How to Escape the Burden of an Unwanted Timeshare

Q: Over the years, I have tried multiple ways to sell, rent out, or otherwise recoup some value from a Tennessee timeshare we purchased in the 1990s. Although we've paid off the initial mortgage, annual maintenance fees continue to pile up, which we want to eliminate before retiring and downsizing. I’ve engaged companies promising to sell or rent the timeshare, but none have delivered results. How can we finally free ourselves from this financial burden?

A: Purchasing a timeshare often commits owners to lifelong financial responsibilities, including ongoing maintenance fees and property taxes. As these costs escalate, what was once seen as an asset can quickly become a liability.

According to legal experts, the main reason timeshares are so difficult to offload is their lack of resale value. This reality explains why owners frequently struggle to find buyers or renters.

A recommended initial step is to file complaints with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general’s office, and the Federal Trade Commission.

Be cautious with companies that claim they can sell your timeshare or connect you with renters, as many operate scams. These firms often charge upfront fees without providing any real service, leaving owners out of pocket.

Contact your timeshare provider directly to inquire about any official exit programs they may offer. However, carefully review all terms and conditions before agreeing, as some companies may use these programs to upsell additional products or services.

Pursuing legal action is an option, but attorneys tend to accept only certain cases because many states have laws that favor resort owners. Contracts often include clauses that contradict verbal assurances about rental and resale markets, legally protecting the resorts.

Timeshare companies typically maintain control by binding owners through detailed contracts, making it difficult to escape the agreement.

Forming a group of affected owners could strengthen any legal challenge. Critical issues to explore include whether buyers were misled and whether the resort violated consumer protection laws.

If you decide to proceed with litigation, carefully consider the cost of legal fees compared to potential recoveries, and confirm whether your state allows the prevailing party to recover attorney’s fees.