Westgate timeshare cancellation policy explained (2024 rules)

Last updated 2026-07-24

What is Westgate's timeshare cancellation policy?

Westgate Resorts does not maintain a proprietary cancellation policy that overrides state law. Instead, the company follows the mandatory rescission windows set by each state where it sells timeshares. The rescission period is your legal cooling-off window. During this time, you can cancel the purchase for any reason without penalty. Once that window closes, the contract is binding and Westgate has no obligation to let you out. Most Westgate contracts are sold in Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arizona. Florida law gives you 10 calendar days from signing or receiving the public offering statement, whichever is later. ^[1] Nevada allows 5 calendar days. ^[2] Tennessee and Missouri each provide 10 days. The clock starts the day you sign, and delivery method matters: cancellation notices sent by certified mail are considered delivered when postmarked, but hand delivery or email may have different rules depending on what the contract specifies. Your contract's cancellation instructions appear on the first or second page, often in a box with bold text. Read that section immediately. It names the exact recipient, mailing address, and acceptable delivery methods. Missing any of those details can void your cancellation even if you're within the time window.

How do you cancel a Westgate timeshare during the rescission period?

Canceling during rescission is straightforward but unforgiving of mistakes. You need a written notice that includes your name, contract number, purchase date, and an unambiguous statement that you are canceling the contract. Send it to the address printed in your contract's rescission section. Certified mail with return receipt is the safest method. It costs about $8 and provides proof of mailing date and delivery. Some contracts allow email or hand delivery, but certified mail works in every state and creates a paper trail if Westgate disputes receipt. Do not call Westgate to cancel. A phone call is not a valid cancellation notice under any state timeshare statute. Sales staff may tell you they've noted your request, but unless you follow up with written notice delivered correctly, the rescission window will expire and you'll own the timeshare. Send the notice the same day you decide to cancel. If your rescission period is 5 days and you mail it on day 4, you're fine. If you mail it on day 6, it's too late. The postmark date controls, not the date Westgate receives it, as long as your contract specifies certified mail as an acceptable method. Keep copies of everything: the signed letter, the certified mail receipt, the tracking number, and the green return receipt card when it comes back. Store them for at least two years. If Westgate tries to collect or claims you never canceled, those documents are your only defense.

What happens after the Westgate rescission window closes?

Once the rescission period ends, you own the timeshare. Westgate will not cancel the contract voluntarily. You are responsible for annual maintenance fees, special assessments, property taxes (where applicable), and club dues for as long as you hold the deed. Westgate does not buy back timeshares as a matter of course. Unlike some resort brands that run formal deed-back programs for paid-off, fee-current owners, Westgate handles exits on a case-by-case basis with no published eligibility criteria. Anecdotal reports suggest the company sometimes accepts a deed back if the owner is current on fees, the loan is paid off, and the owner submits a written request. But there is no guarantee, no application form, and no timeline. You cannot simply stop paying. If you default on the maintenance fees, Westgate will assess late fees, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and may eventually foreclose on the timeshare or pursue a money judgment depending on whether your state treats timeshares as real property or contract interests. Foreclosure stays on your credit report for seven years. A judgment can lead to wage garnishment or bank levies in some states. The most reliable post-rescission exit is a legitimate resale or transfer to a family member. The resale market for Westgate timeshares is weak: listings on eBay and timeshare resale sites regularly advertise Westgate weeks for $1 to $500. But a sale at any price legally transfers the obligation and stops your fee liability. If you can find a buyer, even for a dollar, that's a clean exit. For detailed strategies on exiting after the rescission window, see our guide on how to get out of a timeshare. For warnings about companies that charge upfront fees to cancel contracts, read our overview of timeshare exit companies.

How much time do you have to cancel a Westgate timeshare in each state?

