If you’re searching “how to get out of my timeshare,” “how to get rid of timeshare,” or asking “can I get rid of my timeshare,” you’re not alone. Over 9.9 million U.S. households own a timeshare, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). But for many owners, what started as an exciting vacation plan has become a financial and legal burden.
High maintenance fees, limited availability, and life changes often lead owners to want out. But breaking free from a timeshare contract isn’t easy. In fact, it can feel impossible without professional help. Fortunately, there’s a proven way to get rid of a timeshare—and it starts with working with a timeshare exit company.
In this article, we’ll explain why timeshare contracts are so difficult to escape, why popular solutions like reselling don’t work, and why a timeshare exit company offers the most reliable path forward.
When you purchased your timeshare, you entered into a legally binding contract. Many of these agreements are written “in perpetuity,” meaning the ownership—and financial responsibility—can last for the rest of your life and may even pass to your heirs.
Meanwhile, the cost of ownership keeps rising. According to ARDA, the average annual maintenance fee in 2022 was $1,120, and fees have been increasing by an average of 8% every year. Whether you use your timeshare or not, you’re obligated to pay these fees. For many owners, it feels like being trapped in a never-ending financial obligation.
And while it might seem simple to get rid of a timeshare, the truth is, the options are very limited—and most aren’t effective.
One of the first things owners try when they want out is reselling their timeshare. But the resale market for timeshares is flooded and nearly non-existent.
A report from Sharket.com found that over 47% of timeshares listed for resale are priced at $1 or less. Think about that: many owners are so desperate to escape their contracts that they’re willing to give away their timeshare for nothing, just to be free from rising fees.
And still, those listings often sit unsold.
The reality is simple: there is almost no demand for second-hand timeshares. Buyers have little incentive to take on a property tied to escalating fees, booking restrictions, and long-term obligations. Even finding someone willing to accept a timeshare for free can be an uphill battle.
To make matters worse, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued multiple warnings about timeshare resale scams, where companies charge upfront fees promising a buyer—only to deliver nothing.
If you’re asking “Can I get rid of my timeshare by selling it?” the honest answer is: it’s almost impossible.
Some owners consider simply stopping payments on their timeshare, hoping the resort will foreclose and take the property back. But this strategy carries serious risks.
When you stop paying:
The timeshare company can send your account to collections
Your credit score can be severely damaged
You can be sued for unpaid fees or breach of contract
You’ll continue facing legal and financial consequences
Developers are aggressive about enforcing contracts. Walking away without a formal legal exit isn’t a solution—it’s an invitation for financial harm that can follow you for years.
If selling isn’t realistic, and defaulting leads to serious consequences, you might wonder: how can I get rid of my timeshare?
For thousands of owners, the answer is partnering with a timeshare exit company.
A reputable exit company specializes in helping owners legally terminate their contracts—even if the timeshare is fully paid off or still under mortgage. Unlike trying to handle it on your own, a timeshare exit company brings the legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and industry experience needed to navigate complex contracts and developer resistance.
Here’s why working with a timeshare exit company is the best approach:
Timeshare contracts are written with complicated legal language designed to lock owners in. Most consumers aren’t equipped to challenge these contracts on their own.
Exit companies work with legal teams and contract specialists who know how to identify:
Misrepresentations made during the sales process
Breaches of contract by the developer
Legal grounds for cancellation
Loopholes and violations of consumer protection laws
With this expertise, they build a strategy tailored to your specific ownership and contract, pursuing a lawful exit that stands up to scrutiny.
Resorts are not in the business of letting owners walk away easily. In fact, when you contact the resort asking to leave, you may encounter sales pressure to upgrade or offers that only extend your financial commitment under the guise of “help.”
When you hire a timeshare exit company, they handle all communication with the developer on your behalf. You’re shielded from misleading offers and don’t have to face the resort’s tactics alone.
This not only protects you from further obligations—it provides peace of mind knowing a professional is managing your case.
No two timeshare contracts are exactly the same. A reputable exit company takes the time to review the details of your ownership, including:
Purchase documents
Payment history
Location and developer
Contract clauses
Based on this review, they recommend the most effective path forward, whether it’s a legal cancellation, dispute resolution, or contract negotiation.
This level of personalization is essential to achieving a successful exit.
Legitimate timeshare exit companies have a history of helping clients successfully exit their contracts. They can provide:
Verified reviews
Testimonials from satisfied customers
Documentation of previous successes
Strong ratings from third-party consumer watchdogs (such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB))
When you partner with an experienced, well-reviewed exit company, you’re working with a team that has guided thousands of owners to freedom from timeshare obligations.
Consider the story of a family in Florida who bought a timeshare in 2008. Over the next decade, their annual maintenance fees rose from $850 to $1,700. Attempts to use their timeshare became harder as availability shrank. They tried selling it online for $1—no buyers came forward. After two years of failed attempts, they hired a timeshare exit company.
Within 10 months, their contract was legally terminated. Their financial burden ended, and their credit remained protected.
Stories like this happen every day for owners who choose professional exit help.
Not every company in the exit space is reputable. Here’s what to look for when choosing a trustworthy firm:
A clear, written contract explaining services and fees
A history of verified success stories and positive reviews
Transparent communication about timelines and expectations
No guarantees of overnight results or unrealistic promises
While legitimate timeshare exits take time—often 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity—a professional company provides the expertise and advocacy you need to achieve a lawful, permanent exit.
If you’re asking “how do I get out of my timeshare” or wondering “can I get rid of my timeshare”—the answer is yes. But it requires the right approach.
Reselling? Nearly impossible.
Stopping payments? Risky and damaging.
Handling it alone? Overwhelming and ineffective.
The safest, most effective solution is partnering with a timeshare exit company that knows how to navigate contracts, challenge legal issues, and secure a permanent release.
Don’t waste more money on rising fees. Don’t risk your credit or legal standing. Take control of your future with professional help—and leave your timeshare behind for good.