How to cancel a westgate timeshare contract

Last updated 2026-07-26

how do you cancel a westgate timeshare during the rescission period

You cancel by sending written notice of cancellation to Westgate before your state's rescission deadline runs out, using the exact method your contract specifies (usually certified mail, return receipt requested, sometimes email or fax to a listed address). This is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to walk away from a fresh Westgate purchase. Westgate Resorts sells timeshare interests across states like Florida, Nevada, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, and others, and each state sets its own rescission period, not Westgate. Florida gives buyers 10 calendar days to cancel a timeshare purchase contract ^[1]. Nevada requires developers to give purchasers at least 5 calendar days ^[2]. Tennessee's Time-Share Act sets a 10-day rescission period as well ^[3]. The clock usually starts the day you sign, or the day you receive the last required disclosure document, whichever is later, so check your contract's actual defined start date rather than assuming it's the closing date. Do not call the sales office and say you want out. Put it in writing. Keep a copy, and if you mail it, keep the certified mail receipt and tracking number. Some Westgate contracts specify a cancellation address that's different from the resort's general mailing address, so read the recession clause itself, it's usually a separate section near the signature page titled something like 'Purchaser's Right to Cancel.' If you're inside the window right now, don't wait to "think about it more." Rescission periods are calendar days in most states, not business days, so a Friday signing can leave you with a weekend eaten out of a 5-day clock. For a broader walkthrough of how these deadlines work state by state, see how to get out of a timeshare.

what if the rescission period has already passed

Once your state's rescission window closes, the Westgate contract is legally binding, and there's no federal law that gives you a second chance to cancel just because you changed your mind. At that point your realistic options narrow to three: keep paying and use it, try to sell or give it back, or hire licensed help to negotiate an exit. Westgate does not publish a formal deed-back or "take-back" program the way some resort chains do. That doesn't mean it's impossible to negotiate a release, but there's no set process, no published form, and no guaranteed timeline. Some owners report success calling Westgate's owner services line and asking directly whether the company will accept a deed-back, especially if the maintenance fees are current and the deed is free of liens. Others get nowhere. Treat this as a phone call worth making, not a plan to rely on. If Westgate won't take it back, a licensed real estate attorney in the state where the property sits can review your specific deed, HOA documents, and state statute to tell you whether there's a legitimate path (like a quitclaim deed the resort will accept, or a documented hardship argument). This costs real money, typically a few hundred dollars for a consultation, but it's money spent on someone with actual legal authority to advise you, not a sales pitch dressed as an exit service. Whatever you do, keep paying your maintenance fees and any loan payments while you sort this out. Stopping payment doesn't cancel the contract, it just adds late fees, collection calls, and potential damage to your credit, and doesn't get you any closer to being released.

how much does a westgate timeshare cost

Westgate timeshare purchase prices commonly run from roughly $10,000 to $40,000 or more for a deeded week or points package, depending on resort location, unit size, and season, though exact figures aren't published by the company and vary by sales event. On top of the purchase price, annual maintenance fees typically run somewhere between $800 and $1,800 or more per year, and these fees tend to rise most years, sometimes sharply after a special assessment for storm damage or renovations. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the timeshare industry's trade group, has reported average annual maintenance fees in this same range across the industry in recent years ^[4]. That's an industry average across all timeshare brands, not Westgate specifically, but it's a useful public benchmark since individual developers don't disclose fee schedules publicly. If you financed the purchase through Westgate directly, expect a high interest rate. Timeshare loans from developers commonly carry rates in the mid-teens to high-teens percent, well above a typical auto loan or mortgage, because these are unsecured-feeling consumer loans the resort underwrites itself. Multiply a $20,000 purchase at 17% over a 10-year term and the total interest paid can exceed the original purchase price. So when someone asks "how much are timeshares" or "how much do timeshares cost," the honest answer is two numbers: the purchase price (often financed at high interest) and the recurring annual fee (which climbs most years and can jump suddenly with a special assessment). Both numbers matter more than the sales presentation ever mentions.

