How to Get Out of a Sheraton Timeshare

There are a few ways to cancel your Sheraton timeshare. You may decide to:

Use your legal rescission period (if still active)
Rent or Sell your timeshare on the resale market
Transfer or gift it to someone you trust
Request a release from Sheraton Vacation Club
Hire a vetted timeshare exit company that works through escrow
Guard yourself against scams and fake resale offers

In this article, we’ll break down each option along with the hidden costs, legal risks, and proven solutions. If you’re unsure what to do or afraid of making the wrong move, this guide is for you.

If you’re looking to cancel a Sheraton timeshare, here’s what you need to know.

Ways to Cancel a Sheraton Timeshare

Method	Cost	Risk Level	Timeline	Works for Paid-Off?	Expert Help Needed
Rescission (cooling-off	Free	Low	1–4 weeks	Yes	No
Sell it	Low–High	Medium	Months–Years	Yes	Often
Give it away	Free–$	High	1–6 months	Yes	Yes (legal review)
Work with the Sheraton Resort directly	Free–$	High	3–12 months	Yes	Usually
Hire an exit company/law firm	$$$	Low	3–18 months	Yes	Yes (vetted only)

Use the Rescission Period (Only for New Purchases)

If you signed your Sheraton contract in the last few days, time is your friend. Every state where Sheraton Vacation Club sells has a built-in “cooling-off” window that lets new buyers walk away for free. You do not need a reason, and you will not owe a penalty, so long as you act before the clock runs out.

You bought directly from Sheraton or a sales partner in person or online.
You are still within the statutory “right to rescind” period shown below.
You have not waived that right in writing (most states forbid waiver).

State	Rescission window
Florida	10 calendar days
South Carolina	5 calendar days
Arizona	7 calendar days
Colorado	5 calendar days
Hawaii	7 calendar days

Step-by-step guide to rescind a Sheraton timeshare

Write a short notice that states you are cancelling under your state’s rescission law.
Include contract date, membership number, and all buyer names.
Send by certified mail, return receipt requested, before midnight on your final day.
Keep copies of the letter and postal receipt; they protect you if the resort disputes the date.
Follow up until you receive written confirmation and a full refund.

Still within rescission? Act now, you may be able to cancel for free.

Sell Your Sheraton Timeshare

If rescission has passed, a private sale is the next option many owners explore. Before listing, find out what a week like yours really sells for, not what you paid, and not what salespeople claim.

How to assess market value

Visit completed listings on eBay, RedWeek, and the Timeshare Users Group forum. Focus on sold prices, not asking prices. Most Sheraton intervals change hands for $1–$500, and the seller often pays closing costs.

Why eBay and RedWeek often fail

Buyers today can rent Sheraton points on the open market for less than yearly dues. That reality pushes resale values down and leaves many listings untouched for months.

Transfer fees you must pay

Sheraton (through Vistana) charges a transfer fee that can reach $150–$200 plus recording fees. Budget for escrow and title services so the deed records are correct.

Warning: resale scams

Never pay a broker or “buyer” who demands a large fee up front. The FTC warns that real buyers pay at closing, not before.

When it might make sense

Selling works best if the mortgage is paid off, your week is in a high-demand season, and you can cover closing costs.

Get a free valuation before listing to avoid wasting time.

Rent Your Sheraton Timeshare

Renting can buy you breathing room while you weigh a full exit. You keep ownership but offset maintenance bills with rental income.

List on owner-to-owner sites and set the rate a little below similar resort inventory to attract quick bookings.
Check resort rules. Some Sheraton properties charge a small guest certificate fee.
Screen renters carefully. Payment is required in full before you transfer a reservation and use PayPal or an escrowed credit card platform.

Renting is not a final solution. Maintenance dues continue, and vacancies can leave you with the bill. Use it as a short-term patch, not a permanent fix.

Give It Away (The Hidden Risks)

Some owners try to gift a Sheraton timeshare to family, friends, or even charities. On paper, it sounds quick and cheap. In practice, it is rarely that simple.

Why it’s hard to gift or donate

Most charities now refuse timeshares because of lifelong dues. Even relatives rethink the offer once they learn they inherit those costs.

Legal liability

In Florida, state law places ongoing liability on the original owner if transfer paperwork is incomplete. Chapter 721 warns that a defective deed keeps you on the hook.

South Carolina, Arizona, and Hawaii have similar clauses. If the new owner stops paying, the resort may still chase you.

What can go wrong

Deed recorded wrong, voiding the transfer
Association rejects the new owner for credit reasons
Charity dissolves, and the deed reverts to you

When gifting might work

A family member who has already vacationed at Sheraton resorts and is ready to accept the cost can benefit from a no-cash transfer.

Because the stakes are high, consult a licensed real estate attorney before signing any transfer form.

Pro Tip: Some resorts offer a timeshare deedback option that resembles gifting to the resort itself. Fees apply, and approval is never guaranteed.

Work Directly With Sheraton Vacation Club

Sheraton, now under Marriott Vacations Worldwide, runs a Legacy Exit program that might take back eligible weeks. That sounds convenient, yet the owners report mixed results.

How internal retention departments operate

Your first call routes to “Owner Services.” Their job is to keep you paying. Expect offers to:

Convert your fixed week to points (with a fee)
Buy additional points that offer a “lower cost per point.”
Push upgrades at newer resorts

Program limitations

Only paid-off contracts qualify.
You must be current on dues.
Not all locations are accepted each year.
You may still pay a processing fee.

