How To Get Out Of A Timeshare
There are many reasons why you may have stopped using your timeshare – from changes in finances to new family obligations. No matter the reason, we understand the financial burden that a timeshare ownership can become.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to get out of a timeshare.
Quick Answer
Common options include selling the timeshare, asking the resort about a deed-back or takeback program, transferring ownership to a new owner, or using a legitimate timeshare exit specialist when a simple resale is not feasible. The best way to get out of a timeshare depends on your ownership, loan balance, maintenance fee status, resort rules, and whether there is resale demand.
Before paying anyone, start by contacting your resort or developer directly. The FTC advises owners to contact the developer or resort management company before paying a company to help sell a timeshare, and ARDA also recommends contacting the developer directly when exploring deed-back options.
Timeshare Exit Options
Most owners who need to get rid of their timeshare first look to selling it as they want to recoup some of their original investment (see our guide on How to Navigate the Timeshare Resale Market). However, they soon realize there is an extremely low ratio of buyers to sellers. Worse, many become victims of ruthless scammers, which greatly outnumber legitimate buyers. The sad truth is that the resale market is so depressed that most owners cannot find a buyer for their timeshare ownership.
Thankfully, there are legitimate options out there. But even with legitimate options, owners need to know how to identify the good from the bad. Read on to find out how to get out of a timeshare safely.
To assist you in this process, we have expert advice on how to exit a timeshare successfully. The most popular timeshare removal options include:
Timeshare Exit Options, Including Pros & Cons
Timeshare Listing Companies
Timeshare listing companies portray themselves as offering one of the best ways to get rid of a timeshare; they make you believe they have a market of buyers.
They will usually charge a fee to post your property on their website or print publications in the hopes of finding a new owner. Prices vary widely, from $60 all the way up to several thousand dollars. Be warned, though, paying more often doesn’t mean better results. In fact, overpriced listing companies have no real incentive to sell your timeshare. They may even encourage owners to price their timeshare higher than the market will bear, so they can collect additional fees.
If you decide to list your timeshare, look for a company with a strong web presence that charges reasonable fees. If you are successful in selling or, more likely, giving away your timeshare, you’ll next have to handle the legal transfer. This can be a daunting task. For additional information, read about the timeshare transfers here. [top]
Brokers
Timeshare brokers can be valuable allies when it comes to selling timeshares. A timeshare broker will list your timeshare and negotiate a price on your behalf. Again, beware of paying any upfront fees. Many owners have been scammed by so-called brokers who claim to have a buyer waiting if the unsuspecting owner will just put down a deposit.
Broker services should be billed as a percentage of the timeshare sale price. The fee should only be paid once your timeshare transfer has been recorded with the county in which the resort is located. Hiring a legitimate broker is a good idea if your timeshare is still selling on the resale market.
Timeshare Specialists can identify if you have a valuable timeshare free of charge. We can also act as your broker – find out more about our Brokerage Services here. Our relationship with Resort Closings, Inc. will ensure that your ownership is transferred properly with the County and the Resort. If there is still demand for your timeshare on the resale market, using a broker on a commission basis is a safe and headache free way to get rid of your timeshare. [top]
Resort Takeback Programs And Deed-BacK options
A deed-back program can be one of the safest ways to exit when it is available, but not every owner qualifies. If the option is available, the ownership needs to be paid off, the maintenance fees need to be current, and there can’t be any unresolved liens.
Some resorts or developers do take back properties or try to sell them on behalf of owners. Takeback, surrender, or deed-back programs are options offered based on each owner’s situation and may be available only to owners facing financial hardship. In most cases, owners should not expect to receive sale proceeds, as the goal is usually to end future ownership obligations. There may also be fees associated with the programs, but if you are unable to sell your timeshare, be sure to reach out to the resort to see what options they offer. Find out more about how quitclaim deeds work here.
If your resort does not offer a takeback option, you may need to compare resale, transfer, or guaranteed transfer alternatives. [top]
Transfer Companies
Timeshare transfer companies specialize in liquidating unwanted timeshares, particularly those with low demand on the resale market. They generally charge a fee to liquidate an unwanted timeshare.
This service is similar to brokerage services; however, since the timeshare will likely have to be given away or even come with prepaid usage, the broker won’t be willing to work for a commission.
Timeshare Specialists, Inc. offers liquidation services. With our Guaranteed Transfer Program, we do all the work to find someone willing to take over the ownership. We work with Resort Closings, a licensed, insured company that performs the title search, document drafting, and recording. Just like our brokerage option, you’ll never pay an upfront fee, and money only changes hands after your property has been legally transferred out of your name. Our prices are extremely fair, and our work is exemplary. But whether you choose to work with us or not, you should always avoid companies that charge an upfront fee. Only pay after the service is complete. [top]
Pro tip: If you are unsure whether you need a full cancellation service or if you can simply transfer your deed to a new owner, read our guide on timeshare exit vs. transfer to determine the most cost-effective route.
Exit Companies, Timeshare Attorneys and Consumer advocates
You’ve probably heard their ads on the radio or seen one of their paid endorsements. Exit companies are firms that promise to negotiate an end to your timeshare contract, often by threatening to sue your timeshare company for unlawful practices in the sales process.
They have also been known to advise clients to stop paying maintenance fees, which can put your credit rating at risk. They also typically charge at least a portion of their fee upfront. These companies can be successful in ending some contracts, but their price is often many thousands of dollars, and their methods come with significant risks. Owners should keep in mind that Attorney/Consumer Advocate firms may be threatening Resorts with legal action on their behalf. According to lawsuits filed by timeshare resorts, some of these firms send generic form letters from an attorney to the resorts; the reason for this is simple: these firms wish to cut off communication between the resort and the owner. This is a practice that has led to legal action by multiple resorts (Welk Resort v. Timeshare Exit Team), resulting in some of these firms going out of business (Castle Law & American Consumer Credit).