are timeshares scams

The timeshare product itself is legal in every US state and regulated by state real estate and consumer protection law, so calling timeshares broadly "a scam" isn't quite accurate. But the sales tactics used to sell them, and especially the tactics used by fraudulent exit companies that target existing owners, are where real scams live. The Federal Trade Commission has brought enforcement actions against timeshare exit companies that charged large upfront fees and never delivered promised cancellations. In one case, the FTC sued a Georgia-based timeshare exit company operation, alleging it made false promises about its ability to get owners out of contracts and charged upfront fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, as described in the FTC's complaint filed in *FTC v. Resort Release, LLC* (N.D. Ga.) ^[5]. The FTC's general guidance to consumers is blunt: check out any company that promises to get you out of a timeshare with your state attorney general and local consumer protection office before paying anything . The pattern to watch for isn't unique to Westgate owners, it hits owners of every brand: a company cold-calls you claiming to have a buyer lined up or a promised exit method, asks for a large fee upfront (often several thousand dollars), and then goes quiet or strings you along with excuses. Legitimate attorneys and exit specialists don't need to pressure you into paying before doing any work, and they can't ethically promise an outcome that depends on a third party (the resort, an HOA board, a court) agreeing to something. So the fairer framing: timeshares are a legal but often overpriced and hard-to-exit product, oversold with high-pressure tactics, and the secondary market around helping people exit has attracted real fraud. Both things are true at once. For a fuller rundown of red flags, see timeshare exit companies.

how do you sell a westgate timeshare

You sell a Westgate timeshare the same way you'd sell any secondary-market timeshare: through a licensed timeshare resale broker, a peer-to-peer marketplace, or a private sale to a buyer you find yourself, and you should expect to get a fraction of what you paid Westgate directly. Timeshares have almost no resale value compared to purchase price. It's common to see listings for developer-sold weeks at $1 or a few hundred dollars on resale sites, because the buyer is really taking on the future maintenance fee obligation, not paying for the week itself. ARDA's own consumer materials frame timeshares as a vacation product, not an investment, and advise against buying with resale value in mind ^[4]. Before you list anything, get current on paperwork: confirm the deed is in your name free of liens, confirm your maintenance fees are paid, and get a payoff statement if there's still a loan balance, since you generally can't transfer a timeshare with an outstanding mortgage without the lender's involvement. Westgate must also approve or process the transfer through its own paperwork, since points-based products in particular often require the resort to re-title the account. Be careful with resale "listing fee" scams, a cousin of the exit-fee scam. A company promises to list your timeshare for a guaranteed quick sale, charges you a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars upfront, and then the listing sits with no buyer ever materializing. A legitimate resale broker typically works on commission after a sale closes, not a large fee before anything happens. If a company wants payment before they've produced a buyer, that's your signal to walk away.

what's the difference between deed-back, resale, and an exit company for a westgate contract

Rescission (cancel during window)	$0	Days	Buyers still inside the state's rescission period
Deed-back / take-back (if resort agrees)	$0 to a few hundred in fees	Weeks to months, no guarantee	Owners current on fees, deed free of liens, resort willing to negotiate
Resale (broker or private sale)	Commission after sale, or $0 to $1 net proceeds	Months, often longer	Owners willing to accept little or no money for the unit
Attorney-negotiated exit	Few hundred to a few thousand in legal fees	Months	Owners with a specific legal issue (deed problem, fraud in the original sale, HOA dispute)
Upfront-fee exit company (buyer beware)	$2,000 to $10,000+ often demanded upfront	Unclear, sometimes never resolved	Avoid unless heavily vetted; FTC has sued companies using this model [5]	Deed-back is the cheapest option if Westgate agrees to it, since you're just handing the deed back rather than paying to escape. Resale gets you out of future fee obligations but rarely returns any money, and can take a year or more to find a buyer willing to take on even a free timeshare. An attorney is worth the fee if there's an actual legal defect in how the contract was sold to you, like misrepresentation during the sales pitch, which some state laws treat as a separate claim from ordinary buyer's remorse. The upfront-fee exit company model is the one that generates the most consumer complaints. That doesn't mean every company charging fees is fraudulent, some legitimate firms do charge flat fees for real legal work, but the ratio of complaints to satisfied outcomes in this specific niche is high enough that state attorneys general keep issuing warnings about it.

These are three different exit paths with different costs, timelines, and success odds, and understanding which one fits your situation matters more than picking whichever one you heard about first. | Path | Typical cost | Typical timeline | Best fit |

