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

Last updated 2026-07-26

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

There's no single price tag. What you pay depends entirely on which exit path you're eligible for, and the range is wide: $0 if you cancel inside your rescission window, $200 to $800 in paperwork and transfer fees if the resort takes the deed back, and $2,000 to $10,000 or more if you hire a timeshare exit company or attorney to negotiate an exit years after purchase. Most owners who call around get quoted somewhere in the $3,000 to $6,500 range by exit companies. That number isn't a law of nature. It's what firms tend to charge for a multi-month process involving letters, negotiation, and sometimes litigation. The cheapest exit, by far, is the one you never have to buy: canceling during rescission. The most expensive exit is the one where you've already paid a scam company thousands of dollars and now need a second company (or an attorney, or your state AG's consumer complaint unit) to clean it up.

How much is a timeshare, and how much do timeshares cost to own?

Timeshares themselves aren't cheap to buy, and they're not cheap to keep either. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance on timeshares notes that buyers commit to a purchase price plus recurring fees, and explains what a timeshare interest actually obligates you to pay over time ^[1]. That's the purchase price. Then there's the maintenance fee, which never stops. Fees commonly run in the $800 to $1,500 a year range depending on the resort and unit size, and they tend to climb most years, often faster than general inflation, because resorts pass through rising labor, insurance, and repair costs to owners. Special assessments are the wildcard. After a hurricane, a roof failure, or a bad reserve-fund year, owners can get hit with a one-time assessment of anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $10,000 or more, billed per interval. None of this is disclosed as a fixed number when you buy, because it isn't fixed. It's a function of the resort's aging building and its board's decisions. So when someone asks 'how much are timeshares,' the honest answer is: the sticker price is the smallest part of the real lifetime cost. A $20,000 purchase, held for 15 years with fees rising 5% a year, can easily cost $40,000 to $50,000 total before you ever try to exit.

How do you get out of a timeshare for free, or close to it?

The only truly free exit is rescission, also called a right of rescission or cooling-off period. Every state that regulates timeshares gives buyers a short window, often measured in days, to cancel a new purchase for any reason and get a full refund. Florida law, for example, sets this out directly: a purchaser 'has a period of 10 calendar days... to cancel any purchase contract' from the date of signing or the date of receipt of the last document required to be given, whichever is later, under Florida Statutes section 721.10 ^[2]. The catch is that the window is short and it varies significantly by state, so you need to confirm your state's rescission window rather than assume a number. Some states count from the day you sign; others count from the day you receive the public offering statement or disclosure document, which can be later. Miss it by a day and the right is usually gone for good. If you're still inside that window, the process costs you nothing but a stamp, a fax, or an email, plus the discipline to send your cancellation notice in writing, keep proof of delivery, and follow the exact instructions in your purchase contract. Read our guide on how to get out of a timeshare for the mechanics of a rescission letter. Outside rescission, 'free' mostly disappears. Deed-back programs (see below) sometimes waive fees, but many charge $200-$800 in administrative or transfer costs even when the resort is technically taking the property back for nothing.

How do you get out of a timeshare after the rescission period ends?

Once rescission has closed, you have four realistic paths, and each has a different cost profile. First, deed-back or surrender programs, where the resort takes the deed back from you, sometimes for free, sometimes for a processing fee of a few hundred dollars. Not all resorts offer these, and they generally only work if your maintenance fees are current and the property has no mortgage balance left. Second, resale, where you sell your interval to another buyer, usually for far less than you paid, often close to $0 to $1, plus closing costs of $300 to $800 for title work, transfer fees, and the resort's own transfer paperwork. Third, hiring a timeshare exit company or attorney to negotiate a release with the developer or, in some cases, pursue contract-based cancellation claims (misrepresentation, failure to disclose, etc.). This is the $2,000-$10,000+ tier, and pricing depends heavily on the complexity of your deed, whether there's a loan involved, and how many owners are on the title. Fourth, and this one nobody advertises: doing nothing and letting the resort pursue collections or foreclosure. This isn't really an exit strategy so much as a default outcome, and it can damage your credit for years. We don't recommend it, and we're not suggesting you stop paying what you legally owe while you sort out your options; a missed-payment path has its own serious costs that often exceed a planned exit. For the pros and cons of each of these side by side, see how to get out of timeshare and how do you get out of a timeshare.

