How to get out of a Westgate timeshare in 2026

Last updated 2026-07-24

How do you get out of a Westgate timeshare?

There are really only four ways out: rescind during your state's cancellation window, get Westgate to take the deed back through its own program, sell or give it away on the resale market, or hire a legitimate exit company to negotiate termination. There is no fifth secret method. Anyone telling you otherwise is usually selling something. The order matters. If you're still inside your rescission period, that's the cheapest and cleanest exit by far, and it costs you nothing but a stamp and a certified mail receipt. Once that window closes, your position weakens fast, and every remaining option takes longer, costs more, or both. Westgate Resorts is a privately held Florida-based timeshare developer with properties across Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri, South Carolina, and Utah. Like most big developers, its contracts are built to keep owners paying maintenance fees for decades. That's not sinister by itself, it's the business model, but it means Westgate has little financial incentive to make exiting easy once you're past rescission. For the general version of this question that applies to any brand, see how to get out of a timeshare.

What is the rescission window for a Westgate contract?

Your rescission (cancellation) right is set by the law of the state where you signed, not by Westgate's contract language, though Westgate is required to disclose it in your closing documents. Florida, where a large share of Westgate sales close, gives buyers a 10-day right to cancel a timeshare purchase under Florida Statutes section 721.10. Other states where Westgate sells, including Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri, South Carolina, and Utah, each set their own period and it is not always 10 days. Confirm your state's rescission window by checking the contract's cancellation disclosure page and the statute for the state where you signed, not the state where you live if they differ. Florida's statute states that the buyer "has the right to cancel the contract... until midnight of the 10th calendar day following the date the contract was signed". That's a hard deadline measured in calendar days, not business days, and it typically cannot be extended by a verbal promise from a sales rep. To cancel, send a written notice, by certified mail with return receipt, to the address listed in your contract's cancellation section. Keep a copy of everything. Do this even if a salesperson tells you it's unnecessary or offers to "process it in-house." The Federal Trade Commission warns generally that consumers should get cancellation confirmations in writing and never rely on a verbal assurance. If you're within days of your deadline and unsure how to word the letter, don't wait. A short, clear letter stating your name, contract number, purchase date, and intent to cancel under the applicable statute is enough. You do not need a lawyer to rescind inside the window, though one can help if Westgate disputes it.

What happens if you miss the rescission deadline?

You're not stuck forever. But your options get more expensive and slower. Missing the window doesn't mean missing your only chance. It means moving from a free remedy to one that costs money, time, or both. First, check whether you have grounds for a later cancellation anyway. If the salesperson misrepresented material facts (false statements about resale value, rental income guarantees, or investment potential), some states allow cancellation or a fraud claim outside the standard window. This is fact-specific and usually needs a consumer attorney or a complaint to your state attorney general, not a fee-based exit company. Second, look at Westgate's own deed-back or transfer program, covered in the next section. Third, consider resale, understanding upfront that most timeshares resell for very little. Fourth, and only after the first three don't work, consider a paid exit company, vetted carefully. What you should not do is stop paying maintenance fees or your loan while you sort this out. Missed payments trigger late fees, can be reported to credit bureaus, and can lead to foreclosure on the timeshare interest, which doesn't erase what you owe if there's an outstanding loan balance. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that timeshare foreclosures function similarly to other secured debt: the lender can pursue you for a deficiency in some states even after taking the property back.

Does Westgate have a deed-back or exit program?

Westgate has offered an internal exit or transfer process at various points, sometimes marketed under names tied to its owner services division, but availability, eligibility, and terms change and are not standardized like a federal program. There is no statute requiring Westgate, or any developer, to take a deed back. Whether they'll accept your unit depends on your account standing, the resort, and current company policy at the time you ask. Generally, deed-back programs across the industry favor owners who are current on payments, own the property outright (no mortgage balance), and are willing to walk away with nothing rather than get paid for the interest. If you owe money on a Westgate loan, expect that balance to need resolution before any deed-back is even considered. Call Westgate's owner services line directly and ask, in writing if possible, whether a deed-back or surrender option currently exists for your resort and contract type. Get any offer in writing before signing anything, and read the release language carefully, since it typically requires you to give up all claims against the company as part of the deal. This path is worth trying before paying anyone else. It costs you nothing but time, and if it works, it's the cleanest resolution outside of rescission. For a broader look at how these programs work across the industry, see timeshare cancellation.