how to check your state's exact rescission deadline for a westgate contract

Your state's rescission deadline for a Westgate purchase depends on where the resort or sales office is located and where you signed, not where you live, and it's set by that state's timeshare or real estate statute, not by Westgate's internal policy. Florida's statute, part of the Florida Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act, gives purchasers 10 calendar days to cancel, and specifically states the purchaser "has the right to cancel the contract until midnight of the 10th calendar day following the date of execution of the contract" ^[1]. Nevada's timeshare law, under NRS 119A, sets a minimum 5-day rescission period ^[2]. Tennessee's Time-Share Act similarly provides a 10-day period following execution of the contract or receipt of the public offering statement, whichever is later ^[3]. South Carolina and Missouri, two other states with Westgate resorts, have their own separate statutes with their own day counts, so don't assume one state's rule applies to a contract signed in another. The safest move: read your actual contract's cancellation clause first, since Westgate is required to disclose the applicable state deadline in the document itself, then confirm that number against your state's official statute or your state attorney general's consumer page. Don't rely on a blog post, including this one, for the exact day count in your specific state, confirm your state's rescission window directly against the statute or your state AG's office before you rely on it for a real deadline. If the deadline has already passed by even a day, most states do not offer an exception for "I didn't know" or "I was still deciding." Some limited exceptions exist where the seller failed to provide required disclosures, which can sometimes extend or restart the rescission clock, a question worth a quick call to a consumer attorney if you're right on the edge.

what should you do if westgate or a sales rep pressured you into signing

If you feel like you were misled or pressured during a Westgate sales presentation, document everything in writing immediately and consider filing a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer protection division, even if you're past the rescission deadline, because high-pressure or misleading sales tactics can sometimes support a separate legal claim beyond ordinary rescission. State attorneys general in Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, and other states with heavy timeshare sales activity field consumer complaints about high-pressure timeshare sales tactics regularly, and a pattern of complaints against a specific sales office can matter for later regulatory action even if it doesn't undo your individual contract. File a complaint with the FTC as well, using the FTC's official complaint portal, since the FTC tracks complaint patterns across companies nationally . Write down what you remember: the date, the sales rep's name if you have it, exact statements made about resale value, rental income promises, or urgency tactics ("this price is only good today"), and whether you were kept in the presentation far longer than the advertised time. This record matters if you later consult an attorney about whether the sale itself violated your state's timeshare disclosure requirements. This is a slower path than rescission and doesn't guarantee a cancellation. But it's a legitimate avenue, and it costs nothing but time, unlike an upfront-fee exit company promising the same result for thousands of dollars.

how do you get out of a timeshare after the rescission window closes for good

After rescission, your paths are deed-back (if the resort agrees), resale (usually for little or no money), a documented hardship or legal-defect argument through an attorney, or simply keeping the timeshare and using it or renting it out to offset the annual fee. None of these are quick or certain, and anyone who tells you otherwise, especially over the phone after a cold call, is a red flag. Build a plan instead of chasing a shortcut: get your paperwork together (deed, latest maintenance fee statement, loan payoff if any), call Westgate owner services and ask directly about a deed-back or hardship program, and only after that call consider whether a licensed attorney or a carefully vetted, fee-transparent exit service makes sense for your situation. Comparing your options side by side before committing money to any one path helps. See how to get out of timeshare and how do you get out of a timeshare for broader breakdowns that apply across brands, more than Westgate. If you decide to organize the paperwork and calls yourself rather than pay a company thousands of dollars to do it, a structured, one-time toolkit can help you get organized without ongoing fees. ExitHonest's $149 Exit Kit Builder is built for exactly that: a flat one-time cost to help you assemble the right documents, letters, and call scripts, not a subscription and not a promise of any particular outcome.

what red flags mean a westgate exit company is a scam

The clearest red flag is a large upfront fee demanded before any work is done, especially if the company contacted you first (cold call, unsolicited email, or a Facebook ad promising to "cancel any timeshare, no exceptions"). Legitimate legal help doesn't need to promise an outcome that isn't fully in its control. Other warning signs worth naming specifically: pressure to act "today" or within 24 hours, refusal to put fee structure and refund terms in a written contract, instructions to stop paying your maintenance fees or mortgage (this can trigger foreclosure and credit damage, and it does not cancel your contract), and refusal to give you the name of the attorney or law firm supposedly handling your case. The FTC's guidance to consumers warns that some timeshare resellers and exit companies use high-pressure tactics and ask for money upfront, and advises checking any company's complaint history before paying anything . Check the company's name against your state attorney general's consumer complaint database and against the Better Business Bureau before signing anything or paying anything. A quick search for the company name plus "complaint" or "lawsuit" often surfaces prior state AG actions. None of this means every exit company is fraudulent. It means the burden of proof is on them, before you pay, not after. Get everything in writing, verify licensing where the service claims to be legal representation, and never wire money to an account a caller directs you to on the spot.