Florida	10 days	Fla. Stat. § 721.10 [1]
Nevada	5 days	Nev. Rev. Stat. § 119A.450 [2]
Tennessee	10 days	Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-32-114 [3]
Missouri	10 days	Mo. Rev. Stat. § 407.620 [4]
Arizona	7 days	Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 32-2197.09 [5]
Utah	5 days	Utah Code § 57-19-13 [6]
South Carolina	5 days	S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-50	The clock almost always starts the day you sign the contract, but some states measure from the date you receive the public offering statement or other disclosure documents if that date is later. Your contract will specify the triggering event. If you purchased at Westgate Lakes in Orlando, the Florida 10-day rule applies. If you bought at Westgate Las Vegas, Nevada's 5-day window controls. If you're not sure which state's law governs your contract, check the choice-of-law clause near the signature page. It usually reads something like "This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida." That tells you which rescission statute applies. Confirm your specific deadline by reading the rescission notice in your contract. State law sets the minimum, but developers can offer longer windows. Westgate almost never does, but it's worth checking.

Rescission windows vary by state, and Westgate properties span more than a dozen jurisdictions. The table below shows the statutory rescission period for states where Westgate operates major resorts. | State | Rescission Period | Key Statute |

Does Westgate have a deed-back or surrender program?

Westgate does not advertise a formal deed-back program with published eligibility requirements. Some owners report success asking Westgate to take the property back, but the company handles these requests privately and inconsistently. If you want to try, call Westgate Owner Services at the number on your billing statement and ask whether the company will accept a voluntary deed in lieu of foreclosure. You'll need to be current on all maintenance fees, have no outstanding mortgage balance on the timeshare, and sometimes pay a transfer or processing fee. Some owners report being quoted fees between $250 and $1,000, while others say Westgate accepted the deed for no charge. None of this is documented in writing before you ask. There is no harm in asking. The worst outcome is they say no and you explore other options. The best outcome is they accept the deed and you're done. But assume nothing until you have a signed transfer document and written confirmation that your account is closed. Compare this to Wyndham, Marriott, and Diamond, all of which publish deed-back eligibility criteria and fee schedules. Westgate's opacity makes planning harder, but it also means the door isn't entirely closed even if you fall outside what other developers would accept. For more on how deed-back programs work across the industry, see our article on timeshare cancellation options after rescission.

Can you sell a Westgate timeshare?

Yes, but the resale market for Westgate timeshares is weak. Prices on secondary platforms like eBay, RedWeek, and Timeshare Users Group regularly show Westgate weeks listed for $1 to $500, and many listings sit for months with no buyer. The problem is supply and demand. Westgate has sold tens of thousands of intervals over four decades. Many owners want out. Very few people want in. The resale price reflects that imbalance. Selling for $1 is still a win if it stops your maintenance fee obligation. A Westgate one-bedroom week in Orlando carries maintenance fees around $1,200 to $1,800 per year. If you sell the timeshare for a dollar and pay $100 in closing costs, you've saved $1,100 the first year and every year after. Over five years, that's $5,500 or more. Use a licensed real estate broker or a timeshare-specific resale platform with no upfront listing fees. Legitimate brokers and platforms earn a commission when the sale closes. Companies that charge $500 to $2,000 upfront to list your timeshare are almost always scams. The Federal Trade Commission has issued multiple warnings about these schemes. If you list the property yourself on eBay or Craigslist, you'll handle the closing paperwork. Westgate charges a transfer fee, usually $500 to $1,000, to record the new deed. The buyer typically pays this, but if you're selling for $1, you may need to cover it to get the deal done. Even at $1,000 total cost, it's cheaper than two years of maintenance fees. For strategies on listing and closing a timeshare sale, see our guide on how to get out of timeshare.

What are Westgate maintenance fees and how much do they cost?