How much do timeshares cost, and what is a Westgate worth on resale?

Original purchase price (developer)	$10,000 to $40,000+
Average U.S. timeshare purchase price	$22,942
Average annual maintenance fee	$1,205
Typical resale value	Often under $1,000, sometimes $1 listing
Cost to attempt resale (broker/listing fees)	Varies; avoid large upfront fees	If a reseller or 'timeshare relief' company promises you'll get thousands back for your unit, treat that as a red flag, not a plan.

The average timeshare purchase price nationally was $22,942 in 2023, according to the American Resort Development Association's (ARDA) owner survey data. Annual maintenance fees average around $1,205 per year industry-wide as of ARDA's most recent reporting, and both figures trend upward most years, sometimes faster than general inflation, especially after storm damage or major renovations at a resort. Westgate units, depending on resort and season, commonly sold in the $10,000 to $40,000+ range at purchase, with fixed weeks at high-demand locations like Westgate Las Vegas or Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort priced higher than off-season or points-based packages. On the resale market, timeshares in general resell for a small fraction of purchase price. It's common to see developer-sold weeks list for $1 on resale sites, with the seller simply hoping to transfer the deed and stop owing maintenance fees. That's not a typo or an insult to the product. It's just supply and demand: there is no scarcity of used timeshare inventory, and developers control the primary market, not resellers. | Cost stage | Typical range |

How do you sell a Westgate timeshare?

You can list it yourself through licensed timeshare resale marketplaces or a licensed real estate broker in the state where the resort sits, but go in with realistic expectations. Most Westgate resale listings sit for months or years, and many owners end up simply transferring the deed for $0 or a token amount just to be free of maintenance fees, sometimes paying a closing or transfer fee to make that happen. Before you list anywhere, check whether Westgate has a right of first refusal in your contract, which some developers include, and confirm the buyer will be accepted by the HOA or resort association. Never pay a large upfront fee to a company that claims it has a 'buyer already lined up' for your unit. This is one of the oldest timeshare resale scams around, and the FTC has pursued multiple enforcement actions against resale companies that charged upfront fees for buyers that never materialized. Legitimate resale brokers in most states are prohibited from collecting large upfront fees before a sale closes; check your state's real estate licensing rules. If you decide resale isn't realistic, look at deed-back first, then a vetted exit company, before spending money trying to sell something with little market value.

Are timeshares scams?

The timeshare product itself is legal and regulated in every state that allows the sales, it's not inherently a scam, but the sales process and, more often, the exit industry around it, attract real fraud. The distinction matters because it changes what you should watch for. At the point of sale, aggressive high-pressure tactics, exaggerated resale value claims, and vague disclosures about fee increases are common complaints. The Florida Attorney General's office and other state AGs have pursued or received complaints about deceptive timeshare sales practices over the years. That's a sales-practice problem, and it can sometimes support a later legal claim, but it doesn't mean the ownership contract itself is fraudulent or void. Where outright scams cluster hardest is in the exit and resale space. The FTC has brought enforcement actions against timeshare exit and resale companies that charged consumers thousands of dollars upfront, sometimes claiming affiliation with the original resort or a law firm, and then delivered nothing or made the situation worse. In one FTC case summary, the agency described exit companies taking large advance fees while doing little or no work to actually cancel the timeshare. So: the timeshare itself, not a scam. Being oversold on its value, common. Paying $3,000 to $8,000 upfront to a stranger who calls you out of nowhere and promises they can get you out no matter what your contract says, that's where the real danger sits. For a rundown on spotting these operators, see timeshare exit companies and keep a running timeshare call list of every number that contacts you, since scam callers often recycle owner data lists sold between operators.

How can you tell a legitimate exit company from a scam?

