How to Cancel a Timeshare: 6 Ways to Get Out of Your Timeshare

Timeshare sales presentations are designed to be persuasive, so you’re not alone if you bought one and later regretted it. The good news is that you do have options for how to get out of a timeshare, and many of them can help you reduce long-term financial damage.

Most owners looking for timeshare cancellation advice are already past the rescission period. If that’s you, and especially if you’ve already tried or ruled out DIY options, consider skipping ahead to when it makes sense to work with a timeshare exit attorney or a legitimate exit company. (And we recommend considering these only as last-resort options.)

Below, we’ll walk through the most common ways to legally get rid of a timeshare, from easy DIY steps to more advanced strategies if you’ve already tried to cancel your timeshare contract on your own.

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Table of Contents

1. 1. Rescission period
2. 2. Surrender or deed-back
3. 3. Sell
4. 4. Give it away
5. 5. Timeshare exit attorney
6. 6. Timeshare exit company
7. How much does it cost to get rid of a timeshare?
8. FAQ

1. Use the rescission period to get out of your timeshare

How it works

The timeshare industry knows many people wake up the next day with buyer’s remorse. Companies even budget in for about 15% of people cancelling their contract immediately afterward, during a “rescission period.”

Check your contract and purchase documents for instructions on using the rescission period. Laws vary around the country and even internationally, but most timeshares offer a rescission period of some sort. It’s the best option for getting out of a timeshare, so if you’re not feeling it, act fast.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Clean and easy exit

  If you do it right, there are no fees or charges, and the contract can be immediately canceled.

• Available for most timeshares

  Almost all timeshare contracts offer a rescission period, and most U.S. states have laws dictating its length.

Cons

• Must act fast

  Depending on where your timeshare is, you might only get a three-to-15-day rescission period, depending on state timeshare laws.

• Must follow specific procedures

  Your contract stipulates the exact rules for canceling your contract, and if you don’t follow them exactly, the company can disregard it.

2. Surrender or deed-back your timeshare

How it works

A timeshare deed-back is a simple process: You sign a transfer document that returns the deed to the resort. That releases you from the contract—no more vacations, but no more ongoing fees, either. 

Not all timeshare companies accept deed-backs, and if they do, you can be sure the process isn’t well highlighted in the marketing materials. You may need to spend time tracking down someone at the resort who can help. If you can plead a case of financial hardship, your odds might improve.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Quick release from contract

  If the timeshare company accepts your deed back, you’ll be released as soon as the paperwork is signed—no waiting on anyone else. 

• Work directly with the timeshare company

  Avoid future scams by arranging things with the company that sold you the timeshare.

Cons

• May owe fees

  Some resorts charge closing or transfer fees if you give your timeshare back.

• Can take some work

  Since deed-back programs aren’t well-advertised, you may need to spend time tracking down the right people to talk to and setting it up.

• Won’t recoup sunk costs

  The timeshare company isn’t buying back your deed, so you don’t get any money back. Instead, you’ll avoid losing more money in the future.

• Must be in good standing

  You may not be eligible if you owe outstanding fees or loans to the timeshare management company.

To exit a timeshare without financial harm, first ask the timeshare company about any official exit programs. If using a third-party exit company, choose one that’s reputable, offers escrow, and is transparent. Clients should also consider transferring the timeshare to a trusted friend or relative and consult a legal or financial professional.

3. Sell your timeshare to someone else

How it works

According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), about a quarter of people actually buy their timeshares on the resale market—a perfect opportunity if you want to get rid of yours. You can find many reputable resale companies online that offer varying levels of support in facilitating the transaction, but be wary of scams, too.

Selling your timeshare works just like any other type of property. You find a buyer, they pay you money, and you sign the deed over to the new owners. Many people try to sell their timeshares, and buying one is a big commitment, so timeshare resale prices are often quite low.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Potential to get some money back

  Sales prices are generally low if you can find a buyer. Still, it’s one of the only ways you can recoup some of your costs.

