How to get out of a timeshare: 6 best strategies

Pacaso Icon for profile pictures
Pacaso’s Editorial Team
August 11, 2025
A tropical timeshare with balconies and a metal roof behind palm trees under blue skies, tied to how to get out of a timeshare.
Did you once dream of owning a timeshare fit for luxury vacations, only to have your fantasy ruined by high fees? If so, it’s time to learn how to get out of a timeshare with little to no financial damage.
As you may already know, a timeshare is a vacation property that operates within a shared ownership model. It often requires a lengthy commitment and boasts high maintenance fees that are subject to change.Getting out of a timeshare is a notoriously difficult process that can quickly eat up your time and money. Read our guide to learn the top five strategies for how to get out of a timeshare, the associated costs and who would likely benefit most from each method.

1. Use the rescission period

For those who just bought a timeshareCost: less than a dollarA rescission period is a short period of time you’re allowed to change your mind and walk away without incurring a fee. It varies state by state (where the timeshare is located, not where you live), but state rescission periods are usually between three and 15 days.To take advantage of the rescission period, you’ll need to write a letter to the timeshare developers with the following information: 
  • The names on the signed agreement
  • The name of the timeshare developer
  • Cancellation address of the resort
  • Today's date
  • The purchase date
  • The agreement contract number
  • The amount of the original purchase price
  • A statement declaring your cancellation
  • Your contact information, including mailing address, phone number and email
This is one of the cheaper options to get out of a timeshare, considering you only need to purchase a stamp to send your letter. For best results, consider sending a registered letter to ensure that the timeshare company receives your document.
A timeshare rescission letter sits on a desk with coffee, a plant, and a keyboard, illustrating how to get out of a timeshare.

2. Try a timeshare deed-back

For timeshare agreements with a buyback programCost: free to a few hundred dollars A timeshare deed-back program, also known as a buyback program, is when the timeshare company buys your timeshare back from you. It’s a legal, low-cost way to give the property back to the resort.However, not all resorts and timeshare developers offer this option, and you may have to be in good standing with the resort to qualify for the program. Even if this option is available, sometimes only major life events like job loss or death qualify. Before pursuing this option, check your contract to learn how your timeshare works and search for stipulations about your developer’s deed-back program.Examples of deed-back programs include:
  • Wyndham Destinations (through their "Ovation" program)
  • Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations (through "Horizons" program)
  • Hyatt Vacation Club
  • Westgate Resorts (through "The Westgate Legacy Program")

3. Sell your timeshare on the resale market

For those who paid off their timeshare loanCost: $300 to $700 for closing costsIf your rescission period has expired and your timeshare developer doesn’t offer a buyback program, take matters into your own hands by selling your timeshare on the resale market.Keep in mind that this option may only apply to those who have completely paid off their timeshare. Timeshares still tied to loans will be listed as “encumbered.” Here is a step-by-step process for how to get rid of a timeshare that’s paid off:
  • Check if your purchase agreement allows you to sell directly to a new owner or if your timeshare developer has first dibs on buybacks via a "right of first refusal" (ROFR) clause.
  • If it is eligible for resale, find out how much it’s worth by looking at the price of timeshare listings similar to yours. Pay close attention to similar locations, square footage and amenities. 
  • List your timeshare on an online resale website like RedWeek, and beware of companies that charge hefty fees to list on “exclusive” websites.
One of the major drawbacks of timeshare ownership is that they typically depreciate in value, so don’t expect to recoup the purchase price. You will likely lose money through this transaction, but doing so will free you from maintenance fees and the stress of having something you don’t want.Places you can sell your timeshare include: 
  • Online marketplaces
  • Licensed timeshare resale brokers
  • General online classifieds

4. Find a timeshare exit company

For those who want to skip the headacheCost: $2,000 to $15,000+A timeshare exit company is your likely last resort for getting out of a timeshare. If the other methods are unavailable, you should consider working with a company that specializes in complicated timeshare exit procedures.Since there are many timeshare exit company scams on the internet, here are a few tips for how to find a legitimate contender:
  • Search for a company with a proven track record. Check their website to see how many years they’ve been in business and if they have testimonials.
  • Check third-party reviews. Search for the company name on business review platforms like Yelp to see if there are any customer reviews.
  • Avoid companies that ask for payment upfront. This is a red flag that the company is potentially a scam. 
Keep in mind that exit companies do what you can do yourself, but simply free you from the headache of communicating with the timeshare developers.Examples of timeshare exit companies include: 

5. Donate the property

For timeshares that are fully paid offCost: Varies depending on maintenance, transfer fees, and appraisal costsDonating your timeshare to charity seems like an easy way out of those rising fees, and you might even get a tax write-off. But it's not free. You'll still pay maintenance fees, taxes, and transfer costs until the charity officially owns it. If you want a big tax deduction, you'll also have to pay for an appraisal. Some charities might even ask for a cash donation to help cover their future expenses.Examples of where to donate your timeshare include:
  • Specialized timeshare donation services 
  • Direct contact with individual charities