Ask five questions before you sign anything or pay anything: Do they guarantee results? Do they want a large fee before doing any work? Do they tell you to stop paying Westgate? Do they claim government affiliation? Can you verify them with your state attorney general or the Better Business Bureau? A 'yes' to guarantees, upfront demands, or stop-paying advice, or a 'no' to verifiability, means walk away. No legitimate company can guarantee a contract cancellation, because outcomes depend on your specific contract, your state's law, and Westgate's own policies, none of which the exit company controls. The FTC's consumer guidance on timeshare resales and exits specifically warns: "Before you pay anyone to help you get out of your timeshare, check them out" with your state attorney general and consumer protection office. That's not a formality. It's the single best filter available to an owner, and it costs nothing but a phone call or a website search. Stopping payment is the advice that causes the most damage. Some scam operators tell owners to stop paying maintenance fees or loan payments, framing it as 'starving out' the resort into releasing them. Don't do this. It can trigger delinquency reporting, collections, and, if there's a loan, foreclosure, none of which release you from the obligation, and all of which can hurt your credit for years.

What should you do if you inherited a Westgate timeshare?

You are generally not required to keep an inherited timeshare, but you have to actively act. Silence doesn't make the obligation disappear. Executors and heirs can disclaim (formally refuse) an inheritance, including a timeshare interest, under most state probate laws, provided the disclaimer is made properly and within the timeframe your state sets, often within nine months of the death for federal tax-related disclaimers under Internal Revenue Code section 2518, though state probate deadlines can differ ^[1]. If the estate has already been distributed and the deed transferred to your name, you're now the owner, with the same rescission, deed-back, resale, and exit-company options described above, minus rescission, since that window applied only to the original purchase. Contact Westgate's owner services directly to ask about surrendering an inherited interest, and loop in the estate's probate attorney if the estate is still open. Don't pay a company hundreds or thousands of dollars to 'process' a disclaimer for you before checking whether your state's probate court has a simpler, cheaper process already available.

What if Westgate keeps raising maintenance fees or hits you with a special assessment?

Rising fees and special assessments are legal and common. They don't by themselves give you a right to cancel, but they're often the exact trigger that makes owners look seriously at exit. ARDA data shows average annual maintenance fees have climbed most years, and special assessments, extra charges beyond the regular fee for storm damage, major repairs, or renovations, can add hundreds or thousands more in a single year. Before chasing an exit, ask Westgate directly (in writing) for a full accounting of what the assessment covers and whether a payment plan exists; many resorts offer installment options for large assessments rather than a lump sum. This doesn't fix the underlying cost problem, but it buys time to plan your next move without falling delinquent. If the ongoing cost is what's driving you out, weigh deed-back and resale first, since they eliminate future fee exposure entirely, versus a paid exit path, which takes time to complete and doesn't stop fee accrual until it's finished (assuming you're still current on the account while it's in process).

How much does it typically cost to exit through a paid company, and is it worth it?

Fees for legitimate timeshare exit services commonly range from roughly $2,000 to $8,000 or more depending on the complexity of your contract, whether there's an outstanding loan, and how many owners are on the deed, though there is no single standard price and no regulator publishes an official benchmark figure. Be skeptical of anyone quoting a number before reviewing your actual documents. A cheaper, document-based option is a self-directed exit kit that walks you through your specific paperwork: rescission letter templates, deed-back request scripts, and complaint letters to file with your state attorney general and the FTC if you suspect deceptive sales practices. ExitHonest's $149 one-time Exit Kit is built for owners who want a structured, do-it-yourself starting point before paying thousands to a third party. It doesn't contact Westgate on your behalf and doesn't promise cancellation, no legitimate service can promise that, but it gives you the letters, deadlines, and state-specific guidance to try the free and low-cost paths first. Whatever path you choose, keep every letter, email, and phone log. If your exit stalls or a company behaves badly, that paper trail is what your state attorney general's office or the FTC will need to act on a complaint.

Where do you file a complaint if something goes wrong?

File with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, which feeds into the agency's Consumer Sentinel database used for enforcement patterns, and separately with the attorney general's office in the state where Westgate is based (Florida) or the state where you signed your contract. Florida's Attorney General maintains a consumer complaint process specifically covering timeshare and real estate disputes. Also file with the Better Business Bureau for a public record other owners can search before they pay the same company you're complaining about. None of these agencies will individually resolve your contract dispute for you the way a lawyer might, but complaint volume is exactly what triggers state and federal investigations into exit-industry fraud, and your report could protect the next owner from losing money. If you already paid an exit company upfront and got nothing, also check whether you paid by credit card. Card issuers offer dispute rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act for services not rendered, though time limits apply (typically 60 days from the statement showing the charge), so act quickly rather than waiting to see if the company eventually delivers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get out of a timeshare fast?

