Are you considering exiting your Marriott Club? Luckily, you’ve several options to get out. Such as,
- Take advantage of your rescission period (if still valid)
- Contact Marriott Vacation Club directly for eligibility of their exit options
- Hire a reputable exit service to negotiate and handle the exit process on your behalf
- Try renting or listing it on the resale market
- Consider giving away or gifting it to a friend or family member
- Watch out for scams and misleading offers
This article provides detailed information on the above options for canceling a Marriott timeshare. Carefully analyze each option’s risks and challenges and choose the one that fits your situation.
1. Exit Within the Rescission Period
The rescission period is the most straightforward option for canceling a Marriott timeshare. In this method, you can legally exercise your right to exit. It is typically a limited-time window provided by law for every timeshare owner to free themselves without penalty.
However, this option is valid only for a short duration after the initial purchase and is recognized across all U.S. states.
This rescission period, also known as the” cooling-off” period, is during which you can reconsider your decision.
Rescission Period Duration:
The duration of the rescission period varies depending on the state where you purchased it. It typically ranges from 3 to 10 days, but checking your contract for the exact timeline and rescission rights is essential.
Marriott Vacation Club Cancellation Policy
Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) operates across various U.S. states, and the rescission period depends on the state where you’ve purchased your timeshare. For example, in Florida (10-day rescission period), California (7 days), Hawaii (7 days), South Carolina (5 days), Colorado (5 calendar days), Nevada (5 calendar days), Utah (5 days), Virginia (7 days), Massachusetts (3 business days), and Washington, D.C (15 calendar days). Additionally, Marriott has properties in Missouri (5 business days), Arizona (7 days), New Jersey (7 calendar days), and New York (7 calendar days).
Therefore, reviewing your contract and acting fast if you wish to cancel is crucial.
Process of Cancellation during Rescission
To cancel your Marriott timeshare, follow these steps:
Step 1: Write a Cancellation Letter: Write a formal cancellation letter to Marriott Vacation Club stating your reason for cancellation. It must also include your name, contact number, account ID, purchase date, name of the resort, mailing address, phone number, email, and signature.
Step 2: Send the Letter Before the Deadline: You must send your cancellation letter on or before the final day of your rescission period.
Step 3: Send Your Letter: Mail your letter using certified mail or any other trackable service, such as UPS or FedEx, with a return receipt.
2. Direct Negotiations with Marriott Vacation Club
After missing a rescission period, negotiating directly with the Marriott Resort is the best approach. Many resorts provide exit options and resale opportunities under certain conditions.
Various Exit Options:
- Deed-Back Program: Marriott may accept a deed-back of your timeshare and allow you to give away your timeshare. But, this option may be eligible for you if:
- You have paid off your timeshare in full.
- You own properties that your resort deems desirable for reacquisition.
- Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Marriott Vacation Club holds the Right of First Refusal when you find a buyer for your timeshare. The resort may choose to purchase the timeshare under the same terms.
Challenges in Direct Negotiation with Marriott Vacation Club:
Limited Acceptance: Marriott may not be willing to accept a deed back. Their acceptance depends on several factors, including the desirability of your property and market conditions. They may decline your request if your property has lower demand.
Aggressive Retention Strategies: Like many resorts, Marriott’s exit specialists may employ persuasive tactics to keep you in contract, such as offering alternative options or upgrades.
3. Hire a Reputable Exit Firm
Hire a reputable timeshare exit company, especially when negotiating directly didn’t work. These companies specialize in helping owners legally exit from their contracts, especially in complex situations.
A timeshare exit company is a third-party firm that handles the cancellation process on your behalf. This option can be particularly beneficial for you if:
- Your rescission period has expired.
- Direct negotiations with MVC have been unsuccessful.
- High maintenance fees burden you.
- A loan or mortgage overburdens your timeshare.
Read to know how you can cancel your timeshare mortgage and maintenance fees.
Benefits of Hiring a Reputable Exit Company
Handle Complex Cases: These exit companies have years of experience dealing with different timeshare exit situations, including those involving legal complexities.
Negotiating: These exit companies can effectively deal with Marriott Vacation Club on your behalf.
Understanding Manipulative Tactics: Engaging a reputable timeshare exit company with in-depth knowledge of resort manipulative tactics can significantly increase your chances of successfully exiting your ownership.
Pro Tips to Avoid Exit Scams:
While many professional exit companies exist, the industry is also full of fraudulent companies. Therefore you must
- Thoroughly Research: Look for exit companies with Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, positive customer feedback, and a proven track record.
- No Upfront Fees: Be cautious of companies that ask for large upfront payments before providing services.
- Avoid Guaranteed Outcomes: No reliable company can guarantee a successful timeshare exit. Such guarantees are often promises of scam companies.
Are these enough to find a reliable exit company?
The trust is that many exit companies know how to display themselves to appear trustworthy. So don’t take that risk!
Contact Timeshare Cancellation for detailed guidance on scam strategies. Our team of experts can also review your contract and recommend reputable exit companies that utilize the escrow payment model and align with your situation.
4. Rent out Your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare
Consider renting your timeshare to cover your annual maintenance fees and other expenses while exploring other exit options. But renting is a risky option.
Why Renting is a Risky Path?
Renting a timeshare carries many risks, making it the least favorable option.
