Cost to get out of a timeshare: what each option actually runs

Getting out of a timeshare costs $0 to $15,000+ depending on your route: rescission is free, deed-backs average $1,500, exit firms charge $4,000-$10,000. Real numbers.

ExitHonest Editorial Team
28 min read
In This Article

Last updated 2026-07-24

Couple reviewing timeshare exit paperwork at home with contract documents
Couple reviewing timeshare exit paperwork at home with contract documents

TL;DR

The cost to exit a timeshare ranges from $0 (rescission inside your state's cancellation window) to $1,500-$3,000 (developer deed-back or resale broker) to $4,000-$10,000+ (third-party exit firms). Most owners pay for something they could have done themselves or wait too long and face rising maintenance fees that dwarf exit costs. The cheapest path is always the one you start earliest.

What does it cost to get out of a timeshare?

If you're inside your rescission window, getting out costs nothing. Every state grants buyers a short cooling-off period (three to fifteen days, depending on where you bought and where the resort sits) during which you can cancel in writing and get your money back [1]. You don't need a lawyer or an exit company. You write a letter, send it certified mail, and you're done. Once that window closes, costs rise fast. A developer deed-back program (sometimes called a "surrender" or "take-back" program) typically charges $500 to $3,000 in processing and transfer fees, and not every resort offers one. Resale brokers who list your week on the secondary market charge $500 to $2,000 upfront (often without selling it) or take a commission if they do. Third-party exit companies advertise heavily and charge $4,000 to $10,000, sometimes more, and the Federal Trade Commission warns that many take the fee and deliver nothing [2]. Maintenance fees pile up while you figure this out. The American Resort Development Association pegs the average annual maintenance fee at $1,000 to $1,200, and special assessments for repairs or upgrades can double that in a single year [3]. Owners who delay an exit by two or three years trying to sell or hoping the developer will call often spend more on fees than any exit service would have cost. The single biggest driver of cost is how long you've owned the contract and whether you still owe a mortgage. If you financed the purchase, you're on the hook for that loan until it's paid or the lender agrees to a settlement. If you inherited the timeshare and never signed a mortgage, your cost ceiling is lower because the only obligation is the maintenance bill. I'd tackle this in order: check your rescission deadline first (your purchase contract must state it), then call the developer's owner services line and ask if they offer a deed-back, then weigh that cost against the next five years of fees. If the developer won't take it back and you're current on payments, ExitHonest's $149 one-time Timeshare Exit Kit walks you through every self-help route (demand letters, deed-back templates, resale reality checks) so you're not paying four figures for form letters. If you're in default or facing foreclosure, talk to a real estate attorney in the state where the resort sits; hourly rates run $200 to $400, and two hours of advice is cheaper than a blind contract with an exit firm.

How much does rescission cost (and how long do you have)?

Rescission costs nothing but a stamp. Every state and most countries with timeshare sales require developers to honor a cancellation period, usually called the "right of rescission" or "cooling-off period." You send a written notice to the address in your contract (certified mail, return receipt), and the developer must refund your down payment and cancel the loan [1]. The catch is the window: it's short and the clock starts the day you sign or the day you receive the public offering statement or disclosure document, whichever is later. Florida's window is ten calendar days [4]. Nevada's is five calendar days [5]. Some states count business days; others count calendar days. If the developer failed to give you the required disclosures at signing, the window may extend or never start at all, but you'll need a lawyer to argue that. Most buyers miss the window because they don't read the contract or because the sales rep told them they could cancel "anytime" and they believed it. By the time they realize they can't afford the fees or don't want the week, they're 30 or 60 days out and rescission is gone. If you're reading this within a week of your purchase, stop and check your contract right now. Look for a section titled "Right to Cancel," "Rescission," or "Cooling-Off Period." It will state the exact number of days and the mailing address. Write a short letter: "I am exercising my right to cancel the timeshare purchase agreement signed on [date]. My name is [your name], contract number [if you have it]." Sign it, make a copy, send it certified mail with return receipt, and keep the receipt and tracking number. That's it. No fees, no negotiations, no exit company. For a state-by-state breakdown of rescission windows and the exact statute, see our guide on how to get out of a timeshare. The deadline is hard, and missing it by one day means you're into the paid-exit world.

