What is the best timeshare exit company? (the honest answer)

Last updated 2026-07-24

Why there's no single best timeshare exit company

The phrase "best timeshare exit company" assumes these firms deliver consistent, reliable results. They don't. The Federal Trade Commission has sued multiple exit companies for taking fees and failing to cancel contracts, and state attorneys general in Florida, Missouri, Washington, and elsewhere have brought enforcement actions against firms that collected thousands of dollars and left owners still on the hook ^{[1] [2]}. No exit company can force a developer to cancel your contract. Developers are under no legal obligation to release you just because you hire a third party. Exit firms typically try the same methods you can attempt yourself: requesting a deed-back, negotiating a surrender, or disputing the contract. When those fail, some simply go silent. The FTC's guidance is unambiguous: be skeptical of any company that demands large upfront fees, promises results, or tells you to stop paying your maintenance fees ^[1]. All three are red flags. If you stop paying, you risk foreclosure, credit damage, and collection lawsuits. The debt doesn't vanish because you hired someone. What works best depends entirely on where you are in the ownership lifecycle. If you just bought the timeshare, rescission (your state's cooling-off period) is free, fast, and has a 100% success rate if you act in time. If you've owned for years and are current on fees, many developers now offer deed-back or surrender programs at low or no cost. If you're genuinely unable to pay, negotiation or hardship transfer may succeed without a middleman. The "best" exit company is often no exit company at all. The most reliable paths cost nothing or very little and don't require a third party to intercede.

How to get out of a timeshare without an exit company

You have four primary self-exit options, in order of speed and cost-effectiveness. Rescission (cooling-off period). Every state grants new buyers a short window to cancel without penalty. The window ranges from three days in some states to fifteen in others; Florida allows ten calendar days, Nevada five business days, and Colorado five calendar days ^[3]. You must send written notice to the developer by certified mail before the deadline, following the exact instructions in your purchase contract. No reason required. The developer refunds your down payment, and the contract is void. This is the single most reliable exit method, and it's free. For step-by-step instructions by state, see how to get out of a timeshare. Developer deed-back or surrender programs. Wyndham calls it Certified Exit, Marriott offers a Timeshare Disposition and Resale Program, and Diamond has an Exit Assistance program. Requirements vary: you generally must be current on maintenance fees, have no outstanding loan, and own the timeshare free and clear. Some programs charge a transfer fee of a few hundred dollars; some are free. Call your resort's owner services line and ask directly. Many owners don't realize these programs exist because resorts don't advertise them loudly. Sell or give away the timeshare yourself. The resale market for most timeshares is essentially zero, many weeks sell for $1 on eBay, but listing costs nothing and occasionally someone will take it off your hands. Licensed resale brokers (who charge commission only after a sale closes) are rare and should never charge upfront. Avoid any outfit that calls you unsolicited or demands marketing fees before a buyer is in hand. The FTC has repeatedly warned about timeshare resale scams that mirror exit-company scams ^[1]. Give it back through negotiation. If you're facing genuine financial hardship and the developer won't accept a deed-back, explain your situation in writing. Some resorts will agree to a negotiated release if they believe you'll otherwise default. Document everything, send letters certified mail, and never agree to a settlement that leaves you owing future fees. None of these require an attorney or exit company. The timeshare cancellation process is largely administrative, not legal.

What timeshare exit companies actually do (and charge)

Exit companies fall into three buckets: those that try legitimate deed-back negotiations, those that pursue dubious contract challenges, and those that simply collect fees and disappear. Legitimate firms typically charge $3,000 to $6,000 and will attempt to negotiate a voluntary release with your resort. They draft hardship letters, escalate through owner services, and push for deed-back acceptance. Success rates are not published, and no firm will provide audited data. You're paying for persistence and paperwork, work you can do yourself if you're willing to spend the time. Contract-challenge firms charge $4,000 to $15,000 and claim they'll find legal defects in your purchase documents (violations of state timeshare laws, missing disclosures, improper rescission notice) ^[2]. Some hire attorneys to send demand letters. A few have won releases this way, but most developers ignore the letters or settle only when they independently decide the owner isn't worth pursuing. You pay whether or not the challenge succeeds. Scam firms take your money and vanish. The Missouri Attorney General shut down Timeshare Termination Team and five related entities in 2022 after the companies collected more than $14 million and failed to cancel the vast majority of contracts ^[2]. Clients paid $4,000 to $7,000 upfront. The Washington Attorney General has sued multiple firms for similar conduct ^[4]. A common thread: almost all exit companies require full payment upfront or within 30 days, long before they deliver results. The FTC explicitly calls this a warning sign ^[1]. If a company can't or won't work on contingency (payment only after successful cancellation), ask why. The answer is usually that they can't promise success and don't want to take the risk themselves. They want you to take it instead. For a breakdown of how exit firms operate and what to watch for, see timeshare exit companies.

