how to get out of marriott vacation club

3 min read 09-12-2024

how to get out of marriott vacation club

Meta Description: Tired of Marriott Vacation Club? Learn how to escape those timeshare obligations! This comprehensive guide explores various methods to get out of your Marriott Vacation Club contract, including resale, rental, and legal options. We'll cover the process step-by-step and help you navigate the complexities of timeshare exit. Find the best solution for your situation and regain your financial freedom.

Understanding Your Marriott Vacation Club Contract

Before exploring exit strategies, thoroughly understand your Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) contract. Locate your original purchase agreement and any addendums. This document details your specific terms, fees, and potential exit clauses. Knowing your contract inside and out is crucial for navigating the exit process.

Key Contractual Elements to Note:

Purchase date: Knowing the exact date will be vital for calculating any remaining fees or penalties.
Maintenance fees: Understand the annual fees and how they increase over time. These can be substantial.
Right of rescission: Check if you have a period (often 14 days) from the purchase date to cancel without penalty. This is usually only applicable to recent purchases.
Transferability: Does your contract allow you to transfer ownership to another person? This is sometimes a viable exit strategy.
Early termination fees: Understand the financial penalties for early termination as stipulated in your contract.

Methods to Exit Marriott Vacation Club

There are several approaches to exiting your Marriott Vacation Club membership. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your individual circumstances.

1. Reselling Your Marriott Vacation Club Membership

This involves finding a buyer willing to purchase your timeshare ownership. While it's possible to recoup some of your initial investment, you'll likely experience a significant loss due to the nature of the timeshare market.

Online marketplaces: Websites specializing in timeshare resales can list your ownership. However, be prepared for lengthy selling periods and potentially low offers.
Working with a timeshare resale company: These companies handle the listing and sale process, but they typically charge fees. Be cautious and research thoroughly before using such services. Read reviews carefully. Check their licensing and ensure they are reputable.
Direct sales: You can attempt to sell your ownership directly to individuals through online advertisements or word-of-mouth.

Challenges: The resale market for timeshares is notoriously difficult. Expect to accept a lower price than what you originally paid.

2. Renting Out Your Marriott Vacation Club Points

Instead of selling, you can rent out your points to others. This can generate some income to offset your maintenance fees. However, it's unlikely to fully cover them, especially considering the administrative work involved.

Online rental platforms: Several platforms specialize in timeshare rentals. Understand their fees and terms before listing your points.
Direct rentals: Consider advertising directly to individuals who may need vacation accommodations.

Challenges: Finding renters consistently can be challenging. You're responsible for marketing and managing your rentals.

3. Deed Back to Marriott

Some individuals attempt to deed their timeshare back to Marriott. The likelihood of success is low. Marriott isn't obligated to accept a return, and often charges significant fees even if they do.

Challenges: Consider this option only as a last resort, as it usually involves substantial fees and little to no return on your investment.

4. Legal Assistance

In some cases, legal action may be an option if you believe there was misrepresentation or fraud during your initial purchase. Consult with a timeshare attorney specializing in exit strategies. They can assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action. This is often an expensive option.

Challenges: This route is costly and time-consuming. Success isn't guaranteed.

Choosing the Right Exit Strategy

The best approach depends on your circumstances. Consider:

Financial resources: Resale or legal action may require upfront investment.
Time commitment: Reselling requires ongoing effort, while legal action is lengthy.
Risk tolerance: Reselling has the risk of not recovering your investment, while legal action has an uncertain outcome.

Carefully assess your priorities before selecting a strategy.

Avoiding Timeshare Traps in the Future

Learn from this experience and take steps to prevent future timeshare entanglements.

Thoroughly research before purchasing: Never feel pressured into a quick decision.
Read the fine print: Understand all aspects of the contract before signing.
Seek independent legal advice: Consult a lawyer to review any contract before signing.

Exiting a Marriott Vacation Club membership can be challenging but achievable. By understanding the various options and carefully weighing their pros and cons, you can find the best solution and regain control of your finances. Remember to consult with professionals for personalized advice tailored to your situation.