
• If you’re asked to pay an upfront fee, or wire money for a “service”, “tax”, or any other “requirement” for a sale to be completed, don’t do it – this is a scam.
  • NOTE:  This does not include nominal advertising fees that a legitimate reseller may ask an owner to pay up-front.
• If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Fraudulent companies will typically entice owners by saying their buyer is offering a purchase amount equal or close to your asking price.

Remember, you should always prioritize legal and transparent methods over seemingly easy but risky alternatives.

While some timeshare exit companies claim success in their marketing, many exit companies are the subject of criminal and civil investigations after taking money from consumers without providing any services and leaving consumers high and dry. 

Read about recent cases against exit companies here

Always ask yourself these questions before engaging with a timeshare exit company:

Who Is the Company?

• Have you heard of them? Can you trust them?
• Did they contact you unsolicited?
• Do they have a physical address, or is it a PO Box or virtual office?

If a timeshare exit company has reached out to you without you contacting them first, or if there is no way to verify their legitimacy, do not engage with them.

What Do They Want Me to Do?  

• Do they want you to pay upfront money before action?
• Stop paying your mortgage or fees?
• Recommend the developer forecloses on your timeshare?
• Pay money in order to get money?

Any of these suggestions are a clear indicator of a fraudulent company. Visit our News page [LINK] to read about the timeshare exit schemes impacting consumers today. 

Are Their Promises Too Good to Be True?

• Do they promise a solution with no evidence supporting how they’ll get to that solution?
• Do they make guarantees they have no way to deliver on?
• Do they still get paid if you get foreclosed on and suffer negative credit ratings?

You should always use independent sources to verify claims or debunk them, then ask yourself if their claims still seem accurate. Look for third-party reviews, check their business history, and verify their claims.

If you feel you have been defrauded or are a victim of a scam, contact your State’s Consumer Protection agency, State Attorney General, and/or your local law enforcement office. To find out the name and contact information of your state’s Attorney General, visit consumerresources.org/file-a-complaint.

Generally yes, although some restrictions may apply. Many timeshare owners choose to rent out their deeded property or club points as an alternative to selling or exiting their timeshare. Some timeshare resort companies have their own rental programs, so it’s best to contact them first to see if they can assist you. If not, there are a number of timeshare resale companies that offer rental services and can help you list your timeshare for rent through their website. We recommend contacting a few different companies to compare their rental advertising packages and fees when determining which company to work with.

Check out our Rental & Resale Provider Directory.

No, a timeshare should not be purchased with the goal of appreciation or to generate income. It is a use product, and the real value comes from using it to create lasting memories and taking regular, more comfortable vacations.