6. Hire a contract law attorney 

For timeshares with multiple contractsCost: $5,000 to $15,000+Although it’s one of the most expensive options, hiring a timeshare lawyer (aka a contract law attorney) is a must for timeshare owners tangled in multiple contracts.These legal professionals can teach you how to legally get out of a timeshare. They will help you comb through your timeshare agreement(s) for loopholes like the recession period and deed-back programs.If you try to negotiate these terms on your own, a timeshare developer may try to sway you by offering “free” upgrades if you keep your timeshare. However, each upgrade can generate a new contract that further complicates the exiting procedure. A contract law attorney can help you make sense of these contracts and mitigate the costs of exiting.
SolutionCostDescriptionAdvantageDisadvantage 
Rescission periodFreeTypically 3-15 days, allowing you to cancel the contract without penalty right after purchase.Full refund of any money paid.Very short window; often missed.
Timeshare deed-back Free to a few hundred dollarsReleases you from ownership and often requires the timeshare to be paid off.Can be a legitimate and free way to exit if the resort offers it.Not all resorts offer this option. 
Resale marketVaried costListing your timeshare for sale through a licensed real estate broker specializing in timeshares or on online marketplaces.Potential to recoup some of your initial investment. Highly competitive market.
Timeshare exit company$2,000 - $10,000+Companies to help you cancel your timeshare contract.May offer a solution if other methods fail.High prevalence of scams in this industry.
Donating the propertyVaried costTransferring ownership of your timeshare to a charity or non-profit organization.Can provide a tax deduction (consult a tax professional).Many charities no longer accept timeshares due to the ongoing liabilities.
Contract law attorney$5,000 - $15,000+ Hiring a lawyer specializing in contract law or timeshare disputes to review your contract and pursue legal cancellation.Provides legitimate legal recourse.Success is not guaranteed, and litigation can be lengthy.
An infographic shares tips on how to get out of a timeshare.

Dos and don’ts when exiting a timeshare

In many cases, exiting a timeshare requires a solid game plan and multiple exit strategies in case your first plan doesn’t work. Here are the best practices for how to get out of timeshare ownership:
  • Do contact the timeshare developer. See if you are still within the rescission period or if your developer offers a buyback program that you qualify for.
  • Do read through your timeshare agreement. You may find helpful information that can help you craft your exit strategy.
  • Do hire an attorney (if needed). If the low-cost options don’t work or if your timeshare is bound by multiple contracts, a lawyer can take care of the details.
If you want to learn how to exit a timeshare without spending thousands of dollars or falling prey to a scam, avoid these methods:
  • Don’t rent out your timeshare. Many timeshare developers don’t allow this, and you will still be responsible for any maintenance fees.
  • Don’t give away your timeshare. Although this may seem like a win-win situation, it may not be legal, and you could still be responsible for maintenance fees and any future issues due to your contract.
  • Don’t quit making payments altogether. For obvious reasons, the timeshare developers could take legal action against you if you quit paying your timeshare fees.
A graphic shares five ways of you can learn how to get out of a timeshare.

Benefits of Pacaso vs. a Timeshare

These five methods — each with a different cost and level of interaction with the timeshare developers — are ways to get out of a timeshare. If you still want to enjoy a vacation property but skip the headache of timeshare ownership, consider becoming a co-owner of a second home in your dream destination. Some Reddit users have experienced difficulties getting out of a timeshare. One user noted increasing maintenance fees on unused timeshare contracts, with one contract being hard to sell due to a missing deed. Pacaso offers real estate ownership of a luxury property without the pitfalls of timeshares. Plus, unlike a timeshare, you can sell your home through a streamlined resale process if you decide to move on.If you don't want to deal with timeshare hassle, Pacaso is another option that offers true fractional ownership of a luxury home. Pacaso co-ownership offers a superior alternative to timeshares, providing true fractional ownership of a luxury home, not just usage rights. With a small group of co-owners and flexible scheduling, you gain a real estate asset that can appreciate. Say goodbye to the hassles and depreciation of timeshares; Pacaso delivers genuine home enjoyment and potential equity.

How to get out of a timeshare FAQ

01: How much does it cost to get out of a timeshare?

The cost to exit a timeshare varies significantly, ranging from a few hundred dollars for simple methods like using the rescission period to potentially over $15,000 if you need to hire a lawyer for complex cases or utilize certain exit companies. Factors influencing the cost include whether you still owe a mortgage, the specific resort's policies and the chosen exit method.

02: Can you get out of a timeshare without a lawyer?

Yes, it's possible to get out of a timeshare without a lawyer, especially if you act quickly during the rescission period defined in your contract. Other non-legal options include trying to sell it (often at a significant loss), exploring deed-back programs with the resort, or even attempting to give it away for free.

03: Can I sell my timeshare back to the resort?

Yes, some resorts offer "deed-back" or "buyback" programs, allowing owners to return their timeshare. However, these programs usually don't involve the resort paying you for the timeshare; instead, they release you from future financial obligations like maintenance fees.

04: Why is it so hard to sell a timeshare?

Selling a timeshare is notoriously difficult due to an oversaturated resale market with far more sellers than buyers. Additionally, timeshares typically depreciate significantly in value and come with ongoing, often increasing, maintenance fees that deter potential new owners.

05: How can I avoid being scammed by timeshare exit companies?

To avoid timeshare exit scams, thoroughly research any company by checking their Better Business Bureau rating, online reviews and verifying their legitimate business practices. Be wary of upfront fees, guaranteed exits or high-pressure sales tactics, and never pay for services before they are rendered.

Featured articles

1/

Sign up

Get the latest insights and tips.