Curious about how to get rid of a timeshare legally? Whether your vacation needs have changed or you knew it was a mistake the day after you signed the papers, it’s not uncommon to want to get out of a timeshare. Loan terms typically last about 103 months with the interest rate sitting at a steep 13.8%. Here are a few of the options you have for getting out of your timeshare legally.

How To Get Rid Of A Timeshare Legally

Deed-Back

One of the ways to legally get rid of a timeshare is to simply call the developer and see if you can deed the timeshare back to the resort. This is known as a ‘deed-back’ and is part of many timeshare contracts, especially those owned by major names. If you’re not sure if your contract includes any sort of deed-back, be sure to read through all your timeshare paperwork and do some research on the developer.

Rent Out

Another option for those feeling the financial strain of timeshare payments these last few years is renting out their timeshare. Most contracts allow for subletting and many timeshares are listed on sites like Airbnb for exactly this reason.

Gift It

If you can afford legal fees like deed transfers, etc. then giving your timeshare away as a gift to a family member or friend is another way to legally extricate yourself from your contract. While this is best done when the timeshare is paid off, it can also be done when there is still a mortgage on it — it just makes things a little more complicated.

The Bottom Line

There are many options for how to get rid of a timeshare legally. It’s really just a matter of finding the best solution for your current financial state. Returning the timeshare to the resort with a deed-back should probably be your first choice if it’s contractually a possibility for you. If this isn’t possible for any reason, then renting out your timeshare to help offset the payments is another, longer-term option that lessens some of the financial strain. If neither of these are good options for you, then gifting the paid-off timeshare a friend or family member may be the best way to go.