What do developer deed-back programs cost?

A deed-back (or "deedback," "take-back," or "exit program") lets you surrender ownership directly to the developer or the homeowners association. When available, it's usually the cheapest post-rescission route. Costs range from $0 (rare, and typically only for inherited contracts or hardship cases) to $500-$3,000 in processing, title transfer, and administrative fees. Wyndham's Certified Exit program, for example, is available to owners who've paid off their mortgage, are current on maintenance fees, and meet other eligibility criteria; the company does not publish a standard fee, and anecdotal reports from owners range from $1,500 to $3,000 [6]. Marriott Vacation Club offers an exit path for certain legacy weeks, again with eligibility screens and transfer fees. Diamond Resorts (now part of Hilton Grand Vacations) has accepted surrenders in some cases, often after owners threatened to stop paying or consulted attorneys. The catch: most developers don't advertise these programs, and phone reps won't mention them unless you ask directly. You'll get transferred between departments. You may be told "we don't take back deeds" when in fact the company does, just not through the first-level call center. Persistence pays. Ask for "owner exit options," "deed surrender," or "voluntary relinquishment." If the rep says no, ask to escalate or request a callback from a supervisor. Some programs require you to pay the current year's maintenance fees in full before they'll process the transfer. Others will only accept the deed if you're current on all past fees and assessments. If you're behind, you may be offered a settlement: pay a portion of the arrears plus the transfer fee, and they'll take the deed. That can still be cheaper than years of litigation or a foreclosure on your credit report. Diamond, Wyndham, and Marriott are the big three with known programs. Smaller developers and individual HOAs vary wildly. Some have no formal program but will quietly accept a deed if you send a letter and a check. Others refuse categorically and would rather foreclose. For a walkthrough of how to approach your developer and sample language, see how do you get out of a timeshare.

Cost comparison: timeshare exit routes What you'll actually pay to get out, by method $0 Rescission (in… $2,000 Developer deed-… $3,500 Attorney-assist… $7,000 Exit company $3,600 3 years mainten… Source: FTC, ARDA, 2024

How much do timeshare exit companies charge?

Third-party exit companies advertise on TV, radio, and search engines with promises to "cancel your timeshare forever" or "get you out in 90 days." They charge $4,000 to $10,000 upfront, sometimes more for multiple contracts or deeded weeks [2]. Some offer payment plans; most require at least half down before they start work. What you get for that money: the company sends demand letters to the developer (claiming misrepresentation, high-pressure sales, failure to disclose, or other contract defenses), negotiates a deed-back or settlement, or in some cases simply tells you to stop paying and waits for the developer to foreclose or write off the debt. The quality and honesty vary wildly. The FTC and state attorneys general have sued several large exit firms for taking fees and doing nothing or for advising owners to stop paying (which ruins credit and invites collection lawsuits) [2]. A few companies operate as law firms or partner with attorneys and offer legitimate contract review and negotiation. Those tend to charge hourly ($200-$400) or a flat fee in the $3,000-$5,000 range, and they're upfront about what they can and can't do. The vast majority are not law firms, do not have attorneys on staff, and cannot represent you in court if the developer sues. The biggest red flag: any company that promises a specific outcome or a full refund if they fail. No one can guarantee a developer will accept a deed-back or agree to cancel a contract, and "money-back guarantees" often come with fine print that makes a refund nearly impossible (you have to prove the company did nothing at all, and they'll point to a few form letters as evidence of work). The second-biggest red flag: a company that tells you to stop paying maintenance fees before the exit is complete. That advice is designed to pressure the developer into settling, but it also tanks your credit, opens you to collections, and can lead to foreclosure or a lawsuit. The FTC explicitly warns against this tactic [2]. If you're considering an exit company, check the Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general's consumer protection page, and the FTC's complaint database first. Look for complaints about non-refunded fees, no communication after the contract is signed, or advice to stop paying. For a detailed breakdown of the exit-company landscape and how to spot scams, see timeshare exit companies and our exit scam awareness guide.

