While Marriott Vacation Club provides one of the most luxurious timeshare experiences available, to many owners the associated fees and binding contracts soon become a burden. Are you tired of your Marriott Vacation Club and want to cancel the membership? This complete guide will explain how you can cancel your Marriott Vacation Club membership, as well as the relevant policies and steps to take if you are outside of their rescission period. In the end, you will know if your timeshare is worth keeping or not and then going forward, what CancelTimeshareGeek can possibly do for you.
How to Cancel Your Marriott Vacation Club Membership
Cancelling a Marriott Vacation Club membership isn’t always easy. Depending on how long you’ve owned the timeshare, your options for cancellation will vary. The process of cancellation often depends on whether you’re still within the rescission period (a cooling-off period that allows new owners to cancel without penalty) or if that window has already passed.
Here are the two main pathways:
- During the Rescission Period: This is the easiest time to cancel timeshare.
- After the Rescission Period: This involves more complex legal and contractual steps.
Understanding Marriott Vacation Club’s Cancellation Policy
Marriott Vacation Club shares common practices among most of the timeshare companies in terms of exit process. The most important thing you need to figure out is if the contract has a 5–15 day rescission period in your state.
- Within your Rescission Period: This is essentially a penalty-free cancellation policy, and you get all of the money back that you had initially invested into your contract.
- After the Rescission Period: If more than three days have passed since signing your contract, buying out of a membership becomes harder. You can be charged fees, hit with penalties and face legal obstacles as a result.
Knowing your rights under Marriott’s cancellation policy can help you determine the best course of action.
Can You Cancel a Marriott Vacation Club Contract During the Rescission Period?
If you’re still within the rescission period, you can cancel your Marriott Vacation Club contract with little to no penalties. The rescission period is a consumer protection rule designed to give buyers time to reconsider their purchase. Here’s what you need to do:
- Review Your Contract: Check the exact length of the rescission period and the steps required to cancel.
- Send a Written Notice: Most cancellations during this period must be done in writing. Be sure to include all required details, such as your name, contract number, and the date of purchase.
- Certified Mail: Send your cancellation letter via certified mail to ensure that you have proof of your request.
If you follow these steps during the rescission period, Marriott Vacation Club is obligated to honour your cancellation and issue a refund.
Steps to Cancel Your Marriott Vacation Club After the Rescission Period
Once the rescission period has passed, cancelling a Marriott Vacation Club membership becomes more complicated. The company is no longer legally required to refund your purchase or cancel the contract without penalties.
- Contact Marriott: Start by contacting Marriott Vacation Club’s customer service to inquire about their exit options. While they may not offer a direct cancellation, some members may qualify for a buy-back program.
- Review Your Contract: Understand the terms of your contract, especially the clauses related to cancellation, penalties, and buy-back options.
- Consult Legal Help: If you’re unable to reach an agreement with Marriott, it might be time to seek legal advice. An attorney experienced in timeshare law can help you understand your rights and options.
- Hire a Timeshare Exit Company: Many timeshare owners turn to a timeshare exit company like CancelTimeshareGeek to help navigate the complex process of legally exiting their contract.
What Are the Fees and Penalties for Cancelling a Marriott Vacation Club?
If you’re attempting to cancel after the rescission period, be prepared for potential fees and penalties. Marriott Vacation Club may charge:
- Early Termination Fees: Many contracts include penalties for early termination, which can range from a few thousand dollars to much more.
- Ongoing Maintenance Fees: You’ll be responsible for paying maintenance fees until your cancellation is fully processed.
- Legal Fees: In some cases, you may need legal representation to cancel your timeshare, adding to the overall cost.
Understanding these potential costs upfront can help you prepare for the financial implications of cancelling your timeshare.
Legal Options for Exiting Marriott Vacation Club
If Marriott refuses to cancel your contract, or if you’re unable to negotiate an exit, you may need to explore legal options. Some common legal strategies include:
- Contractual Loopholes: An experienced attorney or timeshare exit company can review your contract for any loopholes that may allow for cancellation.
- Consumer Protection Laws: Depending on the state where you signed the contract, you may have protections under local consumer laws that could facilitate a cancellation.
- Timeshare Fraud: If you believe you were misled during the sales process, you may have grounds to pursue a cancellation based on fraudulent practices.
Seeking professional legal advice is essential to ensure that you’re exploring all available options.
Should You Hire a Timeshare Exit Company for Marriott Vacation Club?
Navigating the process of cancelling a Marriott Vacation Club membership can be overwhelming, especially after the rescission period has passed. Hiring a timeshare exit company like CancelTimeshareGeek can simplify the process. These companies specialise in helping owners legally exit their timeshare contracts without the headaches of dealing directly with the resort.
Here’s how working with a timeshare exit company can benefit you:
- Expertise: Timeshare exit companies understand the legal and contractual intricacies involved in cancellations.
- Legal Support: They often work with attorneys who specialise in timeshare law to ensure you have a solid case.
- Peace of Mind: You won’t have to deal with the stress of managing the process on your own.
While hiring a timeshare exit company does come with a cost, it may save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
How to Avoid Scams When Cancelling Your Marriott Vacation Club Membership
Unfortunately, the timeshare exit industry is rife with scams. Many companies promise quick cancellations for upfront fees, only to disappear without delivering on their promises. To avoid falling victim to a scam, consider these tips:
- Check Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers who have successfully cancelled their timeshare with the company.
- Avoid Upfront Fees: Legitimate timeshare exit companies typically don’t ask for large upfront payments. Instead, they may offer a payment after cancellation model.
- Verify Credentials: Make sure the company is accredited by reputable organisations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Ask for a Contract: Any reputable company will provide a clear, detailed contract outlining the services they’ll provide and the expected costs.
By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from fraudulent companies and find a reliable partner to help with your cancellation.
Alternatives to Cancelling: Renting or Selling Your Marriott Vacation Club
If cancelling your Marriott Vacation Club membership proves too difficult or expensive, consider alternatives like renting or selling your timeshare. While these options don’t offer the same permanent exit as a cancellation, they can provide temporary relief from fees and obligations.
- Renting: You can list your timeshare for rent on platforms like RedWeek or Airbnb to offset the cost of maintenance fees.
- Selling: While the timeshare resale market is tough, it’s still possible to sell your Marriott Vacation Club membership, especially if it’s in a desirable location. Platforms like SellMyTimeshareNow can help connect you with potential buyers.
Keep in mind that renting or selling a timeshare often involves its own set of challenges, but it can be a viable option if cancellation isn’t immediately available.
