Last updated 2026-07-25
TL;DR
RCI is an exchange company, not your deed holder, so it can't cancel your timeshare. Your real paths are rescinding during your state's cancellation window, using your resort's deed-back program if it has one, reselling (usually for very little), or working the maintenance fee problem directly. Never pay a big upfront fee to a company promising an exit is certain.
Can RCI cancel my timeshare membership for me?
No. RCI (Resort Condominium International) is an exchange company. You joined RCI so you could trade your week or points for stays at other affiliated resorts. Your actual ownership, the deed or the right-to-use contract, is with your home resort or developer, not with RCI. That distinction matters more than almost anything else in this process. When owners say they want to "get out of RCI," they usually mean one of two things: they want to drop the RCI exchange membership itself, or they want out of the underlying timeshare that RCI membership is attached to. Dropping RCI membership is simple. You just stop renewing it or call RCI's member services to cancel the subscription and any auto-renewal. That does not touch your ownership or your maintenance fee obligation to the resort. Getting out of the timeshare itself is the harder problem, and it runs through your resort's rules, your state's consumer protection law, or the resale market. RCI has no contractual power to release you from a deed you signed with a developer or HOA.
How to get out of a timeshare in general
Every legitimate path out of a timeshare runs through one of four doors: rescission, deed-back, resale, or in rare cases, an attorney-negotiated release. There is no fifth door that involves a stranger on the phone promising to cancel your contract for a big upfront fee. If someone offers that, it's a scam, full stop. Rescission is the fastest and cleanest exit, but it only works in a short window right after you sign. Deed-back programs let you hand the deed back to the resort, sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee, if the resort has one and you qualify. Resale means selling your interest for whatever the secondary market will pay, which for most timeshares is close to nothing. And in genuinely stuck situations, a real estate or consumer protection attorney licensed in the state where the resort sits can sometimes negotiate a release directly with the developer, though this outcome is never assured, and it costs real legal fees, not a flat "exit fee." The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's guidance on timeshare complaints notes that owners frequently report confusion between exchange companies and the actual deed holder when they try to cancel, which is exactly the confusion RCI members run into [1]. For a full state-by-state breakdown of rescission rules, see how to get out of a timeshare.
How do you get out of a timeshare during the rescission period?
Every state gives timeshare buyers a rescission period, a short window after signing where you can cancel for any reason and get your money back, no questions asked. The length varies by state, sometimes as short as three business days, sometimes longer, and the rules on how you must deliver the cancellation notice (certified mail, specific wording, specific address) vary too. Confirm your state's rescission window and exact procedure before you do anything else, because getting the mechanics wrong (wrong address, missed deadline by a day) can cost you the entire remedy. Florida, for example, sets its rescission period at 10 calendar days after the later of contract execution or receipt of the public offering statement, and requires the cancellation notice to be sent by certified mail with return receipt or delivered in person under Florida Statutes section 721.10 [2]. If you bought your RCI-affiliated timeshare within the last week or two, this is almost certainly your best option. It costs nothing, it's backed by state statute if you follow the procedure correctly, and it ends the contract cleanly with no scar on your credit and no ongoing fee obligation. The practical steps: find your state's specific statute (your purchase contract usually cites it), write a cancellation letter that references the statute and states you're rescinding, send it by a method that creates proof of delivery (certified mail with return receipt is standard), and keep copies of everything. Do this before the deadline, not on the deadline. For the mechanics of writing that notice, see timeshare cancellation.
What if my rescission window already closed?
Once rescission closes, you own the timeshare under contract law, and getting out takes more effort and, in some cases, more money. This is where most RCI owners actually find themselves when they start searching for a way out. Your first call should be to your home resort, not RCI, and not a third-party exit company. Ask specifically whether the resort has a deed-back or surrender program. A growing number of resorts and points-based systems, including some in the Wyndham, Marriott Vacation Club, and other systems that also carry RCI affiliation, have created formal deed-back options in the last several years, sometimes for a modest processing fee, sometimes free if your maintenance fees are current. Resorts vary widely on this, so ask directly and get any answer in writing. If the resort has no deed-back program, your remaining options are resale (expect little or nothing for it) or continuing to own it while working the fee side, which we cover below. See deed-back programs for how these programs typically work and what documentation resorts usually ask for.