The only genuinely fast, no-cost exit is rescission, canceling in writing within your state's window (often 3 to 10 days after signing, check the exact number in your contract and state statute). Miss that, and every remaining option (deed-back, resale, exit company) takes weeks to months, not days.

How to get rid of a timeshare you no longer want?

Try Westgate's deed-back or surrender program first since it's free if accepted. If that's unavailable, list it for resale with realistic price expectations (often near $0), or work with a vetted exit company. Never pay large upfront fees to anyone promising they can get you out no matter what.

How much is a timeshare, on average?

The average U.S. timeshare purchase price was $22,942 in 2023, per the American Resort Development Association's owner data ^[4]. Average annual maintenance fees run around $1,205, and both numbers vary widely by resort, season, and unit size.

How much do timeshares cost in maintenance fees each year?

Industry-wide, average annual maintenance fees were about $1,205 as of ARDA's most recent survey data ^[4]. Fees vary by resort and unit size, and special assessments for repairs or storm damage can add hundreds or thousands more in a single year on top of the regular fee.

How to sell a timeshare without losing money?

Honestly, most owners can't fully recoup what they paid; resale values for developer-sold weeks are often a small fraction of the purchase price. List through a licensed broker or reputable marketplace, avoid upfront fees, and consider that a $0 deed transfer to stop future maintenance fees may be the realistic best outcome.

Are timeshares scams?

The ownership product itself is legal and regulated, not inherently a scam. Real fraud risk concentrates in aggressive sales tactics at the point of purchase and, more heavily, in the resale and exit industry, where the FTC has taken enforcement action against companies charging large upfront fees and delivering nothing ^[5].

What is Westgate's rescission period?

It depends on the state where you signed, not where you live. Florida sets a 10-day right to cancel under Florida Statutes section 721.10 ^[1]. Other states where Westgate sells set their own periods; confirm your state's rescission window using your contract's cancellation disclosure and the applicable statute.

Can you just stop paying your Westgate maintenance fees to force an exit?

No, and you shouldn't. Stopping payment can trigger late fees, collections, credit reporting, and, if there's a loan, foreclosure, none of which release you from what you owe. Address the exit through rescission, deed-back, resale, or a vetted exit company while staying current, or negotiate a payment plan directly with Westgate.

Does Westgate have a deed-back program?

Westgate has offered internal deed-back or surrender options at various times, but there's no standardized program and eligibility depends on account standing and current company policy. Call owner services directly, ask in writing, and get any offer in writing before signing a release.

What happens if you inherit a Westgate timeshare you don't want?

You can generally disclaim (refuse) the inheritance through probate before it transfers to your name, subject to your state's deadline. If it's already deeded to you, you have the same deed-back, resale, and exit-company options as any other owner, just without a rescission right.

How do you spot a timeshare exit scam?

Watch for guaranteed results, large upfront fees before any work is done, pressure to stop paying Westgate, and claims of government or resort affiliation. The FTC advises checking any exit company with your state attorney general before paying anything ^[5].

Is it worth paying a company to get out of a Westgate timeshare?

Only after you've tried free options first: rescission if still eligible, and a direct deed-back request to Westgate. If those fail, a vetted exit company can help, typically for $2,000 to $8,000 depending on contract complexity, but verify credentials and avoid anyone demanding full payment upfront with a promise of certain success attached.

Sources

1. Internal Revenue Code Section 2518, via Cornell Legal Information Institute: Federal rules governing qualified disclaimers of inherited property, including timeshares
2. Florida Legislature - Florida Statutes: Florida law establishes a rescission period during which a timeshare purchaser may cancel a contract.
3. Florida Legislature - Florida Statutes: Florida statute governs required disclosures in timeshare purchase contracts, relevant to Westgate contracts.
4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation: Florida DBPR regulates timeshare developers and provides a venue for consumer complaints against timeshare companies like Westgate.
5. Better Business Bureau: BBB provides guidance on how to identify legitimate versus scam timeshare exit companies.
6. Internal Revenue Service: IRS instructions address how inherited property, including timeshare interests, may need to be reported on an estate tax return.