Understanding your legal timeshare exit options

Continue reading to find out the five exit strategies that you can use in 2026.

Method 1: The rescission period

The rescission period (or cooling off period) is an amount of time legally stipulated in your contract (typically 3-15 days depending on your state) during which you can cancel your timeshare contract without penalty or obligation. This period begins immediately after signing the contract.

This is the easiest, zero-cost method, but it’s only applied during a certain amount of time depending on your state. You can check the full list of rescission period by state on our Need to Get Out of a Timeshare: Timeshare Relief and Cancellation Companies article.

Can you exit a timeshare after the rescission period?

Yes, you can exit after a rescission period, but it won’t be free. After this period, the process will become more complex. You will need to pay a certain stipulated amount, sell the timeshare or use another exit method, but you can’t stay on a timeshare.

Method 2: Use the developer's exit or deed-back program

Major brands tend to have deed-back or exit program that can cut times and be cheaper than working with third parties. So, why don’t people use them more often? It’s because these exit programs tend to have several requirements that must be met before trying to exit.

Read below some of the requirements and contact information from some of the biggest timeshare providers.

Wyndham Destinations

  • Direct telephone for their exit team: 855-312-9040

Marriott Vacation Club

  • 888-204-0407
    Hours:
    Monday through Friday
    10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time

Hilton Grand Vacation

  • Direct telephone for their exit teams
    • HGV Owners: 800-932-4482 
    • Legacy Diamond & The Club: 877-374-2582 
    • Extraordinary Escapes: 800-767-2166 
  • Email: transitions@hgv.com

Method 3: Sell or give away your timeshare

Another option is to sell your timeshare. This can be a tricky option as timeshare resale scams abound.

According to RCI (Resort Condominiums International, the pioneers of holiday exchanges), here are some of the best tips to consider to avoid timeshare resale scams. 
  1. Rent to your friends and family, if permitted by your home resort’s policy.
  2. Sell your timeshare either directly or through a verified reseller.
  3. Transfer your timeshare to a friend or family member.
  4. Donate your timeshare to a charity.

Method 4: Hire a timeshare exit company

A timeshare exit company might be your best bet at exiting a complex situation. These professionals will coach you at every step of the way to ensure a legal exit for your timeshare. A reputable exit company will have a team presenting different legal options for your case, and will have attorneys on in their exit team to ensure your trust.

Now, timeshare exit scams are not uncommon, so learning to tell the differences of a legit timeshare exit company is essential. 

How to choose a reputable timeshare exit company?

The best timeshare exit companies will provide you clear steps on how they work and won’t charge you until the process is done. The steps to a legitimate timeshare exit:

  1. Interview the timeshare exit company.
  2. Review the contract with them.
  3. Negotiation between the exit company and the timeshare provider.
  4. Receive an approximate exit timeline.
  5. Confirm the timeshare cancellation.
     
Refer to our article How To Choose the Best Timeshare Exit Company: A 2026 Guide to get all the information on what to expect and what to watch out for.

Method 5: Seek legal assistance

The average cost of a timeshare exit attorney is between $4,000 to $6,000 dollars upfront on attorney fees and another payment when cancellation is final. This process can take months to complete, but is quicker than using an attorney for resale, as that process is only completed once you get a buyer.
 
So if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a lawyer to exit my timeshare?” The answer is yes and no. Having someone looking at your timeshare contract is important, but maybe you don’t need to pay for an attorney’s fees full time to ensure your consumer protection. Instead you can look for a reputable timeshare relief company that has partner attorneys that can grant you their trustworthiness.

How much does it cost to exit a timeshare?

The average cost of timeshare cancellation services can go upward of $5,000, according to Fidelity Real Estate (as of September 2025). Some timeshare exit companies charge a percentage of the final money back, so before signing any contract, ask your timeshare exit team for the average cost of their final services.
 
Check out our True Cost of a Timeshare article to get a full breakdown of the money spent on timeshare ownership and exit costs.
 
Remember: Avoid timeshare exit scams by never paying any money upfront to a timeshare or timeshare exit company.

Frequently asked questions about legally exiting a timeshare

Can I just stop paying my timeshare maintenance fees?

No, you should never stop paying your timeshare maintenance fees or loan. Being up to date on any payments is essential to make a clean, legal exit. In fact, it is a big requirement for an in-house or third-party timeshare exit team. 

If you’ve stopped paying, a timeshare exit company can draft you a plan to get back on track and legally cancel your timeshare.

How long does it take to exit a timeshare?

There is no quick answer: a timeshare exit can go anywhere from months or until you get a buyer. Avoid any rash financial decisions practicing patience. In general, looking for an attorney or judicial based cancellation is quicker and safer than selling, but there is also the tax-aligned ABS Recovery Program offered at Serenity 1 for contract release through fast, non-litigation methods.

Get your free evaluation with our experts here.

Will exiting a timeshare hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only if done incorrectly. That is, if you’ve missed fees or paid late, or if you have an ongoing loan. Keeping payments current, even during the exit process is important to secure your credit score from taking a blow.

Can I exit a timeshare I inherited?

Yes, you can exit an inherited timeshare through different methods, such as refusing it through a disclaimer of interest, but that’s only valid nine months from the death. You can look for the timeshare’s deed-back program, allow foreclosure, but your best bet is contacting a legitimate timeshare exit company.

Are timeshare exit companies worth it?

Yes, timeshare exit companies are worth it, as they can help you cut down times and create a hassle free exit. A good timeshare exit team will present you with different processes that can fit your needs and will coach you in every step of the way. 

What is the fastest way to exit a timeshare?

The fastest way to a timeshare exit is to call your timeshare provider and ask for their internal requirements. If you meet them, they will help you cancel your contract. If you don’t meet them, having an attorney or attorney-based timeshare exit company is your safest bet over the resale market.