How to sell a timeshare (and what it's actually worth)
You can sell a timeshare through licensed resale brokers, timeshare-specific resale marketplaces, or by owner-to-owner listing, but you should go in with realistic expectations: most timeshares resell for a small fraction of what was originally paid, and a large share sell for essentially nothing beyond covering closing costs. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the timeshare industry's own trade group, publishes an annual State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report showing average per-interval purchase prices above $20,000, while resale listings for the same intervals routinely show asking prices of $1 to a few thousand dollars on secondary marketplaces, and many listings transact for far less than that or not at all. The gap exists because the resale market has no scarcity: there are always more sellers wanting out than buyers wanting in. If you do sell, use a company that does not ask for a large upfront listing or marketing fee. Legitimate resale brokers typically work on commission collected at closing, similar to real estate agents. Be wary of "we have a buyer waiting" calls, a very common lead-in for a resale scam targeting owners who've listed elsewhere. Never wire an upfront fee to release a supposed buyer's funds. The FTC's business guidance on the Telemarketing Sales Rule specifically prohibits charging a fee before delivering promised resale results for certain covered services [3].
How to get rid of a timeshare when it's inherited
If you inherited an RCI-affiliated timeshare through probate, you generally have the option to disclaim the inheritance before you formally accept it, which in most states means the timeshare and its ongoing fee obligation never legally becomes yours. Once you've accepted the deed, or the transfer has already recorded in your name, you own it and the maintenance fee obligation like any other owner, and the exit paths are the same as for someone who bought it directly: check for a deed-back program, try resale, or consult a probate or real estate attorney in the state where the property sits. Disclaiming an inheritance has specific legal requirements and deadlines that vary by state. Under the federal tax code's qualified disclaimer rule, a disclaimer generally must be made in writing and delivered within nine months of the decedent's death to be treated as a qualified disclaimer for tax purposes, though state property law disclaimer deadlines can differ from this federal rule [4]. This is genuinely worth a short consult with a probate attorney rather than guessing, because getting the disclaimer procedure wrong can lock you into ownership by default.
Are timeshares scams?
The timeshare product itself is legal and regulated; it's not inherently a scam, but the industry has a real and well-documented history of high-pressure sales tactics, and a large secondary industry of exit scams has grown up specifically to prey on owners who regret buying. Both things are true at once. On the sales side, state attorneys general have pursued and settled cases against major timeshare developers over misleading sales presentations. On the exit side, federal and state regulators have brought enforcement actions against companies that charged large upfront fees, sometimes thousands of dollars, promising to cancel timeshares and then delivering nothing. So: the honest answer is that timeshares are a legitimate but frequently oversold product, and the exit side of the industry has a genuine scam problem you need to actively guard against. For a working list of red flags and how to check a company before you pay it anything, see timeshare exit companies and exit-scam-awareness.
How much do timeshares cost to buy and to keep?
| Fixed week, smaller resort | $8,000 - $15,000 | $0 - $2,000 | $700 - $1,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points package, major brand | $20,000 - $45,000+ | $1,000 - $8,000 | $1,000 - $2,500+ | |
| Luxury/large points package | $40,000 - $80,000+ | Varies widely, often low | $2,000 - $4,000+ | These are general ranges pulled from industry-reported averages and observed resale listings, not a quote for any specific resort, and your actual numbers depend heavily on the brand, unit size, and season. For a breakdown of what drives your specific fee up year over year, see the maintenance-fees hub. |
ARDA's own industry research has reported average purchase prices per timeshare interval above $20,000 in recent years, though prices for individual weeks or point packages range widely, from a few thousand dollars for a small resale-market week to well over $40,000 for a large points package bought new from a developer. The purchase price is only half the story. Average annual maintenance fees across the industry run in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $1,200 per year according to ARDA-reported averages, and these fees climb almost every year, often faster than general inflation, plus owners can be hit with special assessments for large repairs or storm damage that are billed on top of the regular fee with little notice. Here's a rough cost comparison across common ownership types: | Ownership type | Typical purchase price (new) | Typical resale price | Typical annual maintenance fee |
What's the difference between RCI Weeks and RCI Points, and does it change my exit options?