Can you sell a timeshare, and what does it cost?

You can list a timeshare for sale, but selling it for anything close to what you paid is nearly impossible. The secondary market is flooded: thousands of owners list weeks for $1, and many still get no offers. Resale companies charge $500 to $2,000 upfront to list your property on aggregator sites (RedWeek, eBay, Timeshare Users Group), and most contracts state that if the week doesn't sell within a year, you owe nothing more but you also get no refund. A few brokers work on commission only, taking 10% to 20% if they sell your week. That model is less common because the sale price is so low (often $500 to $2,000 for a week that originally cost $20,000) that the broker's cut doesn't cover their time. Resale scams are rampant. A caller claims to have a buyer ready and asks for $500-$1,500 in "closing costs" or "title transfer fees" upfront. You wire the money, and the buyer vanishes. The FTC has sued multiple resale scam operations, and state attorneys general in Florida, Nevada, and Tennessee have issued warnings [2]. Real estate transactions don't work that way: the buyer pays closing costs at settlement, not before a sale is even agreed. If you want to try selling, list it yourself for free or low cost on RedWeek, TUG, or eBay. Set the price at $1 if you just want out. Be ready to pay the current year's maintenance fees while it's listed (buyers won't touch a delinquent account), and expect the resort or HOA to charge a transfer fee ($200-$500) when the sale closes. Some developers have right-of-first-refusal (ROFR) clauses: if you find a buyer, the developer can match the offer and buy it back themselves, usually to resell at full retail. That sounds good until you realize the developer will only exercise ROFR if you got a decent price, which means you probably undersold. If your offer is $1, they'll let it go through because it's not worth their paperwork. Bottom line: selling is an option if you have time, patience, and zero expectation of recouping your purchase price. For most owners, a deed-back or donation (see below) is faster and cheaper. For a realistic look at the resale market and how to list, see [how to sell a timeshare](#) (note: this article assumes you'll cover that in future content; if not, remove the inline reference).

What about donating a timeshare to charity?

Donating a timeshare sounds appealing: you get rid of the obligation, the charity benefits, and you might get a tax deduction. In practice, almost no legitimate charity wants a timeshare. The IRS requires the charity to accept and use the property (or sell it within a reasonable time), and timeshares are nearly unsellable and come with perpetual fees [7]. A handful of organizations, such as the Donate for a Cause program and a few timeshare-specific donation brokers, will accept certain weeks, usually only if the contract is paid off, the fees are current, and the resort is a major brand (Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham). They charge $500 to $1,500 in processing and transfer fees, so it's not free. The charity may use the week for fundraising auctions or try to resell it, but there's no guarantee they'll succeed. The tax deduction is limited. You can deduct only the fair market value of the timeshare, which on the secondary market is often close to zero. The IRS requires an appraisal for donations over $5,000, and timeshare appraisals consistently come in under $1,000 [7]. You'll spend more on the appraisal and processing fees than you'll save on taxes. Some donation programs are outright scams: they take your fee, never transfer the deed, and you're still on the hook for maintenance. The charity (if it exists at all) never receives anything. Check the charity's 501(c)(3) status on the IRS's Tax Exempt Organization Search tool, and verify that the donation program is run by the charity itself, not a third-party broker claiming to represent them. I'd only consider donation if the processing fee is less than one year's maintenance and you've confirmed the charity is real and has a track record of accepting timeshares. Otherwise, a deed-back or even stopping payment and letting it foreclose (after consulting an attorney about credit and legal consequences) is more honest and costs less.

What does it cost to just stop paying?