- No Complete Exit: Renting does not allow you to exit the contract. It is a temporary solution to relieve financial burdens.
- Financial Responsibilities: When renting out your timeshare, you must still pay maintenance fees, taxes, and other financial obligations.
- Liable for Damage: You’ll be liable to pay for repairs or maintenance if your renter damages the property.
- Less Demand: There is a low demand for timeshare rentals because nobody wants to rent a timeshare; instead, they prefer to book accommodation, which they think is cheaper.
5. Sell your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare
You can sell your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare if you no longer use it. But it’s not always easy. Unlike traditional real estate, most timeshares tend to depreciate over time, and the resale market is often limited.
Is selling the Right Exit Strategy?
Selling is not the proper way to exit due to many reasons, such as:
- Oversupply of Timeshares: An oversupply in the market makes it difficult for your timeshares to stand out.
- Depreciation: Timeshares typically depreciate over time. When you resell them, you may get less than what you originally paid. Moreover, many owners nowadays list their timeshares for as little as $1 on various online platforms, such as eBay. You may sell at a lower price or even for free to free yourself.
- Less Demand: There is very low demand for purchasing a timeshare in the resale market, as many travelers prefer options like booking Airbnb or regular hotels.
- Fraudulent Resale Companies: Many dishonest companies are interested in pocketing the fees. These companies often promise fast sales and high resale values and charge upfront fees to list your timeshare.
6. Give Away Your Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare
Like many timeshare owners, you can also give away your timeshare to get rid of the burden. However, this might only work if your family member, relative, friend, or someone else is willing to take on the timeshare and understands its ongoing costs.
Giving away should be done legally and correctly, as it involves many financial and legal risks. It’s worth noting that many resorts do not allow transfer so you might have to get approval from your resort to transfer your timeshare. Also, like many, your resort may block transfer and make it difficult for you to give away.
Additionally, Florida state (Chapter 721, Section 17) states that even if the contracts are canceled or rejected due to bankruptcy, the original owner will still be bound by contract obligations.
Therefore, if you opt for this route, consider involving a legal professional or a title transfer company to ensure the process is handled legally.
Legal Consideration
If all exit options fail and your timeshare becomes a financial burden, it may be time to consider taking legal action. This option can provide you a way out, but it should only be taken under specific conditions.
If your resort has pressured you to sign a contract, provided you with false information, or does not accept your deed-back request even after qualifying, you can take legal action. A lawyer with expertise in timeshare law can assess your situation, identify potential grounds for cancellation, and guide you through the process of seeking relief from unwanted contractual obligations.
Timeline and Cost Expectation for Each Option
Here’s a brief overview of each option’s timeline and associated costs.
| Method | Timeline | Cost |
| Rescission (cooling-off) | 1–2 weeks | Free |
| Work with Diamond directly | 3–12 months | Free–$1000
Admin Fees or Back Dues |
| Hire an exit company/law firm
(Without Escrow) |
3–12 months | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Hire an exit company/law firm
(With Escrow) |
6–24 months | $4,000-$10,000+ |
| Sell it | 2–6 months | $100-$1000 Listing/Transfer Fees |
| Give it away | 2–6 months | $100-$1000 Listing/Transfer Fees |
| Legal Action | 6–24 months or more | $5,000-$10,000+ Case by case varies |
Lawsuits Against Marriott Vacation Club
The Timeshare Law firm filed lawsuits against major timeshare companies, including MVC, alleging that the club has violated consumer laws designed to protect purchasers. These lawsuits claim that Marriott failed to provide government-mandated warnings, such as difficulty reselling timeshares and a lack of investment value.
Moreover, various lawsuits have been filed against MVC alleging misleading practices, deceptive sales practices, misrepresentation of property availability, high-pressure sales tactics, and the omission of hidden fees. These practices left many owners feeling misled and financially burdened.
If standard cancellation routes don’t work and you also feel misled during the timeshare purchase, you can consult a timeshare attorney or join an existing lawsuit to fight for a release.
Conclusion
Canceling a Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare isn’t a simple decision. Whether you exit within the rescission period, negotiate with your resort, hire an exit company, sell your timeshare, or consider renting it out, each method has its benefits and risks.
However, remember that taking action is better than staying stuck in the timeshare. So, explore your options and find a permanent exit solution. If you can’t figure it out alone, Timeshare Cancellation can help you. Our expert team will help you understand your rights, avoid exit scams, and connect you with reliable exit companies that use an escrow payment option.
FAQs
Q1: How can I cancel my Marriott Vacation Club membership within 10 days?
During rescission, you can cancel your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare within 10 days. Check your contract details, and if you’re still within this initial period, you can apply for cancellation by writing a formal letter to Marriott within the specified timeline.
Q2: How do I sell my Marriott timeshare?
To sell your Marriott timeshare, research recent sales of similar timeshares to set a price. Then, list your timeshare on reputable platforms like Redweek, Fidelity Real Estate, or Timeshare Only. Once you find a buyer, work with a licensed broker to handle the transfer of ownership.
Q3: Does Marriott Vacation Club buy back timeshares?
Marriott Vacation Club usually does not offer a formal buyback program. However, in some cases, they may provide a deed-back or surrender program if your ownership is fully paid off, your account is in a good position, and the resort has demand for points you own.