RCI Weeks lets you deposit a fixed week you own for exchange credit; RCI Points is a currency-based system where your ownership converts to a points value you spend on stays. Neither structure changes your underlying deed or contract, and neither gives RCI any authority over canceling that contract. What it does change is who you need to talk to about an exit. If your points come from a specific developer's points club (a Wyndham, Bluegreen, or similar branded points system that happens to also carry RCI affiliation), your deed-back or exit request goes to that developer's owner services department, not to RCI. If you own a fixed week at an independent resort that separately joined RCI for exchange access, your request goes to that resort's HOA or management company. Either way, start with the entity that holds your deed or membership contract, since that's the one with legal authority to release you.
What should I watch out for with timeshare exit companies?
The clearest scam signals are a large fee due upfront before any work is done, a promise that your outcome is certain no matter what, and pressure to sign quickly without reviewing the contract. Legitimate help, whether that's an attorney, a resort deed-back program, or a self-directed rescission letter, does not require you to pay thousands of dollars before anything happens. The FTC's business guidance on the Telemarketing Sales Rule bars companies from collecting advance fees for certain telemarketed resale or exit assistance before the service is actually delivered [3]. Exit companies that reframe themselves as "consulting" or "transfer" services to dodge that rule are a common workaround worth watching for. Before paying anyone, check the company's standing with your state Attorney General's consumer protection office and the Better Business Bureau, ask for the specific contract language they'll use, and ask what happens (in writing) if the exit doesn't work. If the answer is vague or the salesperson gets pushy when you ask, walk away. This is exactly the kind of situation where a $149 flat-fee product like the Timeshare Exit Kit can be genuinely useful: it gives you the rescission letter templates, the deed-back request language, and a scam checklist for a fixed cost with no ongoing commission or upfront "exit fee" hanging over you.
Can I just stop paying my maintenance fees to force an exit?
Don't. Stopping payment on fees you contractually owe does not cancel your timeshare; it puts you into default, which can trigger foreclosure on the timeshare interest, collection activity, and damage to your credit report, and in some states the resort or HOA can pursue you for the deficiency even after foreclosure. None of that gets you out cleanly, and much of it makes your financial situation worse than just continuing to own an unwanted week. If fees have become unaffordable, call the resort's owner services line and ask directly about hardship programs, payment plans, or deed-back eligibility before you miss a payment, not after. Some resorts will work with owners who reach out proactively and are current on payments; far fewer will negotiate with an owner already in default. If you're weighing whether continued ownership is worth it against rising fees, the honest answer often comes down to running the numbers over the next five to ten years versus what resale or deed-back would net you now.
When does it actually make sense to hire a lawyer instead of doing this myself?
A licensed attorney is worth the cost when there's a real legal dispute, meaning you believe you were defrauded in the original sale, the resort is refusing a deed-back it's contractually obligated to honor, or you're facing active collections or a foreclosure threat and need someone to negotiate or represent you. Attorneys bill hourly or flat fees for specific work, typically in the low thousands for a negotiated release, not a vague "exit fee" collected before any work begins. For a straightforward rescission still inside the window, or a deed-back request to a resort that already has a published program, you generally don't need a lawyer; the process is procedural, not adversarial. Save the attorney for genuine disputes, and pick one licensed in the state where the resort is located, since timeshare law is state-specific and an out-of-state generalist may not know the local rescission statute or foreclosure procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How to get out of a timeshare fast?
The only truly fast, statute-backed exit is rescission during your state's cancellation window, sometimes just a few business days after signing. Confirm your state's exact rescission period and follow the cancellation procedure in your contract precisely, usually a written notice sent by certified mail. Miss that window and there's no fast reliable option left; deed-back, resale, or legal negotiation all take weeks to months.
How do you get out of a timeshare after the rescission period ends?
