A timeshare contract is a legal agreement that allows you to own a portion of a property for a set amount of time. It can be a great way to vacation in a destination you love, but it also has its downsides.
Unlike other vacation rental options, these contracts are not always refundable or transferable to another owner. They can be costly and are often a lifetime commitment.
There are several different types of timeshare contracts, each with their own nuances. Understanding your specific type of timeshare will help you determine whether it’s the right option for you.
Common ownership models include shared leases, right-to-use, floating weeks and points systems.
Shared leases are an alternative to owning a timeshare, but they don’t offer the same level of protection. In this model, the company owns the property and divides it into 52 different shared leases that are owned by a number of individual owners.
The owner can only use their shared lease for a certain week of the year, but the company can sell other weeks out to others who want to vacation at that particular resort. This is a popular option because it gives people access to multiple properties in the same vacation destination without having to pay full price for each visit.
Floating weeks are a less restrictive option than fixed weeks, but they can be hard to change. You’ll need to book your stay at the resort well in advance, and it might not be possible to switch your week if there are popular periods when the property is booked up.
Points systems are similar to airlines, where you “pay” for your vacation by earning points that you can use to upgrade your stay or swap it to a partner resort. This option is more flexible than fixed weeks, but you’ll need to reserve your vacation time well in advance and it’s likely that you’ll pay more points for more popular stays.
Right-to-use agreements are a common timeshare type, and they’re a good choice if you’re interested in owning a property for a long period of time. This type of contract is a little more expensive than other types of timeshares, but it’s worth it for the convenience.
A right-to-use system is a relatively new alternative to traditional timeshares, and it can be used for a wide range of property types. These are a great option for families and groups that are looking to own a large property in one location, but don’t necessarily need to use it every year.
If you’re planning on buying a timeshare, make sure to read the fine print thoroughly and take your time to choose the best type of agreement for you. The last thing you want is to buy a timeshare that will leave you dissatisfied with the experience.
You should also be aware of the rescission period you have to get out of your timeshare contract before it’s too late. Most contracts allow you to rescind your agreement within a set amount of time, but it’s critical that you act quickly.