Want out of your timeshare? Start with the exit that fits your contract.
A timeshare was supposed to mean easy vacations. If it has turned into a yearly bill, a fight for booking dates and fees that keep climbing, here are plain answers on cancelling a new purchase, getting out of one you've owned for years, and avoiding the exit companies that make things worse.
Can you get out of a timeshare? Usually, yes. Your options depend on how long ago you signed:
- Signed in the last few days: cancel in writing during your state's rescission period, often 5 to 10 days.
- Owned it longer: ask the developer about a deed-back or exit program, try resale or transfer, or pursue a release if the sale involved misleading promises.
- Before paying anyone for help: check them against the scam red flags further down.
Find your exit path
- 01
6 minJust bought? Cancel during the rescission period
Deadlines by state, how to send the letter, and what to do if the window has closed.
- 02
10 minEvery legitimate way to get out of a timeshare
Deed-back programs, resale, transfer, negotiated releases and legal help, compared.
- 03
7 minMaintenance fees: what keeping it really costs
Why fees rise, what happens if you stop paying, and a calculator for your own numbers.
- 04
7 minTimeshare exit scams and how to vet a company
The warning signs, the questions to ask, and where to report a problem.
Three steps, no obligation
Tell us about your timeshare
Five quick questions: your resort, your payments, your fees, and how the sale went.
Get matched with an exit specialist
If your situation looks like a fit, we connect you with a partner exit company that reviews your contract.
Decide on your own terms
Ask about fees, timelines and refund terms in writing. You choose whether to go ahead.
Quick answers
Can you legally get out of a timeshare?
Yes, in several situations. Every US state with timeshare laws gives buyers a short rescission window to cancel a new purchase, usually 3 to 15 days. After that window, owners exit through developer deed-back or exit programs, resale or transfer, a negotiated release when the sale involved misrepresentation, or with help from an attorney. Which route works depends on your contract and your state.
How long do I have to cancel a timeshare after signing?
It depends on the state where you signed. Florida allows 10 days, California 7, Texas 6, and Nevada 5, for example. Your contract must state the deadline, and that deadline is the one to follow. See our rescission period guide for more states.
Can I just stop paying my timeshare?
You can, but it carries real risk. Missed loan payments or maintenance fees can lead to late fees, collections, credit damage and, for deeded timeshares, foreclosure. Talk through the consequences for your specific contract before you stop paying anything.
Do timeshare exit companies really work?
Some legitimate firms do help owners, and many scams target owners too. Red flags include guaranteed results, large fees before any work is done, claims that a buyer is waiting, and pressure to sign fast. Read our guide to exit scams before you hire anyone.