• Better odds for popular timeshares

  People selling timeshares at popular properties like Disney, Hilton, or Marriott generally have an easier time finding a buyer.

Cons

• Must find a buyer

  You’re responsible for finding a buyer on your own. That can be tough, resulting in a thriving industry of timeshare resale scams you’ll need to avoid.

• Success rate can vary

  You’re not guaranteed to find a buyer, and if you don’t, you may be stuck with your timeshare.

• Timeshare loans must be paid off

  If you took out a loan to purchase your timeshare, you’ll generally need to pay it off before you can sell it.

4. Give away your timeshare

How it works

About a third of people with timeshares originally received them as gifts or inheritances. Reddit is full of posts from people seeking advice when someone gifts them a timeshare. 

But if your recipients are fully aware of the costs and limitations of taking on your timeshare, it can be a good way to pass the baton to someone else. Similar to other transfers, this involves signing the deed over to the new owners, who become responsible for ongoing fees.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Clean break from fees

  Assuming you can find someone willing to accept your gift, you’ll cease to be the owner as soon as you sign the deed transfer paperwork.

• Keep memories going

  If your timeshare has sentimental value, gifting it to another person can be a wonderful gesture if they value it as much as you do.

• Potential tax deduction

  You may be able to write off your timeshare donation on your taxes if you donate to a qualified charity. Be sure to talk to an accountant first, though.

Cons

• Can be a burden

  The new owner will be responsible for fees and charges, which will limit their vacation choices. While generous, this is not something everyone wants.

• May require an attorney’s help

  Gifting a timeshare is a legal process, and it’s wise to consult an attorney who can draft a formal agreement and guide you through the process.

5. Hire a timeshare exit attorney

How it works

If you want to legally get out of a timeshare and your resort won’t cooperate, a timeshare exit attorney may be able to help. Attorneys can challenge deceptive sales tactics, identify violations in your contract, or negotiate with the resort on your behalf.

A reputable attorney won’t accept every case; they’ll review your contract first to determine whether you have legal grounds to cancel your timeshare contract.

Here’s what the Stonegate Firm’s attorney shared with us:

There are legal ways to get out of a timeshare. At Stonegate, we negotiate directly with resorts, challenge deceptive sales tactics, and keep pushing until we secure the best possible cancellation outcome. It’s not a one-letter process. It requires real casework.

Timeshare attorneys are often the best fit when your case involves:

• Misrepresentation during the sales process
• High-pressure tactics
• Errors in documentation
• Foreclosure threats
• A resort refusing standard cancellation options

Pros and cons

Pros

• Can help you legally get out of a timeshare, even for leased contracts

• Offers legal protection when resorts push back

• Can review and challenge deceptive terms

Cons

• Higher cost

• Not guaranteed

• Must vet carefully to avoid scams

6. Use a timeshare exit company

How it works

A timeshare exit company can help when you’ve tried DIY options and need support canceling your contract. These companies typically help you:

• Pursue deed-backs
• Gather documentation
• Communicate with the resort
• Work toward timeshare cancellation options you couldn’t make progress on alone

Because the industry includes both reputable firms and many questionable ones, it’s essential to choose a company that uses legal, transparent methods, not shortcuts.

The Stonegate Firm cautions strongly against companies that recommend “strategic default” (stopping payments to force an exit):

Defaulting on a timeshare contract isn’t a legal exit strategy. A legitimate cancellation means you’re formally released from the contract. Simply walking away can trigger foreclosure, credit damage, and long-term consequences.
At Stonegate, we’ve seen companies count a client’s default as a “successful cancellation,” which is misleading and often harmful. A responsible firm stays engaged until the resort issues a written release.

If you decide to explore this path, look for:

• Escrow payment options
• Transparent written contracts
• BBB accreditation
• Clear explanations of how they help you legally get out of a timeshare

Pros and cons

Pros

• Can save time

• May offer structured guidance

• Can help with both deeded and leased timeshares

Cons

• Can be expensive

• No one can “guarantee” results

Is using an exit company a legal way to get out of a timeshare?

