Cancelling a timeshare contract? Beware false maintenance fee information.

Cancelling a timeshare contract

Illegitimate claims companies telling potential clients they will not need to pay maintenance bills once they begin the process of cancelling a timeshare contract

The end of the calendar year usually sparks a rush of enquiries from customers looking into cancelling a timeshare contract, as annual maintenance bills begin to arrive.

However, our Claims Advisors are also now starting to be approached by consumers stating that a claims management company has told them to ignore the maintenance bill once it arrives, as they have already begun cancelling a timeshare contract. Naturally, they are looking to verify whether this advice is correct.

Sadly, unless you have been successfully relinquished from your timeshare, you will still need to pay your maintenance bill for 2022. You are contracted to pay your share of the maintenance fees for the duration of your contract. The contract cannot end if money is owed.

Why am I being told to ignore my maintenance bills?

If you are being told to ignore your maintenance bill, you are dealing with either an illegitimate company, or a company who have underestimated the duration it takes to terminate a timeshare contract. Either way, the timeshare contract cannot be terminated if maintenance is in arrears. For advice and further information, you can use our contact form to request a telephone call from a member of our team.

I have been told that once the claims / relinquishment process begins, I will not receive a maintenance bill

This is a  sales tactic used by sales people in creating urgency and forcing the consumer to pay. If you are told this, you should not deal with the company. A reputable company will advise you that you must meet the obligations of your contract until such point as it can be fully cancelled.

We paid a company years ago and nothing has been done

If you find yourself in this situation, there is a strong possibility that the claims / relinquishment company you are dealing with is either owned by, or funded by your timeshare resort. Unfortunately, this is a tactic used by some less reputable resorts in order to prevent customers from exiting their timeshare, whilst simultaneously generating extra income for themselves.

Another reason such companies may do this is also to stall for time, until you pass a statute of limitation in which a claim cannot be made.

How long does cancelling a timeshare contract take?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an exact amount of time, due to the amount of variables involved. Depending on the country that you own in, how closely your home resort contest the cancellation, whether you have grounds for financial compensation, or even simply the volume of work that your timeshare lawyer has at a particular time, cancelling a timeshare contract can take anywhere from 3 – 12 months.

On the upside, if your timeshare is still yet to be successfully relinquished by the time your next maintenance bill arrives, you will still be able to utilise your allocated week(s) or points in 2022. This also applies once your contract is cancelled: after all, you have already paid for the holiday. Just be sure to say ‘no’ to any meetings with a sales rep whilst your are there, as they will be looking to convince you to stay with the resort.

What should I do if I am considering cancelling a timeshare contract?

If you have made the decision to terminate your contract, it is best to begin the process as soon as possible. Even though the reality is that it is probably now too late to avoid paying this year’s maintenance fees, prolonging the procedure may result in you falling foul of next year’s bill as well.

Our team of experienced Claims Advisors are on hand to answer any questions you may have. For professional no cost, no obligation advice, please contact us either via live chat, or via the contact form below.

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