How much does a deed-back program cost?

Deed-back programs are usually the cheapest path once rescission has closed, but 'usually cheap' isn't 'always free.' Some major resort brands run formal surrender programs and advertise them as no-cost to the owner, provided the account has zero delinquent fees and no outstanding loan balance. Others charge a flat administrative fee, commonly in the $200-$800 range, to process the deed transfer, record it with the county, and update the HOA rolls. Eligibility is the bigger issue than price. If you still owe money on a timeshare loan, most deed-back programs won't take the property until that loan is paid off, because the resort doesn't want to inherit your debt. If your maintenance fees are behind, expect to be asked to bring the account current first. This is one reason the deed-back route works better for owners who bought years ago and paid cash, and works poorly for owners with recent, financed purchases. Check our timeshare cancellation guide for how surrender differs from rescission and resale in practice.

How much does it cost to sell a timeshare?

Selling is rarely a moneymaker. The secondary market for timeshares is famously weak: units frequently list for $1 on resale sites because the real cost to the seller is getting rid of the ongoing maintenance fee obligation, not recovering the original purchase price. Expect these costs even on a '$1 sale': closing and title transfer fees ($300-$600 is typical, though it varies by state and title company), a resort transfer or 'right of first refusal' processing fee (some resorts charge $150-$400 to approve the new owner), and possibly a broker or listing fee if you use a licensed timeshare resale broker rather than selling it yourself. Be careful here: this is the exact niche where upfront-fee resale scams live. A caller promises you a buyer is 'lined up' and asks for $1,000-$3,000 in advance for 'closing costs' or 'transfer fees.' There is no buyer. The FTC's consumer guidance on timeshare resales warns sellers to be skeptical of resale companies that guarantee a sale or ask for money upfront before any sale happens ^[3]. Never wire money to someone who cold-called you promising a buyer already exists. If you want a working list of legitimate steps and vetted contact points before you start calling around, our timeshare call list walks through who to actually reach out to first.

Are timeshares scams, or is it just the exit industry?

The timeshare product itself generally isn't illegal, it's regulated real estate or club membership, sold with disclosures required under state law. The scams cluster around two other moments: the high-pressure sales presentation, and the exit process. On the sales side, state attorneys general have pursued companies for misleading claims about investment value, resale guarantees, and rental income projections. Timeshares are not an investment; they don't appreciate, and resale values are usually a small fraction of purchase price. On the exit side, the scam pattern is well documented: a company cold-calls an owner, claims to have a buyer or a fast legal exit, demands payment upfront (often $2,000-$5,000), and then delivers nothing, or disappears entirely. The FTC has brought enforcement actions against companies in the timeshare resale and exit space for taking upfront fees while failing to deliver promised sales or transfers; its case against Timeshare Resales International LLC and related defendants centered on exactly this pattern, alleging the defendants charged consumers upfront fees while falsely claiming they had buyers ready to purchase their timeshares ^[4]. So the honest answer is: the product is legal but often a bad deal financially, and the exit industry has a real, well-documented scam problem layered on top of a legitimate service (some exit companies and attorneys do real, lawful work). Vet hard before paying anyone upfront. See our timeshare exit companies guide for how to check a firm's track record, licensing, and complaint history before signing anything.

What does a paid timeshare exit company actually charge, and is it worth it?