Yes, but only if the company uses legitimate, contract-based strategies such as negotiation, documentation review, or helping you pursue a timeshare deed-back program.

Avoid any company that advises you to stop making payments. As Stonegate Law’s attorney explains:

We don’t consider defaulting on a contract to be a legal exit. A real cancellation results in a formal release from the resort. Defaulting only leads to foreclosure or credit damage.

A reputable exit company will always prioritize a legal, documented cancellation, not shortcuts.

How much does it cost to get rid of a timeshare?

The cost to get rid of a timeshare you no longer want varies widely depending on the method. Working directly with the resort, through a timeshare deed-back program or surrender, can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. Resales or transfers may include listing, transfer, or closing fees.

Hiring a lawyer or a reputable exit company usually costs $3,000 to $7,000, depending on contract complexity. This should be a last-resort option if you can’t legally exit through DIY methods.

Before paying anyone, always ask your resort about official cancellation or deed-back programs, which are typically the least expensive and most straightforward paths.

I’ve worked with several clients trying to get out of a timeshare—retirees needing to cut expenses, beneficiaries who didn’t want the obligation, and buyers who regretted the purchase. Each case required careful planning to avoid unnecessary costs or long-term financial strain.

FAQ

Can I legally get out of a timeshare?

Yes. You can legally get out of a timeshare through several methods, including using the rescission period, a resort-approved deed-back program, negotiated surrender, resale, or (if those fail) working with a reputable attorney or exit company. The right path depends on your contract, loan status, and whether your resort offers formal cancellation options.

What is the easiest way to get out of a timeshare?

The easiest method is using the rescission period, which lets you cancel with no penalties. If that window has passed, the next easiest option is often a timeshare deed-back program or surrender directly with your resort. These programs vary widely by developer, so ask your resort before pursuing paid options.

How do I get out of a timeshare without ruining my credit?

Avoid defaulting. To protect your credit, work directly with your resort, pursue a deed-back, sell or transfer your ownership, or work with an attorney who can help you negotiate a clean, documented release. Strategic default, or stopping payments on purpose, almost always leads to credit damage and possible foreclosure.

Can you deed back a timeshare?

Sometimes. A deed-back is when you legally return the timeshare to the resort. Many major developers offer this option, but eligibility usually requires your loan to be paid off and your account to be in good standing. If your resort refuses, you may need to explore resale or attorney-supported exit strategies.

How much does it cost to get rid of a timeshare?

DIY options such as deed-backs or surrender programs may cost only $200 to $1,000 in administrative fees. Selling or transferring a timeshare may involve listing or closing fees. Professional help, including attorneys and exit companies, generally ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on contract complexity.

Do timeshare exit companies really work?

Some do, but the industry includes many low-quality operators. Legitimate companies use contract-based strategies or attorney negotiation, not strategic default. Look for firms that offer escrow, transparent communication, and written agreements. Avoid any company that guarantees results or advises you to stop paying the resort.

What’s the fastest way to cancel a timeshare contract?

If you’re still within your rescission period, cancellation can happen in a few days. Outside that window, timeline depends on the resort and method. Deed-backs may take several weeks; attorney or exit company cases typically take several months.

Can I sell my timeshare instead of canceling it?

Yes, selling is an option, especially for popular brands such as Marriott, Disney, or Hilton. Prices are usually low, but resale can be a clean way to get rid of a timeshare legally and avoid long-term fees. Always use a reputable resale platform to avoid scams.

Can I transfer my timeshare to someone else?

Yes. Many owners transfer timeshares to friends, relatives, or even charities. If the receiver understands the ongoing fee obligations, transferring ownership can be a fast, legal way to exit. Some resorts require closing documents or transfer fees.

Is it worth using a lawyer to cancel a timeshare?

It can be. Attorneys are most helpful when the resort refuses reasonable cancellation options or if your contract involved misrepresentation or high-pressure tactics. Legal support increases your chance of securing a documented, credit-safe release.