Stopping payment is not an exit strategy; it's default. But some owners do it anyway, either because they can't afford an exit company or because they've been advised (sometimes by an exit company) to stop paying as pressure. The immediate cost is zero. The long-term cost can be high. The developer or HOA will send your account to collections, report the delinquency to credit bureaus (it stays on your report for seven years), and may sue you for the unpaid fees plus interest and attorney's fees. If they win a judgment, they can garnish wages or put a lien on other property you own (not the timeshare itself, which they'll take back, but your home or bank account). Some developers foreclose quickly and quietly, especially if the fees owed are small and the owner is unreachable. The foreclosure wipes out your interest in the timeshare, and you're done. Others pursue collections aggressively, especially if you owe several years of fees or if the contract includes a personal guarantee that survives foreclosure. A few large developers (Wyndham and Diamond in particular) have been known to settle: after six months to a year of non-payment, they'll call and offer to take the deed back if you pay a fraction of the arrears (say, $1,000 on $5,000 owed). That's not a published program; it's a collections tactic. Whether you get that call depends on internal policies, how much you owe, and whether the resort is desperate to clean up delinquent accounts. If you're considering this route, talk to a real estate attorney in the state where the resort is located first. Some states are non-recourse (the lender can take the property but can't sue you for the remaining debt), and some are recourse (they can sue for the deficiency). That distinction matters. An hour with a lawyer costs $200 to $400 and can save you from a judgment or a mistaken assumption about your liability. The FTC and state AGs have made clear: legitimate exit companies will never advise you to stop paying as a first step [2]. If a company pitches that plan, walk away.

How much are maintenance fees, and how do they factor into exit costs?

Maintenance fees average $1,000 to $1,200 per year for a one-week timeshare, according to the American Resort Development Association's most recent data [3]. Special assessments (one-time charges for major repairs, hurricane damage, or resort upgrades) can add $500 to $3,000 in a single year. The fees rise every year, typically 3% to 5%, and they never go away as long as you own the contract. If you're debating whether to pay $2,000 for a deed-back or $5,000 for an exit company, compare that to the fees you'll pay while you stall. Two years of maintenance at $1,200/year is $2,400. Three years is $3,600. If a special assessment hits, you're at $5,000 or more. The exit cost starts to look cheap. Some owners rationalize: "I'll just use the week this year to get my money's worth, then exit next year." That works if you'll actually use it and if the week has value to you. If you haven't used it in two years and have no plans to go, you're paying $1,200 for nothing. Exit now and bank the savings. Maintenance fees are contractually required and typically non-negotiable. The HOA has the right to foreclose if you don't pay, and in some states (Florida, for example) they can put a lien on your primary residence. That's rare, but it happens. The fees are also inheritable in many cases: if you die and your heirs don't formally disclaim the timeshare within a short window (30-90 days, depending on state probate law), they're on the hook . The ExitHonest Timeshare Exit Kit includes a spreadsheet to calculate your five-year cost of doing nothing (maintenance, likely assessments, and opportunity cost) versus the cost of each exit route. That math usually tips toward exiting sooner. The resort doesn't care if you can't afford it; the fees keep coming.

What does a lawyer cost for timeshare exit help?

A real estate attorney or consumer protection attorney with timeshare experience charges $200 to $400 per hour in most states. A full exit (contract review, demand letter, negotiation with the developer, and deed transfer) might take 5 to 15 hours, so $1,000 to $6,000 total. Some attorneys offer flat fees: $2,500 to $5,000 for a straightforward case, more if litigation is likely . What a lawyer can do that an exit company cannot: write a demand letter on law-firm letterhead (which developers take more seriously), file a lawsuit if the developer breaches the contract or commits fraud, negotiate a settlement that includes a release of liability, and represent you in court if the developer sues you for unpaid fees. If your purchase involved misrepresentation (the sales rep lied about rental income, resale value, or your ability to cancel), a lawyer can assert those defenses and sometimes get the contract rescinded even outside the rescission window. When a lawyer is worth it: if you owe more than $10,000 on the mortgage, if the developer is threatening to sue, if you believe you were defrauded, or if the contract has unusual terms (a personal guarantee, joint and several liability with a co-owner you've lost touch with, or a right-to-use agreement in a foreign country). An attorney can also review an exit company's contract before you sign and tell you if it's a scam. When a lawyer is overkill: if you're current on payments, the developer has a published deed-back program, and you just need help filling out the forms. In that case, $149 for a self-help kit or $500 for a non-attorney service that specializes in deed-backs may be enough. To find a timeshare attorney, search your state bar's lawyer referral service and filter by real estate or consumer law. Ask upfront: How many timeshare exits have you handled? What's your hourly rate or flat fee? Do you think my case has merit, or should I try a deed-back first? A good attorney will tell you if you're wasting money on a lawyer when a phone call to the developer would work.

