Your Timeshare Contract

Understanding your contract is the first step.

Do you have a TImeshare Ownership or a Vacation Club Membership? 

Deeded Timeshare Ownership

What it means:

  • You actually own a piece of real estate (like a fraction of a condo or resort unit).
  • Your ownership is backed by a legal deed, just like owning a house.

Key features:

  • Recorded deed: Filed in public property records.
  • Usually perpetual: You own it indefinitely (can pass it to heirs).
  • Property rights: You can sell, rent, gift, or will it.
  • Maintenance fees required: Ongoing and often increase over time.
  • Harder to exit: Because it’s real property, you can’t just “cancel” easily.

Think of it like:

Owning a tiny slice of a vacation property.

Non-Deeded Timeshare Membership (Right-to-Use / Points-Based)

What it means:

  • You do NOT own real estate.
  • You’re buying the right to use properties for a set number of years.

Key features:

  • No deed: It’s a contract, not property ownership.
  • Fixed term: Often 10–50 years (expires eventually).
  • Points or usage rights: Used to book stays within a network.
  • Fees still apply: Annual dues or maintenance-like fees.
  • Easier to exit (sometimes): Since it’s not real estate, cancellation may be simpler—but not always guaranteed.

Think of it like:

A long-term vacation subscription or club membership.