If you have a timeshare with RCI (Resort Condominiums International) and received weeks through your membership, you may be considering your choices for how to monetize these weeks when you’re not able to use them. If your vacation schedule is uncertain, or you just haven’t found time to travel, renting out your weeks through RCI can be an excellent way to get as much value as possible out of your investment. This guide breaks down in greater detail how renting your RCI weeks works, its benefits, step-by-step practical tips to help you rent your unused weeks, alternatives that you may wish to consider and what you need to know before getting started.
Can I Rent My RCI Weeks?
Yes, you can also rent out your RCI weeks. If you’re unable to use your RCI weeks for a given year, selling your timeshare weeks to renters can be a great solution. Most owners try to rent their timeshare weeks in order to cover maintenance fees or to earn some money. RCI enables members to rent their weeks through multiple methods, both internally through its platform and externally through other services.
Renting your RCI weeks will cash your unused asset. But you need to know the rules and policies related to renting your RCI weeks to go a long way in ensuring that you are doing the right thing.
How Renting RCI Weeks Works
We’re talking about renting RCI weeks, where you rent out your timeshare week for a cost to other people — usually on a weekly basis. If you are an RCI member, chances are you have access to a marketplace of vacationers looking for rental options at RCI affiliated resorts.
Important Details for Renting RCI Weeks:
- Booking Window: RCI weeks are usually available to rent up to 12 months in advance, subject to availability.
- Renting to Family and Friends: After listing your weeks, you can rent them to interested vacationers either on a direct basis with payment going to you directly or through rent channels with intermediaries such as RCI or other vacation rental dedicated channels.
- Property Management: Typically, the property management company or the resort will take care of maintenance and booking details after a renter works.
The process is relatively simple once you understand the logistics and rules of RCI’s rental system.
Eligibility for Renting RCI Weeks
To rent your RCI weeks, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet as a timeshare owner:
Common Eligibility Requirements:
- Active RCI Membership: You must be an active member with RCI and have unassigned weeks available in your account.
- Paid Maintenance Fees: All outstanding maintenance fees should be paid up-to-date before renting your RCI weeks.
- Ownership Type: You must own weeks that are available for rent and not currently reserved for personal use or another exchange.
You can verify eligibility by checking with RCI’s customer service or referring to the specific terms in your timeshare agreement.
For additional details, explore our comprehensive Timeshare Cancellation Systems.
Benefits of Renting Your RCI Weeks
The following benefits make renting out your RCI weeks a good idea for many timeshare owners. A closer look at the main benefits:
Advantages of renting RCI weeks:
- Financial Profit: Renting out your unused weeks may allow you to recover a portion of your timeshare’s yearly maintenance fees or even earn extra money.
- Flexibility: Many members can’t use their timeshare for a specific year so renting allows them to gain the value of their ownership without having to let it go.
- Benefit Others: If you rent to friends, family, or new customers, you offer others the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of staying at an RCI-affiliated resort without having to own a timeshare.
- No Need to Sell: Renting your weeks is a great alternative if you’re not ready to sell your timeshare but don’t want to waste the weeks either.
Renting can earn income that can greatly offset the cost of ownership for those who don’t use their timeshare every year.
How to Rent Your RCI Weeks
Renting your RCI weeks requires careful planning and the right platform to list your weeks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Steps to Rent RCI Weeks:
- Check Your RCI Membership: Confirm that you are an active member with available, unbooked weeks.
- Review the Rental Policies: Before listing, ensure that your resort and the terms of your RCI membership allow rentals. Some resorts may have specific restrictions.
- List Your Week: RCI offers an internal rental platform where you can list your week. You can also use third-party services like RedWeek or RentMyTimeshareNow to maximize visibility.
- Set a Rental Price: Research similar rentals to ensure you are pricing your weeks competitively. The cost will depend on the resort’s location, time of year, and resort amenities.
- Confirm the Rental: Once you find a renter, finalize the transaction. RCI or a third-party platform might handle the payment and paperwork, but you’ll need to confirm dates and other details.
- Transfer Reservation: After securing a renter, the resort or RCI typically facilitates the reservation transfer process, ensuring both parties are satisfied.