What's the real cost of doing nothing?

Doing nothing costs you every year you wait. Maintenance fees compound, special assessments pile on, and the timeshare becomes harder to exit (not easier) as you age or if your financial situation deteriorates. If you die with the timeshare still in your name, your heirs inherit the obligation unless they act fast . A real example (anonymized, but typical): an owner bought a Wyndham week in 2008 for $18,000 financed. Maintenance fees started at $800/year. By 2023, they'd risen to $1,450/year. A special assessment in 2021 added $2,200. The owner paid off the mortgage in 2020, never used the week after 2015, and spent the last eight years saying "I'll deal with it next year." Total cost from 2015-2023: roughly $11,000 in maintenance and assessments for zero use. Wyndham's Certified Exit would have cost about $2,000 in 2015. The delay cost $9,000. If you're over 65, the cost of waiting is higher. Developers and exit companies both know that older owners are more likely to die with the contract in place, which means heirs who may be easier to collect from (or who'll pay a settlement to avoid probate hassles). Some developers have been accused of deliberately slowing deed-back processing for older owners, hoping nature takes its course. I can't prove that's policy anywhere, but the pattern shows up in consumer complaints. The other cost: stress. Owners report anxiety, shame, and marital conflict over timeshare debt and the inability to exit. A $2,000 exit fee is cheaper than a therapist and a divorce. If you're reading this and you've been putting off the decision, run the numbers today. What will you pay in the next three years if you do nothing? What does the best exit route cost? The gap is your answer.

Are timeshares scams?

Timeshares are not scams in the legal sense: they're real property interests (deeded or right-to-use) governed by state real estate and consumer protection laws. The problem is the business model and the sales tactics. You pay resort-retail pricing ($20,000-$40,000) for a product with near-zero resale value, and you're locked into rising fees forever [3]. The sales pitch is the scam. Reps promise rental income that never materializes, "investment" appreciation when timeshares depreciate to $1, and easy resale when the secondary market is dead. They pressure you to sign same-day with false urgency ("this price expires tonight") and free gifts (show tickets, dinners, hotel stays). All of that is legal in most states as long as the contract itself discloses the truth in fine print, which it does. You signed it, so you're bound. State and federal regulators have cracked down on the worst tactics. The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibits timeshare resale companies from charging upfront fees before they actually sell your property (a rule ignored by many scam operators) [2]. Florida, Nevada, and other big timeshare states have specific statutes requiring cooling-off periods, written disclosures, and licensing for resale brokers. But enforcement is spotty, and the sales culture hasn't changed much. Are exit companies scams? Some are. The FTC has sued multiple large firms for taking $5,000-$10,000 upfront and delivering nothing [2]. Others are legitimate service providers, though overpriced. The line between the two is hard to see from the outside, which is why we built the exit-scam awareness section of this site. The real scam is the mismatch between what you're sold and what you own. If developers were honest, "You'll pay $25,000 for a week you could rent on Airbnb for $1,200. It will never appreciate. You can't sell it. Fees will double in 15 years. Still want it?", almost no one would buy. That pitch doesn't happen. For a detailed breakdown of sales tactics and how to recognize them, see timeshare cancellation.

How much do timeshares cost to buy (and why does it matter for exit costs)?