Red flags: when an exit company is a scam

The Federal Trade Commission and the American Resort Development Association (the timeshare industry's trade group) agree on the warning signs ^[1]. They promise cancellation. No one can promise that. The developer decides whether to release you, and developers are under no obligation to do so. A promise is either a lie or meaningless because the company will fold before making good on it. They demand large upfront fees. $5,000 to $10,000 before they've done any work. Legitimate service providers bill as they go or take payment after results. Exit firms that demand the full fee upfront are betting you won't fight them when they fail. They tell you to stop paying maintenance fees. This is the single most harmful advice. Maintenance fees are a contractual debt. If you stop paying, the resort can foreclose, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and send the debt to collections. In some states, foreclosure is judicial and you'll be sued; in others it's non-judicial and faster ^[5]. Either way, the damage to your credit and finances is real. No exit company will indemnify you for that damage. They refuse to provide a written contract or references. A legitimate company will put its process, timeline, and fee structure in writing and will provide contact information for past clients. If they won't, walk away. They contacted you first. Cold calls, robocalls, and high-pressure sales pitches are classic scam behavior. Reputable firms don't work that way. If you're on a timeshare call list, you're a target for scammers who bought or scraped owner data. They claim a special relationship with your resort. Exit companies have no special access to developers. Wyndham, Marriott, and other major brands have made clear they don't partner with exit firms and won't negotiate with them any differently than they'd negotiate with you directly. If you've already paid an exit company and suspect fraud, file complaints with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), your state attorney general, and the Better Business Bureau. You may not get your money back, but you create a record that can help shut the company down.

How much timeshare exit companies charge

Published figures and court filings show a consistent range. Exit companies charge $3,000 to $15,000, with most clustering around $4,500 to $6,500 ^{[2] [4]}. Payment is typically due in full within 30 days of signing the contract, though some firms offer installment plans (often financed by a third-party lender, which adds interest and further locks you in). A few examples from enforcement actions and investigative reporting: - Timeshare Termination Team: $4,000 to $7,000 ^[2] - Reed Hein & Associates (shut down by Washington AG): $3,500 to $14,000 ^[4] - Timeshare Exit Team (sued by Washington AG): $3,500 to $5,000 average ^[4] The fee often depends on how many timeshares you own and how much you owe. If you owe $20,000 on a purchase-money loan, the exit company may quote you $8,000 or more. That cost is in addition to the maintenance fees and loan payments you still owe while the exit company works your case. If the exit takes a year and you're paying $1,800/year in maintenance, you'll spend $1,800 during that year whether or not the exit succeeds. If it fails, you're out the $5,000 fee, the $1,800 in fees, and you still own the timeshare. By contrast, rescission costs the price of a stamp and a certified mail receipt (under $10). Most resort deed-back programs charge $0 to $500. Negotiating directly with the resort costs nothing but your time.

Can attorneys help you exit a timeshare?

Sometimes. An attorney can review your purchase documents for legal defects, draft a demand letter, and represent you if the resort sues for unpaid fees. But attorneys can't force a voluntary cancellation any more than an exit company can. Some states have detailed timeshare disclosure and cooling-off statutes. If the developer failed to provide the required public offering statement, or if the rescission notice in your contract misstated the deadline, an attorney may find a path forward. Florida's timeshare law, for instance, requires developers to include a specific conspicuous rescission notice ^[3]. If that notice is absent or incorrect, you may have a claim. Attorneys typically charge $250 to $500 per hour, or a flat fee of $2,000 to $5,000 for a document review and negotiation attempt. That's comparable to what exit companies charge, but the attorney won't promise success and won't take payment if they work on contingency (rare in this context). A timeshare-specialized attorney is worth consulting if you believe the sales process was fraudulent (you were lied to about rental income, resale value, or the ability to cancel after the rescission period). Document everything: sales presentations, written materials, misrepresentations. If the attorney thinks you have a case, they may take it on contingency or for a flat fee with a refund clause if they don't succeed. Some exit companies employ attorneys and call themselves law firms. That doesn't change the economics or the success rate. It just means the person sending the letter has a bar license. The developer's response is the same. If you're considering legal help, check the attorney's bar standing and ask for references. Skip anyone who promises certain cancellation.