Pricing among exit companies varies by the complexity of the job, not by a fixed menu. Simple single-deed cases with no loan tend to sit at the lower end, commonly quoted around $2,000-$4,000. Cases involving a mortgage, multiple deeds, or a fractional/points-based contract can run $6,000-$10,000 or more. A few things worth knowing before you pay anyone: First, legitimate firms should be able to explain exactly what service you're buying: contract review, negotiation with the resort, or litigation support. If the pitch is vague ('we'll get you out, no questions asked'), that's a red flag, because no legitimate company can promise a legal outcome or a developer's agreement to release you. Second, check whether the fee is paid upfront, in escrow, or on completion. State attorneys general specifically flag upfront, non-refundable fees paid before any work is verified as a major risk factor in timeshare exit complaints. Third, ask for references you can actually verify, and check the company against your state attorney general's consumer complaint database before paying anything. A $149 flat-fee resource, like the Timeshare Exit Kit ExitHonest offers, sits in a different category entirely: it's a self-directed toolkit (letter templates, state-specific rescission guidance, and a documented process) rather than a company that contacts the resort or promises a legal outcome on your behalf. That distinction matters, because the price difference between a $149 toolkit and a $5,000 exit company reflects who's doing the work, you with guided templates, versus a third party negotiating on your behalf.

What's the cost comparison across every exit path?

Rescission (cancel new purchase)	$0	Buyers still inside their state's cooling-off window	Missing the deadline by even a day
Deed-back / surrender program	$0-$800	Paid-off owners current on fees	Not all resorts offer it; ineligible if you have a loan
Resale (owner-to-owner)	$300-$800 in closing/transfer costs	Owners who accept near-zero sale price	Upfront-fee resale scams promising a buyer
Self-directed exit toolkit	~$149 flat fee	Owners who want templates and guidance, not a company contacting the resort	Still requires you to do the work and follow your state's process
Paid exit company / attorney	$2,000-$10,000+	Complex deeds, loans, or owners who want someone else managing the process	Wide price variance; some firms take fees and deliver little
Do nothing / default	$0 upfront, but ongoing risk	Nobody, really	Collections, foreclosure, and credit damage; fees still legally owed	The pattern is clear: cost rises as time since purchase increases and as the paperwork gets messier (loans, multiple owners, points-based contracts instead of a fixed deeded week).

Here's the full range side by side, so you can see where your situation likely lands. | Exit path | Typical cost | Best for | Biggest risk |

How to get rid of a timeshare without getting scammed

The exit-scam pattern is consistent enough that the FTC and multiple state attorneys general publish nearly identical warning signs. Watch for these specifically: An unsolicited call or email claiming to have a 'buyer already lined up' for your specific unit. Real buyers don't materialize the same week a stranger cold-calls you. A demand for payment upfront, before any contract is reviewed or any work is done, especially if it's requested by wire transfer or gift card. Payment methods that are hard to trace or reverse, wire transfers and gift cards among them, are a recurring feature in FTC complaints and actions against fraudulent telemarketing and relief schemes generally ^[4]. Pressure to decide today, with claims that a 'special exit program' expires by end of call. Legitimate deed-back and resale processes don't expire in an hour. Claims that a company is 'affiliated with' or 'endorsed by' your resort, when it isn't. Verify this directly with the resort's owner services line, not through the caller. Before paying anyone, check your state attorney general's consumer protection page and file or search complaints. If you've already paid a company that then vanished, file a complaint with your state AG and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov; that's also how enforcement actions like the FTC's case against Timeshare Resales International get built ^[4].

How long does it take to get out of a timeshare, and does time affect cost?

Yes, time and cost are directly linked. Rescission takes days. Deed-back programs typically take 60 to 120 days once your paperwork and fee status are in order. Exit companies routinely quote 6 to 18 months for a full negotiated exit, and that longer timeline is part of why the fee is higher: you're paying for months of sustained work, letters, and negotiation, not a single transaction. The single biggest cost-saver in this entire process is speed at the start. An owner who cancels inside the rescission window pays $0. The same owner, six months later, having missed that window, may be looking at a $3,000-$6,000 exit company fee for a contract they could have voided for free. That gap is the single most important number in this whole topic.

Frequently asked questions

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

It ranges from $0 (rescission, or some deed-back programs) to $2,000-$10,000+ for a paid exit company or attorney, plus $300-$800 in typical resale closing costs if you sell instead. There's no fixed price; it depends on your timing, whether you still owe money on the timeshare, and which exit path fits your deed.