This approach can be greatly overpriced, fraught with needless risk, and is unnecessary to divest of a timeshare. [top]
Getting out of a timeshare legally means the ownership to be properly sold, transferred, surrendered, or canceled within a valid rescission period, or otherwise resolved through the appropriate resort, county, association, or contract process. Simply stopping payments or ignoring the ownership does not automatically remove your name from the account.
It is also important to understand the difference between a legal dispute and a transfer issue. If you are facing foreclosure, collections, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, or a serious contract dispute, you may need to speak with a qualified attorney. However, if your main goal is to divest transferable ownership, a legitimate transfer-focused solution may be more practical and cost-effective.
A trustworthy timeshare exit specialist should clearly explain what they can and cannot do. Be cautious of any company that promises a guaranteed cancellation, tells you to stop paying fees without explaining the risks, or asks for a large upfront payment before any work is completed.
Which Timeshare Exit Option Fits Your Situation?
Situation | Option To Consider | What To Watch For |
Your timeshare has resale value | Broker or resale listing | Avoid upfront-fee resale promises |
Your timeshare has little resale value | Transfer company or guaranteed transfer | Make sure the transfer is documented |
Your resort accepts takebacks | Resort deed-back or surrender program | Confirm requirements in writing |
You recently purchased | Rescission or cancellation rights | Deadlines are short and vary by state |
You still owe a loan | Resort, lender, or legal review | A loan can block resale or transfer |
You are facing collections or foreclosure | Attorney consultation | Do not rely on non-lawyer legal advice |
You were contacted by a company with a buyer | Scam review before paying | Upfront buyer claims are a major red flag |
How Much Does It Cost To Get Out Of A Timeshare?
The cost to get out of a timeshare depends on the exit option you choose. Some owners may qualify for a low-cost or no-cost resort takeback program, while others may need to account for transfer fees, closing costs, unpaid maintenance fees, loan balances, or professional service fees.
Because costs vary by resort, ownership type, and exit method, we cover this topic in detail in our full guide: How Much Does It Cost To Get Out Of A Timeshare.
The best timeshare exit solution
The best way to get rid of a timeshare or exit solution depends on your particular property. An important step in the process is determining how much your timeshare will sell for; you can read more about how to assess your timeshare’s value in our article – How Much is your timeshare worth.
Timeshare Exit Guides By Brand
No two timeshare companies are the same — and neither are the strategies for exiting them. That’s why we’ve created a growing library of brand-specific exit guides to help owners better understand their options. Whether you own with a major developer or a niche club, we break down the fine print so you know exactly what to expect.
Here are a few of our most recent exit guides:
- How to Get Out of a Wyndham Timeshare
- How to Exit Your Bluegreen Timeshare
- What to Know About Exiting a Westgate Timeshare
- Getting Out of a Hilton Timeshare
- How to Exit Your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare
- Disney Vacation Club Exit Options
- How to exit a Florida Timeshare
- Timeshare Resale Value Lookup: How to Research Your Resort’s Real Market Price
Expert Assistance for Timeshare Exit
At Timeshare Specialists, we understand the complexities of timeshare divestment. We can help answer any questions regarding your timeshare ownership as well as explore viable options for getting out of a timeshare.
Contact us anytime for free expert advice at 1-800-965-6565 .
Explore This Guide With An AI Assistant
Get a concise summary of how to safely get out of a timeshare — including your main exit options like resale, transfer, and resort takeback programs. Learn the pros and cons of each method, how to spot scams, and how Timeshare Specialists helps owners exit responsibly through trusted, no-upfront-fee solutions.
FAQs
The best approach depends on your ownership. If the timeshare has resale value, a broker or a resale option may make sense. If the resort accepts takebacks, a deed-back program may be best. If resale demand is low, a guaranteed transfer or a transfer company may be more practical.
Sometimes. Some resorts offer deed-back, surrender, or takeback programs, but eligibility varies. Owners are often required to be paid off and current on maintenance fees. Always request the requirements in writing from the resort.
Legal options may include rescission shortly after purchase, resale, transfer to a new owner, resort deed-back, surrender programs, or working with a legitimate transfer company. If your situation involves collections, foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce, probate, or a contract dispute, consult a qualified attorney.
Some are legitimate, but owners should be cautious. A trustworthy timeshare exit specialist should clearly explain your options, avoid pressure tactics, put the process in writing, and avoid large upfront-fee promises.
A timeshare deed-back letter is a written request asking the resort or developer whether they will accept the ownership back. Some resorts use a formal form instead of a letter, so always ask for the exact instructions before submitting anything.
The cost varies by resort, ownership type, loan balance, maintenance fee status, and exit method. Some owners may qualify for low-cost resort takeback options, while others may need professional transfer or exit help.
Stopping maintenance fee payments can create serious consequences, including collections, foreclosure, credit damage, or additional fees. Before walking away from timeshare maintenance fees, contact the resort, review your options, and consider professional guidance.
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Our Brands
Resort Closings, Inc is a licensed and bonded escrow company specializing in the legal transfer of timeshares, if you need to transfer your ownership to a new owner, they can help!
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If you are buying or selling a timeshare, use our Timeshare Scam Database to avoid know scams on the Timeshare Resale Market.