Cancelling a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trapped in a contract with escalating maintenance fees and limited availability. Whether you purchased at a high-pressure sales presentation or inherited an unwanted timeshare, you have legal options to exit your Marriott contract permanently.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the exact strategies attorneys use to cancel Marriott timeshares, including rescission rights, breach of contract claims, and negotiation tactics. By the end, you'll understand your legal options and know the next steps to regain your financial freedom.
What You'll Learn
- Understanding your Marriott timeshare contract
- The rescission period (easiest exit method)
- Breach of contract claims and sales violations
- Marriott's official exit program pros and cons
- Attorney-led negotiation strategies
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Real case study with results
Understanding Your Marriott Timeshare Contract
Before attempting to cancel your Marriott Vacation Club timeshare, you must understand the specific terms of your contract. Marriott timeshares come in several forms:
- Deeded Ownership: You own a specific week or points at a particular resort
- Points-Based System: You purchase points to book stays across Marriott properties
- Right-to-Use: You have usage rights for a set period (typically 30-50 years)
Each contract type has different cancellation implications. Review your contract to identify the purchase date, rescission period, maintenance fee obligations, and any clauses related to termination or transfer.
Method 1: Rescission Period (The Easiest Exit)
What is the Rescission Period?
The rescission period (also called the "cooling-off period") is a legally mandated window during which you can cancel your timeshare contract without penalty. This is your strongest legal right and the easiest way to exit a Marriott timeshare.
Time-Sensitive: Act Immediately
The rescission period begins the day you sign the contract, not when you return home. Marriott cannot legally close on the deal or file the deed until this period expires. If you're still within your window, this is your fastest and easiest exit option.
Marriott Timeshare Rescission Timeline
The rescission period for Marriott Vacation Club varies by state:
| State | Rescission Period |
|---|---|
| Florida | 10 days |
| California | 7 days |
| Nevada | 5 days |
| Arizona | 7 days |
| Hawaii | 7 days |
| Most Other States | 3-10 days |
How to Cancel During the Rescission Period
If you're still within your rescission window, follow these steps:
- Act Immediately: Time is critical. Don't wait.
- Write a Cancellation Letter: State clearly that you are exercising your right to rescind the contract. Include your name, contract number, purchase date, and property details.
- Send Via Multiple Methods: Email the letter AND send it via certified mail with return receipt to the address specified in your contract.
- Keep All Documentation: Save copies of your letter, tracking numbers, and any responses from Marriott.
- Stop All Payments: Do not make any additional payments once you've submitted your rescission notice.
Marriott typically has up to 45 days to refund your money, though most refunds are processed within 2-3 weeks.
Method 2: Breach of Contract Claims
If you're outside the rescission period, the next most effective strategy is identifying breaches of contract or deceptive sales practices. Marriott sales presentations are notorious for high-pressure tactics and misrepresentations.
Common Marriott Sales Violations
Attorneys specializing in timeshare cancellation look for these violations:
- Misrepresentation of Investment Value: Sales reps claiming the timeshare will appreciate in value or generate rental income
- False Promises About Availability: Guarantees that you can book any resort, any time
- Failure to Disclose Fees: Hiding the true cost of annual maintenance fees or special assessments
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Refusing to let you leave presentations, withholding promised gifts unless you purchase
- Fraudulent Appraisals: Inflating the "market value" of the timeshare to justify the purchase price
Success Rate with Breach of Contract Claims
Experienced timeshare attorneys report a 95-99% success rate when legitimate contract violations exist. The key is thorough documentation and expert legal representation.