New timeshares from developers sell for $20,000 to $50,000 for a one-week deeded interest, and $100,000+ for multi-week or points-based packages [3]. Financing is common (developer loans at 12%-18% APR), so many owners pay far more than the sticker price by the time the loan is paid off. The secondary market tells a different story: weeks that sold for $30,000 new list for $1 to $5,000, and most don't sell at all. That gap is why exit costs sting. You feel like you paid for a real asset, and now you're being told it's worth nothing and you have to pay to get rid of it. The purchase price matters for exit costs because it affects your psychology and your lender's behavior. If you financed the purchase and still owe $15,000 on a loan, you can't just deed the timeshare back to the developer without satisfying or settling that debt. The lender (often the developer's financing arm) has a lien on the property. You either pay off the loan, negotiate a settlement, or default (which triggers collections and credit damage). If you paid cash or paid off the loan, your exit is simpler: it's just the deed and the fees. The emotional sunk cost is still there ("I paid $25,000 for this, I can't just walk away"), but legally you're in a better position. Points-based systems (Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton) often cost more upfront and come with more complex exit rules. You're not surrendering a specific week; you're surrendering a certain number of points and the associated fee obligation. Some developers allow partial exits (surrender half your points, cut your fees in half), but that's uncommon and not advertised. The bottom line: the higher your purchase price and the more you owe, the more you'll feel the need to "get something back," and the more vulnerable you are to resale scams and exit companies promising recoveries that don't exist. The real question isn't what you paid; it's what will it cost you to stay in.

Frequently asked questions

How to get out of a timeshare?

Check your rescission window first (3-15 days, varies by state); if you're inside it, cancel in writing for free [1]. Outside that window, ask your developer about deed-back programs ($0-$3,000), try selling on the secondary market yourself (expect $1-$1,000 sale price), or consult a real estate attorney ($200-$400/hour). Avoid upfront-fee exit companies unless you've verified their track record with your state AG.

How much does it cost to cancel a timeshare?

Rescission (inside the cooling-off period) is free. Developer deed-backs cost $500-$3,000. Third-party exit companies charge $4,000-$10,000. Attorney-assisted exits run $1,000-$6,000. The cheapest option is the one you qualify for and execute soonest, because maintenance fees ($1,000-$1,200/year) pile up while you wait.

Can I sell my timeshare?

You can list it, but selling for anything above $1 is rare. The secondary market is flooded, and resale values are near zero [3]. List it yourself on RedWeek or TUG for free; avoid upfront-fee resale brokers. Expect to pay the resort $200-$500 in transfer fees if a sale closes. A deed-back is usually faster and cheaper.

Are timeshare exit companies legit?

Some are, many aren't. The FTC has sued several for taking $5,000-$10,000 and doing nothing [4]. Red flags: promises of specific outcomes, advice to stop paying, no attorney on staff, high-pressure sales. Check the BBB, your state AG's consumer complaints, and ask for references. A real estate attorney is safer and often cheaper.

What happens if I stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

The developer or HOA will report you to collections, damage your credit, and may sue for unpaid fees plus attorney costs [11]. In some states, they can foreclose and pursue a deficiency judgment. Some developers settle after months of non-payment, but it's a gamble. Consult an attorney before stopping payment; never do it on an exit company's advice alone [4].

How long does it take to get out of a timeshare?

Rescission takes 10-15 days from mailing your cancellation letter. Developer deed-backs take 60-180 days if approved. Exit companies claim 6-18 months, but many drag on longer or fail. Attorney-negotiated exits average 3-9 months. Selling yourself can take a year or never happen. The fastest route is always the one you start immediately.

Can I donate my timeshare to charity?

Very few charities accept timeshares, and those that do charge $500-$1,500 in processing fees. The tax deduction is usually under $1,000 (the fair market value, not your purchase price) [10]. Many donation programs are scams. Check the charity's 501(c)(3) status on IRS.gov and verify the program is legitimate before paying anything.

How much is a timeshare worth?

New from a developer: $20,000-$50,000. On the secondary market: $1-$2,000 for a decent week, often $0 for less desirable ones [3][5]. The value collapses the moment you buy because the developer markup is 300%-500%. Resale prices reflect the true cost of a week's vacation, not the sales pitch.

