How to Get Out of Marriott Vacation Club: Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Are you feeling the weight of annual maintenance fees, struggling to book the vacations you were promised, or simply finding that your Marriott Vacation Club membership no longer aligns with your lifestyle? You're not alone. Many owners eventually find themselves in this position, and the good news is, there are indeed ways to navigate your exit. This guide will walk you through the various avenues available, from direct negotiation to legal recourse, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Step 1: Let's Talk About Your "Why"
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of exit strategies, take a moment to reflect. Why are you looking to get out of your Marriott Vacation Club membership? Is it the ever-increasing maintenance fees? The difficulty in booking desired locations or times? Perhaps your travel habits have changed, or you feel you were misled during the sales presentation. Understanding your primary motivation will help you determine the most effective exit strategy.
Financial Burden: Are the annual fees, special assessments, or even the initial loan payments becoming unmanageable?
Lack of Use/Availability: Are you finding it impossible to use your points or weeks for the vacations you want, or at all?
Buyer's Remorse/Misrepresentation: Do you feel you were pressured into buying, or that the terms and benefits were misrepresented to you?
Life Changes: Has your family situation, health, or financial circumstances changed, making timeshare ownership no longer feasible or desirable?
Pinpointing your reasons will be crucial for any discussions or actions you take moving forward.
Step 2: Gather Your Arsenal: Document Everything!
This is perhaps the most critical step regardless of the path you choose. You need to have all your ducks in a row.
Sub-heading: What Documents Do You Need?
Original Contract: This is your foundational document. It outlines the terms of your ownership, including the type (deeded vs. right-to-use), the duration, maintenance fee obligations, and crucial cancellation clauses.
Welcome Kit/Member Handbook: Contains important program rules, booking procedures, and contact information.
Maintenance Fee Statements: Keep a record of all your past and current maintenance fee invoices and payments.
Loan Documents (if applicable): If you financed your timeshare, have all loan agreements and payment records readily available.
Correspondence with Marriott Vacation Club: This includes emails, letters, chat transcripts, and detailed notes of phone calls (dates, times, names of representatives, what was discussed). This is especially important if you've experienced issues with booking or service.
Marketing Materials/Sales Presentations: Any brochures, flyers, or recorded presentations that influenced your purchase can be vital, especially if you believe there was misrepresentation.
Proof of Payments: Bank statements or credit card statements showing payments made to Marriott.
Organize these documents neatly. A digital folder with scanned copies and a physical binder are highly recommended.
Step 3: The Immediate Escape Hatch: The Rescission Period
If you've recently purchased your Marriott Vacation Club membership, you have a limited, but crucial, window to cancel without penalty. This is known as the rescission period or "cooling-off period."
Sub-heading: Understanding the Rescission Period
Timeframe is Key: The length of the rescission period varies significantly by state (or country if purchased internationally) and typically ranges from 3 to 15 days. For example, in Florida, it's generally 10 days, while in Nevada, it's 5 days. Check your specific contract and the laws of the state where you purchased your timeshare.
Written Notice is MANDATORY: To cancel during this period, you must submit a formal written cancellation request.
Certified Mail is Your Best Friend: Send your cancellation letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides undeniable proof that you sent the letter and that it was received, and on what date. This is paramount for legal protection.
Refund Process: If you successfully rescind within this period, any funds paid, including your down payment, should be refunded in full.
Act immediately if you are within this timeframe. This is the simplest and least costly way to exit.
Step 4: Post-Rescission Options: Navigating the Long Game
If the rescission period has passed, your options become more complex but are still viable. Here's a breakdown of common strategies:
Sub-heading: Option A: Direct Communication with Marriott Vacation Club
While it might seem daunting, sometimes Marriott itself can offer solutions, especially if you have a legitimate reason for wanting out.
Contact Owner Services/Customer Advocacy: Reach out to Marriott's dedicated owner services or customer advocacy team. Be polite, firm, and factual. Clearly state your desire to exit and your reasons.
Be Prepared to Negotiate: They may offer solutions like a "deed-back" program (where they take the ownership back), a "transfer" program, or even a discounted exit fee.
Highlight Hardship (if applicable): If you are experiencing financial hardship, health issues, or other significant life changes, clearly articulate how these circumstances prevent you from fulfilling your ownership obligations. Provide documentation if requested.
Stick to the Facts: Avoid emotional pleas. Focus on the contractual obligations, any alleged misrepresentations, or your inability to utilize the product as intended.
Get Everything in Writing: Never rely on verbal agreements. Insist on all offers and resolutions being provided in writing.
Beware of Upselling: Be wary of them trying to "upgrade" you or sell you more points as a solution. This is a common tactic to keep you in the system.
Sub-heading: Option B: Selling Your Marriott Vacation Club Membership
The resale market for timeshares, including Marriott, can be challenging, but it's an option, especially if your timeshare is paid off.
Understand the Market Reality: Timeshares generally depreciate significantly in value. Do not expect to recoup your original purchase price. Many timeshares sell for a fraction of their original cost, sometimes even for $1.
Licensed Resale Brokers: Consider working with a licensed timeshare resale broker. They can help you list your ownership and navigate the complexities of the resale process.
Crucial Tip: Avoid companies that demand large upfront fees for listing or advertising. Legitimate brokers typically work on a commission basis, getting paid only when the sale closes.