How do I get out of a timeshare I no longer want?

Start by checking whether you're still inside your state's rescission window, that's free. If not, ask your resort about a deed-back or surrender program, then look into resale, and only consider a paid exit company or attorney for complex cases involving loans or multiple deeds. Never stop paying fees you legally owe while you sort this out.

How do you get out of a timeshare contract legally?

The legal paths are rescission (canceling within your state's cooling-off period), a deed-back or surrender agreement with the resort, a documented resale to another owner, or a negotiated release through an attorney or exit company. There's no shortcut that skips these; anyone promising an instant, no-questions-asked cancellation outside these channels is a red flag.

How much is a timeshare, on average?

Purchase prices vary widely by resort brand and unit size, commonly landing in the $15,000-$25,000 range, plus an average annual maintenance fee that often falls between $800 and $1,500 and typically rises over time as resorts pass through repair and insurance costs.

How much do timeshares cost per year in maintenance fees?

Commonly $800 to $1,500 a year, though it varies widely by resort, unit size, and location. Fees generally rise faster than general inflation, and owners can also face special assessments of hundreds to several thousand dollars after major repairs or storm damage.

Are timeshares scams?

The product itself is regulated real estate or club membership, not inherently illegal, but timeshares are widely criticized for weak resale value and aggressive sales tactics. The bigger, well-documented scam risk sits in the exit and resale industry, where the FTC has brought enforcement actions against companies charging upfront fees and delivering nothing.

How to sell a timeshare, and can I actually get money for it?

Most timeshares resell for close to $0 on the secondary market; sellers are usually paying to be rid of the maintenance fee obligation, not recovering their purchase price. Expect $300-$800 in closing and transfer costs even on a $1 sale, and be wary of anyone demanding a large upfront fee claiming a buyer is already lined up.

What is a timeshare rescission period and how much does it cost to use it?

It's a short, state-mandated window after signing during which you can cancel a new timeshare purchase for any reason and get a full refund, at no cost beyond sending your cancellation notice correctly. Florida, for instance, gives buyers 10 calendar days under Florida Statutes section 721.10; other states set different windows, so confirm yours before assuming a deadline.

What happens if I just stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

The resort or HOA can send the account to collections, report delinquency to credit bureaus, and in some cases pursue foreclosure on the timeshare interest, all of which can damage your credit for years. This isn't a recommended exit strategy; fees you legally owe remain owed until you complete a legitimate exit or deed transfer.

How much does a deed-back program cost?

Some resort surrender programs are free if your account is current and paid off; others charge a processing fee, commonly $200-$800, to handle the deed transfer and county recording. Eligibility usually requires no outstanding loan balance and no delinquent maintenance fees.

Is it worth paying a timeshare exit company thousands of dollars?

It can be, for complex cases with loans, multiple deeds, or points-based contracts where deed-back and resale aren't options. But verify any company's track record with your state attorney general's complaint database before paying anything upfront, since this industry has a documented pattern of upfront-fee scams.

Can I get out of a timeshare I inherited?

Yes, but you generally can't rescind an inherited timeshare since rescission only applies to the original purchaser within the original window. Inherited owners typically pursue deed-back programs, resale, or disclaiming the inheritance through probate before accepting the deed, depending on your state's estate law and the resort's policies.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes, Chapter 721 (Vacation and Timeshare Plans), section 721.10, Cancellation: Florida's 10-day rescission window for timeshare purchase contracts
2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "What is a timeshare?": timeshares involve a purchase price plus ongoing recurring fees owners should budget for
3. Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: "Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams": resale scam warning signs including upfront fee demands and false buyer claims
4. Federal Trade Commission v. Timeshare Resales International, LLC, et al., Case No. 8:20-cv-01585 (M.D. Fla.), FTC press release: FTC enforcement action against a timeshare resale company for charging upfront fees while falsely claiming to have buyers ready to purchase owners' timeshares
5. Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: "How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Timeshare Sales and Resale Scams": upfront, non-refundable fees before verified work is a top risk factor in timeshare exit and resale complaints