Contact your home resort directly and ask about a deed-back or surrender program; many major resort systems now offer one, sometimes for a small fee. If none exists, try resale through a broker that charges no large upfront fee, or consult a real estate attorney licensed in the resort's state. Never pay a big fee upfront to a company that promises a certain outcome.
How to sell a timeshare without getting scammed?
Use a licensed resale broker or reputable marketplace that earns commission at closing, not an upfront fee. Be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming a buyer is "already waiting," a classic resale scam script. Federal rules bar companies from charging advance fees for certain telemarketed timeshare resale services before delivering results.
How to get rid of a timeshare I inherited?
If you haven't formally accepted the inheritance, you may be able to disclaim it in writing within your state's deadline, which generally means it never legally becomes yours. If you've already accepted it or the deed transferred, you own it and the same exit paths apply: check for a deed-back program, try resale, or consult a probate attorney.
Are timeshares scams?
The product itself is legal, but the industry has faced real regulatory scrutiny over high-pressure sales tactics, and a large secondary industry of exit scams targets owners trying to leave. Regulators have taken enforcement action against exit companies that charged large upfront fees and never delivered a cancellation, so treat both the sales and exit sides with informed caution.
How much is a timeshare, on average?
ARDA's industry survey data has put the average purchase price above $20,000 per interval in recent reporting years, though prices range from a few thousand dollars for a small resale week to $40,000 or more for a large new points package. Resale prices for the same interval are typically a small fraction of the original purchase price.
How much do timeshares cost per year to maintain?
Average annual maintenance fees run roughly $1,000 to $1,200 industry-wide according to ARDA-reported figures, and they typically rise most years. Owners can also face special assessments for major repairs on top of that, billed separately and sometimes with little advance notice.
Can RCI cancel my timeshare contract for me?
No. RCI is an exchange company that lets you trade your week or points for stays elsewhere; it doesn't hold your deed and has no authority to cancel your ownership contract. Cancellation requests go to your home resort, developer, or HOA, not to RCI.
What happens if I just stop paying maintenance fees?
You go into default, which can lead to foreclosure on the timeshare, collection activity, and credit damage, and in some states you can still owe a deficiency after foreclosure. It does not cancel the contract cleanly and usually leaves you worse off than pursuing rescission, deed-back, or resale properly.
How long is a timeshare rescission period?
It varies by state and sometimes by contract, ranging from a few business days to a couple weeks depending on where the resort or sale occurred. Florida sets its rescission period at 10 calendar days under Florida Statutes section 721.10. Always confirm your specific state's window and required cancellation procedure rather than assuming a number.
Is it worth hiring an attorney to get out of an RCI-affiliated timeshare?
It's worth it if there's a genuine legal dispute: suspected fraud in the sale, a resort refusing an owed deed-back, or active foreclosure proceedings. For a straightforward rescission or a resort's published deed-back program, most owners can handle the process themselves without hourly legal fees.
Can I get a refund years after buying a timeshare?
Refunds outside the rescission window are rare and never assured; they generally only happen through a proven fraud claim, a class action settlement, or a negotiated resolution with the developer, usually through an attorney. Routine buyer's remorse years later does not qualify for statutory rescission.
Does canceling my RCI membership cancel my timeshare?
No. Canceling or not renewing your RCI exchange membership only stops your access to RCI's exchange network; it has zero effect on your ownership, your deed, or your maintenance fee obligation to your home resort. Those are two entirely separate contracts.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, timeshare consumer complaint guidance: Owner confusion between exchange companies and the actual deed holder when trying to cancel a timeshare
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 721 (Vacation and Timeshare Plans), section 721.10: Florida's 10-day timeshare rescission period and required certified mail or in-person delivery method for the cancellation notice
- 26 U.S. Code section 2518, Disclaimers: Federal qualified disclaimer rule requiring a written disclaimer delivered within nine months of the decedent's death
- Federal Trade Commission, Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule: Prohibition on charging advance fees for certain telemarketed timeshare resale or exit assistance services before delivering results
- U.S. Government Accountability Office, report on timeshare consumer protection issues: Documented history of consumer complaints tied to high-pressure timeshare sales tactics