How to sell a timeshare (the realistic answer)

Most timeshares have zero resale value. The market is flooded with supply (owners desperate to get out) and negligible demand (why buy a used timeshare with annual fees when you can buy a new one from the developer with incentives, or vacation without the commitment?). Many weeks sell for $1, and even then, finding a buyer takes time. Legitimate resale avenues: - eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace. List it yourself for $1 or free. Disclose the annual maintenance fees clearly. Expect tire-kickers and lowball offers. If someone offers to buy it, hire a licensed timeshare closing company or real estate attorney to handle the title transfer; do not send the deed directly to a stranger. - Licensed resale brokers. A handful of brokers (real estate agents licensed in the state where the resort is located) will list timeshares on commission. They charge 10% to 20% of the sale price, due only at closing. If a broker demands an upfront marketing fee, listing fee, or appraisal fee, they're running a scam. The FTC has warned repeatedly about this ^[1]. - RedWeek, TUG (Timeshare Users Group), SellMyTimeshareNow. Online marketplaces where you can list for free or a small fee (under $100). Success is rare, but it costs little to try. These platforms don't handle closings; you'll still need an attorney or closing company. Do not pay a company thousands of dollars to "market" your timeshare. The resale scam works like this: a company calls you (often with a fake foreign buyer story), says they have a buyer lined up, and demands $2,000 to $4,000 for transfer taxes, closing costs, or marketing. You pay. The sale never happens. The company disappears. The FTC has sued dozens of operations running this con ^[1]. If your timeshare has genuinely desirable features (a sought-after resort, a prime week, low fees), a licensed broker may sell it for $1,000 to $5,000. That's the high end. Most sell for $0 to $500, if they sell at all. Giving it away is often faster than selling it. Advertise it as free, transfer fee paid by you, and someone may take it. That costs you a few hundred dollars in closing and transfer costs, but you're out. For step-by-step guidance, see how do you get out of a timeshare.

Are timeshares scams?

Timeshares aren't inherently scams, but the sales process often crosses ethical and legal lines, and the product rarely delivers what's promised. A timeshare is a real piece of real estate (deeded) or a long-term contract for vacation usage rights (right-to-use). You own something, even if that something has no market value. The problem is that the sales pitch wildly overstates the benefits and downplays or hides the costs and restrictions. Common misrepresentations: - "It's an investment." Timeshares are not investments. They don't appreciate. The resale market is nearly nonexistent. You will not make money. - "You can rent it out to cover your fees." The rental market is saturated. Most owners can't rent their weeks for enough to cover maintenance fees, and many resorts restrict or prohibit rentals. - "You can sell it anytime." You can't. See the section above on resale reality. - "Maintenance fees stay low." Maintenance fees rise every year, typically 3% to 5% annually, sometimes more. A $1,200 fee today will be $2,000 in 12 years ^[6]. Special assessments (one-time charges for major repairs or upgrades) can add thousands more. The sales environment is high-pressure. You're invited to a "free" vacation or meal, then subjected to a 90-minute presentation that stretches to three or four hours. Sales reps use urgency ("this price expires today"), scarcity ("only two units left"), and emotional appeals ("your family deserves this"). Walking out is hard. Saying no takes effort. That's by design. Some developers have been sued by state attorneys general for deceptive practices. The Florida AG has brought actions against developers who failed to deliver promised benefits or misrepresented the ability to exchange weeks ^[7]. Timeshares can work for people who vacation at the same place every year, can afford rising fees indefinitely, and understand they're buying consumption, not investment. For most buyers, they're a financial trap.

How much do timeshares cost to buy and own?

Purchase prices range wildly. A basic week at a mid-tier resort might be $10,000 to $25,000. High-end branded resorts (Marriott, Hyatt, Four Seasons) can be $30,000 to $80,000 or more for a prime week ^[6]. Points-based systems often start at $20,000 to $40,000. But the purchase price is just the beginning. Maintenance fees are the long-term cost, and they never go away. Average maintenance fees run $1,000 to $1,500 per year, but can be as high as $2,500 to $4,000 for luxury resorts ^[6]. These fees rise annually. They're due whether you use the timeshare or not. Miss a payment, and the resort can foreclose and destroy your credit. Special assessments are another surprise. If the resort needs a new roof, lobby renovation, or hurricane repairs beyond the reserve fund, owners are billed. Assessments can be $1,000 to $5,000 or more, with little warning. Then there are the hidden costs: exchange fees if you want to trade your week for a different resort (typically $200 to $300 through RCI or Interval International), booking fees, guest fees, and transaction fees if you try to rent or sell. Add airfare, meals, and incidentals, and the total vacation cost is often higher than booking a hotel outright. Over 20 years, a $20,000 timeshare with $1,500/year maintenance fees (rising 4% annually) will cost you about $65,000 in total ^[6]. For that money, you could book a different vacation every year and never be locked into one destination. Buying a resale timeshare for $1 doesn't solve the problem. You still owe the maintenance fees forever, and those fees are usually the same whether you paid $1 or $20,000 at purchase.