Frequently asked questions

how to get out of a timeshare

The fastest, cheapest way is canceling during your state's rescission window, often 5 to 10 days after signing, by sending written notice as your contract specifies. Once that window closes, options narrow to deed-back requests, resale, or attorney-negotiated exits. Confirm your state's exact rescission window with your state attorney general's office rather than guessing at the day count.

how to get out of timeshare contracts after the rescission period

Contact the resort directly and ask about a deed-back or hardship program, since some resorts accept a deed back if fees are current and there are no liens. If that fails, consult a licensed real estate attorney in the state where the property sits. Avoid companies demanding large upfront fees with promised results; keep paying fees while you sort out a plan.

how do you get out of a timeshare you inherited

Inherited timeshares can sometimes be disclaimed through the probate process before the deed transfers to you, which avoids taking on the obligation at all; ask the estate's probate attorney about this option first. If you've already accepted the deed, the same paths apply: deed-back requests, resale, or attorney help, since inheritance doesn't create special cancellation rights.

how to sell a timeshare

List through a licensed resale broker or a peer-to-peer marketplace, expect to receive very little or nothing for the unit since resale values are far below purchase price, and make sure your deed is lien-free with fees current before listing. Avoid resale companies that charge large upfront listing fees with no buyer guaranteed; legitimate brokers typically work on commission after a sale closes.

how to get rid of a timeshare with no resale value

If resale isn't realistic, ask the resort about a deed-back program first, since giving the deed back costs less than paying an exit company. Some owners also donate timeshares to charity, though many charities now decline them due to ongoing fee obligations. Keep paying maintenance fees while you pursue any of these paths to avoid collections or credit damage.

are timeshares scams

Timeshares themselves are a legal, regulated product, not inherently a scam, but they're often oversold with high-pressure tactics and carry little resale value. The bigger scam risk sits with exit companies charging upfront fees and not delivering results; the FTC has sued companies over exactly this pattern and warns consumers to vet any exit company before paying.

how much is a timeshare

Purchase prices for a deeded week or points package commonly run $10,000 to $40,000 or more depending on brand, resort, and unit size, though developers don't publish fixed pricing. On top of that, expect an annual maintenance fee, commonly in the $800 to $1,800 range industry-wide according to ARDA, and fees typically rise most years.

how much do timeshares cost per year in maintenance fees

Annual maintenance fees across the timeshare industry commonly fall in the $800 to $1,800 range, according to figures reported by the American Resort Development Association. Fees vary by resort and unit size, and can jump sharply with a special assessment for repairs or storm damage. These fees typically increase most years regardless of whether you use the timeshare.

how much are timeshares worth on the resale market

Very little. It's common to see developer-sold weeks resold for $1 to a few hundred dollars, because buyers are effectively taking on future maintenance fee obligations rather than paying for the vacation week itself. Timeshares are a vacation product, not an investment, and were never designed to hold resale value.

how to sell timeshare without getting scammed

Use a licensed resale broker who works on commission after a sale closes, not before. Never pay a large upfront fee for a promised quick sale. Check the company against your state attorney general's complaint database and the Better Business Bureau first, and get any fee arrangement in writing before signing anything.

does westgate have an official deed-back program

Westgate does not publish a formal deed-back program the way some resort brands do. Some owners report Westgate will discuss taking a deed back case by case, especially if fees are current and the deed is lien-free, but there's no published process or timeline. Call owner services directly and ask; don't rely on a third party's promise that it's a sure thing.

what happens if you stop paying your westgate maintenance fees

Stopping payment doesn't cancel your contract. It typically leads to late fees, collections calls, potential foreclosure on the timeshare interest, and damage to your credit report. It does not release you from the obligation faster than pursuing a deed-back, resale, or legal path, so keep paying while you sort out an exit.

how long do you have to cancel a westgate timeshare contract

It depends on the state where you signed. Florida gives 10 calendar days, Nevada requires at least 5 days, and Tennessee also provides 10 days under its Time-Share Act. Check your contract's cancellation clause and confirm the exact deadline against your state's statute or attorney general's office before relying on any number.

Sources

1. Nevada Legislature, NRS Chapter 119A: Nevada requires timeshare developers to give purchasers a minimum 5-day rescission period
2. Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee Time-Share Act Title 66 Chapter 32: Tennessee's Time-Share Act provides a 10-day rescission period following contract execution
3. American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Consumer Guide to Timeshare Ownership: Average annual timeshare maintenance fees and guidance that timeshares are a vacation product, not an investment
4. Federal Trade Commission, FTC v. Resort Release, LLC complaint: FTC alleged a timeshare exit company made false promises to consumers about its ability to cancel timeshare contracts and charged large upfront fees
5. Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: Timeshares and Vacation Plans: FTC advises checking exit companies with state attorney general and consumer protection offices before paying, and warns about upfront-fee tactics