Online Marketplaces: Explore reputable online platforms dedicated to timeshare resales. Be cautious and do your research on any buyer.
"Right of First Refusal" (ROFR): Be aware that Marriott Vacation Club often has a "Right of First Refusal" clause in its contracts. This means if you find a buyer, Marriott may have the right to step in and purchase the timeshare themselves under the same terms. This can sometimes be beneficial as it means Marriott is effectively buying it back from you.
Sub-heading: Option C: Timeshare Exit Companies / Attorneys
If direct negotiation or resale proves unsuccessful, or if you believe you were a victim of fraudulent sales practices, a timeshare exit company or an attorney specializing in timeshare law might be your best bet.
Timeshare Exit Companies: These companies act as intermediaries, negotiating with the timeshare developer on your behalf.
Due Diligence is Paramount: Research any company thoroughly. Check their reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and other reputable consumer review sites. Look for companies with a proven track record and transparent pricing.
Red Flags to Watch For: High upfront fees with no guarantees, pressure tactics, unrealistic promises of quick exits, or companies that advise you to stop paying your maintenance fees immediately without a legal strategy.
Timeshare Attorneys: A timeshare attorney can offer legal advice tailored to your specific situation and may be able to pursue litigation if warranted (e.g., in cases of fraud or misrepresentation).
Advantages: An attorney has a fiduciary duty to you and can represent your interests legally. They can assess if your contract has legal vulnerabilities or if you have a strong case for misrepresentation.
Consideration: Legal fees can be substantial, so weigh the potential costs against the benefits.
Sub-heading: Option D: Deed-Back Programs (if offered)
Some timeshare developers, including Marriott in certain situations, may offer a "deed-back" or "relinquishment" program.
What it is: This is when the developer agrees to take the deed to your timeshare back, effectively releasing you from your ownership obligations.
Conditions Apply: These programs are often conditional. You typically need to be in good standing (all maintenance fees and loans paid up) and may need to demonstrate financial hardship. Some developers may also charge a fee for this service.
Not a Buy-Back: It's important to understand that this is generally not a buy-back. You won't be paid for your ownership; you'll simply be released from future obligations.
Step 5: Crucial Considerations & Warnings
As you embark on this journey, keep these vital points in mind:
DO NOT Stop Paying Maintenance Fees Prematurely: Unless explicitly advised by a qualified timeshare attorney as part of a strategic legal plan, stopping payments can severely damage your credit score, lead to collections, foreclosures, and even lawsuits from the timeshare company.
Beware of Scams: The timeshare exit industry has its share of unscrupulous companies. Be vigilant and thoroughly vet any company or individual offering assistance.
Patience is a Virtue: Exiting a timeshare, especially after the rescission period, can be a lengthy process, often taking several months or even years, particularly if legal action is involved.
Document EVERYTHING (again!): We can't stress this enough. Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and actions taken.
Seek Professional Advice: While this guide provides general information, your situation is unique. Consulting with a qualified timeshare attorney or a reputable timeshare exit specialist is highly recommended for personalized advice.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to know if I'm still in my Marriott Vacation Club rescission period?
Check your original purchase contract for the specific timeframe (usually 3-15 days) and the laws of the state where you signed the contract. This period begins from the date of contract execution or receipt of statutory disclosure documents.
How to write a Marriott Vacation Club cancellation letter during the rescission period?
Your letter should be clear and concise, stating your intent to cancel, your contract number, and purchase date. Send it via certified mail with a return receipt requested to the address specified in your contract for cancellations.
How to contact Marriott Vacation Club directly for exit options?
You can typically find contact information for Owner Services or Customer Advocacy on the Marriott Vacation Club website or in your member handbook. Be prepared with your account details and a clear explanation of your situation.
How to sell Marriott Vacation Club points on the resale market?
You can list your points through licensed timeshare resale brokers who work on a commission-only basis, or on reputable online timeshare marketplaces. Be realistic about the resale value, as timeshares often sell for much less than their original price.
How to find a reputable timeshare exit company for Marriott Vacation Club?
Research companies on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and other consumer review sites. Look for transparent pricing, clear contracts, and avoid those demanding large upfront fees or guaranteeing unrealistic timelines.
How to determine if a Marriott Vacation Club deed-back program is available to me?
Contact Marriott Vacation Club's owner services directly and inquire about their deed-back or relinquishment programs. Be aware that eligibility often requires being in good standing with your account (no outstanding fees or loans).
How to understand the "Right of First Refusal" (ROFR) for Marriott Vacation Club resales?
The ROFR clause in your contract gives Marriott the option to purchase your timeshare if you find a buyer, matching the terms of your agreed-upon sale. Your licensed resale broker will typically manage this process.
How to protect my credit score when trying to exit Marriott Vacation Club?
Continue making all payments (maintenance fees, loan payments) until you have a legally binding agreement to exit or are explicitly advised by a qualified timeshare attorney to stop as part of a legal strategy. Stopping payments can severely damage your credit.
How to identify potential fraud or misrepresentation in my Marriott Vacation Club purchase?
Look for discrepancies between what was promised during the sales presentation (e.g., guaranteed bookings, investment potential) and the reality of your ownership experience. Gather any marketing materials or notes from the sales pitch.
How to get legal assistance for exiting Marriott Vacation Club?
Seek out an attorney who specializes in timeshare law. They can review your contract, assess your case for misrepresentation or fraud, and advise on legal strategies, including litigation if necessary.
