How Can I Get a Release from a Timeshare Association

Maybe you had a few years where you were making more money than you expected; maybe you had some extra time and were looking for a great vacation option. Or maybe you just fell for a slick sales pitch. Whatever the reason you signed on originally, desires and circumstances change, and things aren't always as they seem. So if you find yourself in a timeshare contract and wanting to get a timeshare release, you're not alone.

Getting a Timeshare Release

The burden of an unwanted timeshare agreement can be a huge drain on finances, and it's made worse by the fact that timeshare agreements are notoriously hard to break. However, there are a few options you can try.

Put it in Someone Else's Hands

Some timeshares offer "buy back" systems where you can sell your timeshare back to the owners themselves, although it will be at a seriously reduced price. You may also consider selling your timeshare to another person who might be interested, but your odds of doing this (at a reasonable price) are also fairly slim, since there are many more people looking to sell than there are to buy.

If you consider reselling, you should speak to a broker, who might be able to help you negotiate a better deal, but keep in mind there's no getting blood from a stone – and also look out for dishonest brokers, who are a dime a dozen in the world of timeshare sales. The same goes for title transfer companies, who may take over your title for you at a fee, but who, once again, might try to rip you off while doing it.

Basically, if you're desperate to get out of your agreement, you can probably find a way to sell it off as long as you are willing to lose money on the deal – perhaps a lot. In fact, it's not out of the question to outright give your timeshare away – there are companies that accept your timeshare as a tax-deductible donation. At least that way you won't lose even more money to broker's fees.

Stop Paying For it and Accept the Consequences

Desperate enough to get out of your timeshare? Stop paying. In today's troubled economic market, you won't be the first, but nor will the timeshare hesitate for too long before at least considering taking you to court. You may have a few defenses for yourself, which you should by all means consider at this point. For example, some owners are able to prove that the timeshare was misrepresented in the advertising, or that the agreement did not fully disclose all of the fees, and are thus able to get the judgment against them dismissed. If you don't have any such options, you should prepare for a black mark on your credit – and you should probably get a lawyer.

Getting Help

If you are seeking release from a timeshare association, you may wish to contact an experienced attorney. He can explain to you what, if any, legal options you may have for seeking release. Likewise, if you simply decide to stop paying for a timeshare association, you'll also want a lawyer on your side to help you deal with the legal ramifications of your choice.

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