Westgate maintenance fees vary by resort, unit size, season, and whether you own a deeded week or points in the Westgate Vacation Club. Fees for a one-bedroom unit range from about $1,000 to $1,800 per year. Two-bedroom and larger units run $1,500 to $3,000 or more. These fees cover property insurance, utilities, landscaping, pool maintenance, front desk staffing, and reserves for capital repairs like roof replacement or HVAC upgrades. Westgate bills annually, usually in December or January for the upcoming year. In addition to base maintenance fees, Westgate owners sometimes face special assessments. A special assessment is a one-time charge to cover an unexpected major expense, like hurricane damage or a failed septic system. Assessments can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the project and how the cost is allocated across owners. Westgate Vacation Club members pay club dues on top of maintenance fees. Club dues in recent years have ranged from $150 to $300 per year. These dues cover the cost of running the points reservation system, member services, and marketing. Maintenance fees rise over time. Industry data shows timeshare maintenance fees increase an average of 4% to 8% per year, outpacing general inflation. A $1,500 fee today will likely be $2,000 in five to seven years. Budget accordingly if you plan to keep the timeshare. If you can't afford the fees and you're outside the rescission window, stopping payment is not a solution. Westgate will pursue collection, damage your credit, and eventually foreclose or sue. The better path is to ask Westgate for a deed-back, list the timeshare for resale, or consult a consumer protection attorney to review your contract for misrepresentation or fraud.

Are timeshare exit companies legitimate for Westgate contracts?

Some are, most aren't. The timeshare exit industry is full of companies that charge $3,000 to $8,000 upfront, promise to cancel your Westgate contract, and then do nothing or close down before finishing the work. The Federal Trade Commission has sued multiple exit firms for taking upfront fees and failing to deliver. State attorneys general in Florida, Washington, Missouri, and other states have issued warnings and pursued enforcement actions. If a company guarantees it can cancel your Westgate contract, charges $5,000 before starting work, and won't explain its legal strategy, walk away. A small number of timeshare exit companies operate as law firms or partner with licensed attorneys and use legitimate legal strategies: reviewing contracts for violations of state disclosure rules, filing complaints with regulatory agencies, negotiating directly with Westgate on your behalf. These firms typically charge a retainer and work on an hourly basis or a flat fee contingent on success. They don't guarantee outcomes because no attorney can. Before hiring anyone, check the company's standing with your state bar association (if they claim to provide legal services) and the Better Business Bureau. Read reviews on multiple platforms. Ask for a written contract that specifies exactly what the company will do, the fee structure, and the refund policy if they fail. Never stop paying your Westgate maintenance fees because an exit company tells you to. If the exit strategy fails, you'll face collections, credit damage, and possible foreclosure, and the exit company will be long gone. For a detailed breakdown of red flags and how to vet exit firms, see our article on timeshare exit companies. For more context on the tactics used by unethical operators, review our guide on timeshare call list practices.

What should you do if you missed the Westgate rescission deadline?

If the rescission window closed and you still own the timeshare, you have four realistic options: sell it, ask Westgate to take it back, transfer it to a family member who wants it, or keep it and pay the fees. Selling is the most reliable exit. List the timeshare on eBay, RedWeek, or Timeshare Users Group. Set a low price or accept any reasonable offer. Even $1 is a legitimate sale that transfers the deed and stops your obligation. Expect to pay Westgate's transfer fee, typically $500 to $1,000, but that's a one-time cost that ends your annual liability. Asking Westgate for a deed-back costs you nothing but time. Call Westgate Owner Services, explain that you can no longer use or afford the timeshare, and ask if the company will accept a voluntary surrender. Have your account current and your mortgage paid off before you call. Some owners report success, others are refused. You won't know until you try. Transferring the property to a family member works if someone in your circle actually wants the timeshare. Westgate allows owner-to-owner transfers for a fee. The recipient takes over all future obligations. This only makes sense if the recipient plans to use the property and can afford the fees. If none of those options work, you can keep the timeshare and pay the fees. Some owners do this for years, using the week or exchanging it through RCI or Interval International. It's not an exit, but it's not a disaster if the fees fit your budget and you get value from the usage. Do not simply stop paying and hope Westgate forgets about you. The company will report the delinquency, pursue collection, and possibly foreclose. A foreclosure stays on your credit report for seven years and can drop your credit score by 100 points or more. For a detailed look at all post-rescission exit strategies, read our guide on how do you get out of a timeshare.

How much does a Westgate timeshare cost to buy new?