Steps if you attempt this path

Use email or certified mail for every conversation.
Record call dates, names, and case numbers.
Request written confirmation of any promises.

Once you contact Sheraton, it may limit your ability to work with exit companies. For owners who meet strict criteria, a resort-run exit can work. Otherwise, move on quickly to avoid more annual fees and interest. Acting now keeps you in control, not the resort.

Stop Paying Maintenance Fees

Some owners consider stopping their maintenance fee payments as a way to force the resort to take back the timeshare. However, this is a high-risk strategy with serious consequences.

Risks of Stopping Payments:

Credit Damage: If you fail to pay maintenance fees, the resort can report the outstanding debt to credit bureaus, which will severely harm your credit score and your ability to obtain loans or credit in the future.

Legal Action: Not paying fees can result in legal action by the resort, including wage garnishment, liens against your property, or even lawsuits. These measures can cause long-term financial and legal issues.

Collections: Unpaid maintenance fees can be turned over to collections agencies, which lead to frequent calls, letters, and additional stress. This can further burden your finances and make it more difficult to settle the matter.

Hire a Timeshare Exit Company or Law Firm

When fees stack up, the loan is active, or Sheraton refuses a deedback, professional help may be your best, and sometimes only, route.

When this option makes sense

You owe a mortgage balance.
Your account is delinquent or heading toward collections.
You have multiple contracts or upgrade add-ons.

Cancellation vs transfer

A lawyer or exit company can either:

Legally cancel: challenge misrepresentations or contract flaws so the agreement is void.
Transfer: move ownership to a vetted third party who accepts all future costs.

Red flags to avoid

Upfront fees with no escrow.
“100% money-back” claims without written terms.
Pressure to sign in one phone call.
No BBB history or track record.

BBB, escrow, and contracts

Look for an A-rating, clear escrow terms, and client agreements that outline milestones before funds release. This structure keeps everyone honest and ties payment to real progress.

MyTimeshareExitReviews helps you connect with vetted timeshare exit companies that offer escrow, so you have no up-front fees.

Get a free consultation with a verified exit company today and see if legal cancellation fits your case. A quick call could save you thousands in future fees and stress.

Avoid Timeshare Exit & Resale Scams

Scammers know desperate owners will try anything. They pose as brokers, escrow agents, even government officials. One slip can cost you more than your original purchase.

Fake escrow: Fraudsters send a link to an “escrow” site that looks real but is not registered with any U.S. regulator. Always verify the escrow company’s license before wiring funds.

Fake buyers: You receive a letter claiming a corporation wants to buy several Sheraton units. They ask for a “Mexican tax” or “transfer stamp.” Real buyers pay those fees themselves.

“Guaranteed sales” : No one can guarantee a sale at a set price. The FTC lists multiple cases where companies vanished after pocketing large advance fees.

If you have already paid : File a dispute with your bank, report the company to the Attorney General in the state where it operates, and submit a complaint to the FTC. Quick action improves your refund odds.

Cost to Cancel a Sheraton Timeshare

The price of freedom depends on contract type, loan balance, and how you exit.

Path	Typical fee range	Who pays	Notes
Resort deedback	$500–$1,500	Owner	Only for paid-off weeks
Private sale	$300–$1,000	Seller	Closing, transfer, escrow
Exit company transfer	$3,000–$6,000	Owner	Escrow holds funds until the transfer clears
Attorney cancellation	$4,000–$10,000	Owner	Higher if litigation is needed

Why the spread? Each additional contract, loan, or delinquency raises time and legal work. Hawaii deeds cost more to record; Florida foreclosures add court fees. Paying by escrow in instalments shields you from companies that disappear after cashing a check. Ask for a detailed quote before signing any agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Sheraton timeshare if I still owe a loan?

Yes, but the process is harder. You must bring the loan current or fold it into your exit plan. An escrow-based exit company or attorney can negotiate with Sheraton, cancel the contract, and eliminate the debt safely, without harming your credit.

What is a Sheraton timeshare deedback, and do I qualify?

A timeshare deedback is Sheraton’s internal take-back option. You must be paid in full, current on dues, and own an eligible week. A processing fee applies, and approval is not guaranteed, so submit your request before dues rise again.

Will Sheraton sue me if I stop paying maintenance fees?

It can. The resort may send your account to collections and file for foreclosure. Lawsuits add late charges and damage credit. Avoid court costs by arranging a legal cancellation or transfer before skipping payments; quick action saves money and stress.

How long does it take to cancel a Sheraton timeshare through an exit company?

Most escrow-protected exits finish within six to eighteen months. Timing depends on loan balance, resort response speed, and county deed recording. Clear contract milestones let you track each step and keep funds safe until successful completion.

Can my heirs refuse a Sheraton timeshare after I pass away?

Yes. Beneficiaries can disclaim the inheritance in probate within state time limits, avoiding future dues. If they accept the estate, the contract becomes theirs. Exiting now prevents that burden and keeps family finances secure.

Conclusion

Every owner’s road out looks different, yet the rule of thumb is simple:

New buyer: Use the rescission window: fast, free, final.
Paid-off owner: Try Sheraton’s Legacy program or a low-fee private sale, but set deadlines so the resort cannot stall you.
In debt: Hire an escrow-protected exit team or attorney to fight the contract and settle the loan.

Need help deciding your next move? Contact us for a free timeshare exit plan tailored to your Sheraton timeshare contract. The right action today can stop another year of dues, protect your credit, and give you back the vacations you actually want.

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