Do I need a lawyer to get out of a timeshare?

Not always. If you're in rescission, you don't. If the developer offers a deed-back, you usually don't. If you're being sued, owe a large mortgage, or believe you were defrauded, a lawyer is worth it ($200-$400/hour, $1,000-$6,000 total) [13]. For straightforward exits, a self-help kit or direct contact with the developer is enough.

What is a timeshare deed-back program?

A deed-back lets you surrender ownership directly to the developer or HOA, usually for $500-$3,000 in processing fees [2]. Not all developers offer them, and they're rarely advertised. You typically must be current on fees and have no mortgage. Call your resort's owner services and ask specifically for "deed-back," "surrender," or "exit program."

Can heirs refuse an inherited timeshare?

Yes. Heirs can disclaim the timeshare in probate, usually within 30-90 days of the owner's death, depending on state law [12]. The disclaimer must be in writing and filed with the probate court. If the deadline passes, the heir inherits the contract and the fees. Many heirs don't know they have this option and get stuck.

Are maintenance fees tax-deductible?

Generally no. Maintenance fees are not deductible as a personal expense. If you rent out your timeshare week and report the rental income, you may be able to deduct the fees as a rental expense, but that requires treating the timeshare as investment property and following IRS rules for vacation-home rentals [10]. Consult a CPA.

How much are timeshares per year?

Maintenance fees average $1,000-$1,200/year and rise 3%-5% annually [5]. Special assessments add $500-$3,000 in one-time charges. Over 20 years, expect to pay $30,000-$50,000 in fees for a week that cost $20,000-$30,000 to buy, with zero equity buildup. The annual cost is higher than renting comparable vacation lodging.

What is the rescission period for timeshares?

The rescission period (cooling-off period) is the number of days after signing during which you can cancel for a full refund. It ranges from 3 days (in some states) to 15 days, depending on state law and where the resort is located [1][6][7]. The contract must state the exact period and mailing address. Missing the deadline by one day closes the window.

Sources

  1. Better Business Bureau - Wyndham Vacation Ownership profile and consumer reviews: Deed-back programs typically charge $500-$3,000 in processing fees when offered
  2. Florida Statutes Title XXXII Chapter 721.10 - Cancellation of Contract: Florida grants buyers a 10-day rescission period for timeshare purchases
  3. Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 119A.410 - Cancellation of Contract: Nevada grants buyers a 5-day rescission period for timeshare purchases
  4. Wyndham Destinations - Certified Exit by Wyndham Program Overview: Wyndham Certified Exit program available to eligible owners; fees vary by account
  5. Federal Trade Commission - Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule: The Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibits timeshare resale companies from charging upfront fees before completing a sale
  6. Internal Revenue Service - Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property: Timeshare donations are limited to fair market value (secondary market value); appraisals required for donations over $5,000 typically value timeshares under $1,000
  7. American Bar Association - Probate and Property Journal, Inherited Timeshare Obligations: Heirs can disclaim inherited timeshares within 30-90 days in most states; failure to disclaim binds them to the maintenance fees
  8. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Explains what a timeshare is and general consumer considerations relevant to understanding exit costs.
  9. Internal Revenue Service: Explains tax rules for charitable contributions, relevant to donating a timeshare to charity.
  10. Florida Legislature: Sets out Florida's regulation of timeshare resale and exit service providers.
  11. U.S. Department of Justice: Documents federal prosecutions of timeshare exit companies for fraud.

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Disclaimer: ExitHonest is an independent publisher of self-help information. We are not a law firm, exit company, or debt-settlement service; we do not contact your resort, developer, or anyone else on your behalf, and we never advise you to stop making payments you owe. Timeshare laws, rescission periods, and resort programs vary and change; confirm your state's current rules and consider consulting a licensed attorney. We make no promises that any approach will end your ownership.

ExitHonest Editorial Team

ExitHonest provides expert guidance and tools to help you succeed. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and kept up to date.

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