Westgate sells timeshares at retail prices that range from about $15,000 for a biennial studio week in a secondary market to over $100,000 for a premium two-bedroom annual week at a flagship resort like Westgate Lakes or Westgate Park City. Points packages in the Westgate Vacation Club typically start around $20,000 and can exceed $50,000 for large allotments. Those prices are roughly five to ten times what the same timeshare would sell for on the resale market. The high retail price reflects the cost of the sales presentation, commissions for the sales staff, and the developer's profit margin. It does not reflect the property's market value once you own it. Westgate finances most purchases at interest rates between 12% and 18% over 10 years. A $30,000 purchase financed at 15% costs about $5,400 per year in loan payments, or $54,000 total over the life of the loan. Add $1,500 per year in maintenance fees and you're spending about $70,000 over 10 years for a property you could have bought resale for $500. If you're sitting in a Westgate sales presentation right now, do not buy. Walk out, go home, and research resale prices for the exact unit type and week you were offered. You'll find it listed for a tiny fraction of the developer price. If you decide you genuinely want a Westgate timeshare, buy resale and save tens of thousands of dollars. If you already bought and you're within the rescission window, cancel immediately. Follow the instructions in your contract, send the written notice by certified mail today, and cut your losses. ExitHonest's Timeshare Exit Kit walks you through the cancellation process step by step, with state-specific templates and mailing instructions. It's a one-time $149 purchase with no ongoing fees. You can build your kit at exithonest.com/exit-kit-builder.

Can you get out of a Westgate timeshare if the sales presentation misrepresented the product?

Possibly, but it requires proof and often legal help. Timeshare sales presentations are notorious for exaggerating rental income potential, resale values, and exchange availability. If the Westgate sales rep made specific false statements that induced you to buy, and you can prove it, you may have grounds to rescind the contract even after the statutory rescission period. Misrepresentation claims hinge on verifiable lies, not general puffery. "This timeshare is a great investment" is puffery. "You can rent your week for $3,000 and cover your maintenance fees" is a factual claim that can be tested. If Westgate renters are actually getting $800 and the rep told you $3,000, that's actionable. You need evidence: a witness who heard the statement, a recording of the presentation (legal in some states, not others), or written materials that contradict the oral promises. Your word alone usually isn't enough. Some buyers have successfully unwound contracts years after purchase by filing complaints with state attorneys general or by hiring consumer protection attorneys who found undisclosed fees, misleading offering statements, or violations of state timeshare statutes. These cases are fact-specific and require investigation. There's no shortcut. If you believe you were defrauded, file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's office (if you bought at a Florida Westgate resort) or your home state attorney general. Also file with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. Agencies don't intervene in individual cases, but complaints build patterns that can trigger investigations. Consult a consumer protection attorney in your state or in the state where you bought. Many offer free case evaluations. If the attorney believes you have a claim, they may work on contingency (no fee unless you win) or a flat fee. Do not hire a non-attorney exit company that promises to cancel based on misrepresentation. They cannot file lawsuits or negotiate legally binding settlements.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you have to cancel a Westgate timeshare after signing?

You have 3 to 15 calendar days depending on the state where you signed the contract. Florida buyers get 10 days, Nevada 5 days, and most other states between 5 and 10 days. The exact period is printed in your contract's rescission notice. The clock starts the day you sign or receive required disclosures, whichever is later.

Can you cancel a Westgate timeshare over the phone?

No. Every state timeshare statute requires written notice to cancel. A phone call does not count. You must send a signed letter by certified mail to the address listed in your contract's rescission section. Calling may prompt sales staff to talk you out of canceling, but it does not protect your legal right to rescind.

What happens if you stop paying Westgate maintenance fees?

Westgate will assess late fees, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and pursue collection. The company may foreclose on the timeshare or sue for a money judgment depending on state law. Foreclosure and judgments damage your credit for seven years and can lead to wage garnishment or bank levies in some states.

Does Westgate buy back timeshares?

Westgate does not advertise a buyback program, but some owners report the company accepted voluntary deed-backs on a case-by-case basis. You typically need to be current on fees, have no mortgage balance, and sometimes pay a transfer fee. Results are inconsistent and the company provides no written policy or application process.