What ExitHonest offers (and doesn't)

ExitHonest is not an exit company. We don't contact your resort, file paperwork on your behalf, or promise to cancel your contract. We're a resource. We publish the information you need to attempt a self-exit, and we offer a $149 one-time Timeshare Exit Kit that walks you through the process step by step: state-specific rescission letter templates, deed-back request scripts, negotiation guides, and document checklists. The kit assumes you'll do the work yourself. That work takes time, but it costs a fraction of what an exit company charges and doesn't expose you to scam risk. You'll learn your state's rescission rules, your resort's surrender options, and how to escalate a deed-back request if the first-tier representative says no. We're upfront about what works and what doesn't. If you're outside your rescission period and your resort has no deed-back program, your options narrow. We don't invent false hope. We lay out the realistic paths and let you decide. If you're in your rescission window, the kit includes the exact letter you need, the certified mail instructions, and the statutory citations for your state. If you're exploring deed-back, we include phone scripts and template letters that have worked for other owners. If you're considering an exit company despite the risks, we include a due-diligence checklist and red-flag guide. The goal is to give you the same tools an exit company would use, minus the $5,000 fee and the false promises. Thousands of owners have exited their timeshares without professional help. You can too, if you're willing to follow the process and push through the bureaucracy. You can build your custom kit at /exit-kit-builder.

What to do right now if you want out

Start by identifying where you are in the ownership lifecycle. If you bought within the last few days or weeks, check your purchase contract for the rescission deadline. It's usually on the first or last page, often in bold. Count the days carefully (some states count calendar days, others business days) ^[3]. If you're still inside the window, send your rescission letter today by certified mail with return receipt. That's your certain exit. Instructions by state: how to get out of timeshare. If you're past rescission and current on fees, call your resort's owner services line and ask if they have a deed-back, surrender, or exit program. Use those exact words. If the representative says no, ask to speak to a supervisor or the owner relations department. Some resorts will say no at the front line but yes when you escalate. Document every call (date, time, representative name, what they said). If you're delinquent or facing foreclosure, contact the resort immediately to discuss a settlement or negotiated release. Ignoring the problem makes it worse. Resorts are sometimes willing to forgive a portion of the debt and take the timeshare back if the alternative is a costly foreclosure and zero recovery. If none of the above apply, you're in the hardest category. You can try to sell or give away the timeshare (expect months of effort and low odds), or you can hire an attorney to review your purchase documents for defects. An exit company is an option, but go in with your eyes open: high cost, no certainty of success, significant scam risk. Do not stop paying your maintenance fees unless you're willing to accept foreclosure and credit damage. Do not hire any company that cold-called you or that won't put its process and fees in writing. Getting out of a timeshare is possible. It's rarely fast, and it's often not easy, but most of the tools you need are free or very low cost. The "best" timeshare exit company is the one you don't need.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get out of a timeshare I just bought?

If you're inside your state's rescission period (typically 3 to 15 days), send a written cancellation letter to the developer by certified mail immediately. This is your legal right to cancel without penalty. The developer must refund your down payment. Check your purchase contract for the exact deadline and mailing address. If you're outside the rescission window, explore your resort's deed-back program or negotiate directly.

Can I sell my timeshare?

You can try, but most timeshares have zero resale value. Many sell for $1 on eBay or Craigslist. Licensed brokers (who charge commission only after closing) are rare. Avoid any company that demands upfront marketing or listing fees; that's a scam. If you list it yourself, disclose the annual maintenance fees clearly and use a licensed closing company to handle the transfer.

How do I get rid of a timeshare legally?

The legal methods are rescission (if you're inside the cooling-off period), deed-back or surrender through your resort's official program, sale or giveaway, or negotiated release. Document everything in writing, send letters by certified mail, and never stop paying maintenance fees unless you're prepared for foreclosure. There is no shortcut that avoids your contractual obligations.

Are timeshare exit companies worth it?

Rarely. Most charge $4,000 to $15,000 upfront with no certainty of success. They attempt the same negotiations you can do yourself: requesting a deed-back or disputing the contract. The FTC warns against any company that demands large upfront fees or tells you to stop paying. Many owners pay and still end up owning the timeshare. Free or low-cost self-exit methods succeed more often.

Can a lawyer get me out of my timeshare?