By using reputable platforms and following the right steps, you can increase the chances of successfully renting your RCI weeks.
RCI Points vs. RCI Weeks: Can You Rent Points Instead?
Many owners wonder whether they can rent their RCI points instead of the traditional RCI weeks. The answer is yes, but with some important distinctions:
RCI Points Rental:
- Point-Based System: RCI also offers a points-based system, where owners can use points for stays at participating resorts, or they can exchange them.
- Rental Limitations: While renting RCI points is possible, it’s often more difficult than renting RCI weeks. The points system is more complex, and many resorts do not permit point rentals to non-members.
- Internal Platforms: RCI members typically cannot rent points directly on the RCI platform, but they can sell or transfer their points to another person or family member for use.
If you have RCI points and are considering renting, it’s essential to understand that the process may require more effort and is often subject to stricter regulations.
RCI Weeks Rental Policies
RCI has clear policies surrounding the rental of your weeks. These guidelines ensure that both owners and renters are protected during the process. Here are some key rental policies to keep in mind:
Key Rental Policies:
- Resort Approval: Some resorts may not allow owners to rent their weeks, while others might require a formal approval process.
- Availability: You cannot rent out a week that you have already reserved for your personal use or have deposited into the exchange program.
- Rental Fees: RCI may charge a fee to list your week on their platform, depending on your membership and the resort.
- Transfer of Ownership: Rentals are often treated as temporary transfers of the ownership week. This means that renters do not acquire any rights to the timeshare beyond their rental period.
Make sure to read the full rental terms in your RCI agreement to ensure you are compliant with all regulations.
The Best RCI Resorts to Rent Weeks
Not all RCI resorts are equal in terms of rental value. Some resorts are more popular and in higher demand than others, making them ideal candidates for renting out your weeks.
Top RCI Resorts for Rentals:
- Marriott Vacation Club: Known for luxury resorts in destinations like Hawaii, Florida, and the Caribbean.
- Hilton Grand Vacations: Offers high-end properties with incredible amenities in desirable vacation spots.
- Wyndham Resorts: Popular for their diverse locations and family-friendly accommodations.
- Disney Vacation Club: Especially valuable for families, with properties near Disney parks and unique family-focused amenities.
Researching the market demand at specific resorts can help you decide which weeks are more likely to rent quickly and for a higher price.
How Much Can You Earn by Renting Your RCI Weeks?
The amount you can earn by renting your RCI weeks depends on several factors, including the resort, the season, and the demand for accommodations at your chosen destination.
Factors Affecting Rental Earnings:
- Location: High-demand vacation destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, or major U.S. cities typically earn higher rental fees.
- Seasonality: Weeks during peak vacation seasons (holidays, summer) will generally generate more income than off-peak times.
- Resort Quality: Luxury resorts with extensive amenities tend to command higher rental prices.
On average, you could earn anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more for a week’s rental, depending on these factors. It’s essential to set a competitive price and offer flexibility in your rental terms to maximize your earnings.
Alternatives to Renting Your RCI Weeks
If renting your RCI weeks doesn’t appeal to you, there are several alternative options to consider:
Alternative Options:
- Exchanging Your Week: Use your week to exchange for a different resort or location through RCI’s exchange program.
- Selling Your Timeshare: If renting isn’t ideal, selling your timeshare might be an option, although it can be more complex.
- Donating: Some owners donate their unused weeks to charity, which can be a tax-deductible option.
Each alternative has its pros and cons, so consider your personal needs before choosing the right path.
Tips for Successfully Renting RCI Weeks
To maximize your chances of successfully renting your RCI weeks, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tips for Success:
- Advertise Widely: Use multiple platforms, including RCI’s rental system and third-party vacation rental sites, to reach more potential renters.
- Be Flexible: Offering flexible rental terms can attract more renters, especially during peak times.
- Price Competitively: Research similar rentals to ensure you are setting a fair and competitive price for your week.
- Maintain Your Week: Ensure your timeshare is in good condition, as well-maintained resorts often fetch higher rental prices.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding reliable renters and ensuring a smooth rental process.