How much can you sell a Westgate timeshare for?

Resale prices for Westgate timeshares range from $1 to $500 on platforms like eBay and RedWeek. Supply far exceeds demand, so listings often sit for months. Selling for $1 is still worthwhile because it stops your annual maintenance fee obligation, which typically exceeds $1,200 per year.

Are timeshares scams?

Timeshares are not scams, but they are often bad financial deals. The product is legal and you do get usage rights. The problem is high-pressure sales, misleading claims about resale value and rental income, and maintenance fees that rise faster than inflation. Many buyers regret the purchase once they understand the true cost and resale difficulty.

How much is a Westgate timeshare at retail?

Westgate sells new timeshares for $15,000 to over $100,000 depending on unit size, resort, and season. Points packages typically start around $20,000. Financing adds 12% to 18% interest over 10 years. The same timeshare sells for $1 to $500 on the resale market, making direct-from-developer purchases a poor value.

How much are Westgate maintenance fees per year?

Westgate maintenance fees range from about $1,000 to $3,000 per year depending on unit size and resort. One-bedroom units typically cost $1,200 to $1,800 annually. Club dues add another $150 to $300. Fees increase 4% to 8% per year on average. Special assessments for major repairs can add hundreds to thousands more in any given year.

Can you rent out your Westgate timeshare to cover maintenance fees?

Rarely. Westgate weeks rent for $500 to $1,500 on platforms like RedWeek and Airbnb, well below the $3,000 to $5,000 figures often quoted in sales presentations. After taxes, platform fees, and cleaning costs, most owners don't cover their maintenance fees. Rental income is also taxable, adding to your costs.

Is it legal to hire a timeshare exit company for a Westgate contract?

Yes, but many exit companies are scams. Legitimate firms work as law firms or with licensed attorneys, charge transparent fees, and explain their strategy in writing. Firms that guarantee cancellation, charge $5,000 upfront, and tell you to stop paying fees are almost always fraudulent. The FTC has sued dozens of such companies.

What should you do if you're still in your Westgate rescission period?

Cancel immediately. Write a signed letter stating you are canceling the contract, include your name, contract number, and purchase date, and send it by certified mail to the address in your contract's rescission section. Do it today. Once the deadline passes, the contract is binding and Westgate has no obligation to let you out.

Can you transfer a Westgate timeshare to a family member?

Yes. Westgate allows owner-to-owner transfers for a fee, usually $500 to $1,000. The recipient must qualify (pass a credit check if there's a mortgage balance) and will assume all future maintenance fees and obligations. This only makes sense if the recipient genuinely wants the timeshare and can afford the annual costs.

Does Westgate report maintenance fee delinquencies to credit bureaus?

Yes. Westgate reports unpaid maintenance fees as delinquent accounts to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A single missed payment can drop your credit score by 50 to 100 points. Continued non-payment leads to collection accounts, which remain on your credit report for seven years even if you later pay or settle the debt.

How do you get rid of a timeshare you inherited?

You can disclaim an inherited timeshare by filing a written disclaimer with the probate court handling the estate, usually within nine months of the owner's death under federal law. Once disclaimed, the property passes to the next heir or back to the estate. If you already accepted it, your options are the same as any owner: sell, deed back, or transfer.

Sources

1. Florida Statutes § 721.10 - Rescission and cancellation: Florida timeshare buyers have 10 calendar days to cancel from signing or receiving the public offering statement
2. Nevada Revised Statutes § 119A.450 - Right to cancel purchase: Nevada allows 5 calendar days to cancel a timeshare purchase
3. Missouri Revised Statutes § 407.620 - Right to cancel: Missouri law gives timeshare buyers 10 days to rescind
4. Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-2197.09 - Purchaser's right to cancel: Arizona allows 7 days to cancel a timeshare purchase
5. Utah Code § 57-19-13 - Cancellation rights: Utah provides 5 days to cancel a timeshare contract
6. South Carolina Code of Laws § 27-32-50 - Cancellation: South Carolina gives timeshare purchasers 5 days to rescind