Sometimes. An attorney can review your purchase documents for legal defects (missing disclosures, improper rescission notice, misrepresentations) and negotiate with the resort. Fees run $2,000 to $5,000 or $250 to $500 per hour. An attorney can't force a voluntary cancellation, but they can find paths forward if the developer violated state law. Check the attorney's bar standing and ask for references before hiring.

What if I stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

The resort can foreclose, report the delinquency to credit bureaus, and send the debt to collections. Foreclosure damages your credit for years, and the resort may sue you for the unpaid balance plus legal fees. Some states allow deficiency judgments, meaning you still owe the debt after foreclosure. Never stop paying unless you've consulted an attorney and understand the consequences.

How much does a timeshare cost?

Purchase prices range from $10,000 to $80,000 depending on the resort and week. Maintenance fees average $1,000 to $2,500 per year and rise 3% to 5% annually. Over 20 years, total ownership costs often exceed $50,000 to $70,000. Special assessments for repairs can add thousands more. Resale timeshares may be $1, but the annual fees remain the same.

Are timeshares a scam?

Timeshares are legal products, but the sales tactics often involve high-pressure techniques and misrepresentations about investment value, resale potential, and rental income. Maintenance fees rise indefinitely, and most timeshares have zero resale value. State attorneys general have sued developers for deceptive practices. Timeshares work for some buyers but are a poor financial decision for most.

How long does rescission last?

Rescission periods vary by state. Florida allows 10 calendar days, Nevada 5 business days, Colorado 5 calendar days. Some states give 3 days, others 7 or 15. The deadline is stated in your purchase contract and must be followed exactly. Check your state's timeshare statute or consult your contract immediately after purchase. Missing the deadline by one day means you lose the right to cancel.

Do timeshare deed-back programs really work?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. Wyndham, Marriott, Diamond, and other major brands offer deed-back or exit programs for owners who are current on fees, have no outstanding loan, and own the timeshare free and clear. Some programs charge a transfer fee of $0 to $500. Call your resort's owner services line and ask specifically about deed-back or surrender options. Success depends on the resort's current policy.

Can I give my timeshare away?

Yes. Many owners advertise their timeshare as free on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook and offer to pay the transfer fee. Someone who wants access to the resort or exchange network may take it. You'll pay a few hundred dollars in closing and transfer costs, but you're released from future fees. Use a licensed closing company or attorney to handle the deed transfer properly.

What is a timeshare special assessment?

A special assessment is a one-time charge for major repairs, renovations, or emergency expenses beyond the resort's reserve fund. Examples include hurricane damage, roof replacement, or lobby upgrades. Assessments range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more and are billed to all owners. You must pay whether or not you use the timeshare. Special assessments are in addition to annual maintenance fees.

How do I avoid timeshare exit scams?

Never hire a company that cold-called you, promises cancellation, demands large upfront fees, or tells you to stop paying your maintenance fees. Check the company with the Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general, and the FTC. Ask for a written contract, references, and proof of past successes. If the company won't provide these, walk away. Legitimate exits rarely require third-party help.

Is ExitHonest an exit company?

No. ExitHonest does not contact resorts, file paperwork, or act on your behalf. We provide a $149 one-time Exit Kit with state-specific rescission templates, deed-back scripts, and negotiation guides so you can attempt a self-exit. We're a resource, not a service provider. You do the work, and you keep the savings. We don't promise or offer certain cancellation.

Sources

1. Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: Buying a Timeshare: FTC warns against companies that demand large upfront fees, promise results, or tell consumers to stop paying maintenance fees.
2. Missouri Attorney General, Press Release: AG Schmitt Secures $14 Million in Restitution: Missouri AG shut down Timeshare Termination Team and related entities; companies collected over $14 million and charged $4,000 to $7,000 per client.
3. Florida Statutes, Chapter 721 (Vacation and Timeshare Plans): Florida law grants a 10-day rescission period for timeshare purchases and specifies required disclosures.
4. Washington State Attorney General, AG Ferguson Takes Action Against Timeshare Exit Companies: Washington AG sued Reed Hein & Associates and Timeshare Exit Team; firms charged $3,500 to $14,000 and failed to deliver cancellations.
5. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute, 15 U.S.C. § 1641 (Fair Debt Collection): Timeshare foreclosure can be judicial or non-judicial depending on state law; both damage credit and may result in deficiency judgments.
6. American Resort Development Association, 2023 State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: Average maintenance fees are approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per year, rising 3% to 5% annually; purchase prices range widely.
7. Florida Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: Timeshares: Florida AG has brought enforcement actions against developers for deceptive sales practices and misrepresentation of benefits.