Timeshare Maintenance Fees Explained

Owning a timeshare comes with mandatory timeshare maintenance fees that are important for upkeeping the resort. If you’re curious about what these fees are for or how much they cost each year, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about timeshare maintenance fees. Make sure to read until the end if you are looking for a way to get out of your timeshare maintenance fees safely.

What Are Timeshare Maintenance Fees?

Annual maintenance fees are required for timeshare owners to pay to maintain their timeshare property. They go towards employee wages, upkeep, and upgrading or enhancing resort units and amenities. Anyone who owns a timeshare pays maintenance fees. What’s more, these dues are divided among all owners of a timeshare. Annual dues are used to keep the resort attractive, clean the resort and provide everyone with an amazing vacation experience every year.

Just as you would pay monthly or annually on upgrades and care for your car or house, timeshares also need to be maintained and renovated over the years. Additionally, in the event of a natural disaster, some resorts save a portion of their owner’s maintenance fees in case of an emergency.

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How Much Do These Fees Cost?

According to the American Resort Development Association, the 2022 average timeshare maintenance fees annually were $1170. However, the cost can vary by the timeshare company, resort, developer, how many points you own, or the size of the unit you own. For example, Hilton timeshare maintenance fees and Disney Vacation Club maintenance fees are different. Approximately 9% of resorts have maintenance fees averaging less than $700, whereas 28% of resorts have maintenance fees averaging $1,300 or more.

Average Annual Maintenance Fees for Timeshare Owners

When Are Timeshare Maintenance Fees Due?

The due date for maintenance fees varies by resort and developer. In most cases, owners pay their dues once a year. They may also be due monthly, quarterly, or biannually. Typically, developers and resorts start sending out maintenance fee bills to owners in November, which are due by January 1st. You can refer to your contract to check the frequency at which you will be billed for your maintenance fees and when they are normally due.

What Do They Cover?

Timeshare maintenance fees go to several projects at your resort—all that benefit you! A few of the most common things timeshare fees cover is the beautification of your resort, aka maintaining the grounds and covering the labor of those who do. Upgrades and maintenance to your unit: new appliances and upkeep of existing ones are essential to make sure your unit is ready to welcome when you arrive. In addition, your dues help keep security up to date. Not to mention, you’re allowing the resort to bring new amenities to the resort and maintain the existing ones. This includes spas, pools, recreation centers, and amusements.

Did you know maintenance fees also go towards an emergency fund, such as in the case of a natural disaster? If your resort experiences structural damage from a storm or other natural disaster, your maintenance fees go towards making repairs. This is good news and means owners don’t have to pay any extra out of pocket when inclement weather affects their resort.

By paying your maintenance fees, you can rest assured that your resort will be ready to welcome you when you arrive! Just like homeowners must budget for maintenance around their property, the same goes for timeshare ownership.

Need help choosing your home resort? Check out:  How to Choose Your Home Resort Like A Pro!

Buy a Timeshare on the Resale Market

Timeshare maintenance fees are an essential (and inevitable) part of vacation ownership. The most important thing to keep in mind when you buy a timeshare for the first time is that these fees and dues are a required part of ownership.

If you want to start your timeshare ownership off on a good foot, buying a timeshare resale allows you to become an over for less. Start by browsing our timeshares for sale. Then, simply make an offer on the timeshare resort listing that best fits your needs and wants.

What Happens if I Stop Paying My Fees?

If you are no longer interested in owning your timeshare, or you are unable to afford your maintenance fees this year, you might be considering what would happen if you stop paying your timeshare maintenance fees. Scam companies, like a timeshare cancellation company or exit company, may advise that you stop paying. But there are other options to get out of your timeshare.

You should never stop paying your annual fees on your timeshare. If you do, you will default on your ownership, and it will affect your credit. Timeshare ownership is somewhat similar to owning real estate. If you were to stop paying on your mortgage for your house or the HOA to upkeep the neighborhood, your credit would be affected (and that doesn’t look good to the bank!)

How to Get Out of Maintenance Fees

If you are unable to pay your timeshare maintenance fees, the best options are to contact your resort/developer or sell your ownership. Undoubtedly, your developer will have suggestions to help you, like an in-house rental program or legitimate timeshare resale company referrals. Selling your timeshare is a safe option, should you decide to do so.

Walking Away From Timeshare Maintenance Fees: Sell Your Timeshare

When you’re ready to sell your timeshare, Fidelity Real Estate is here to help. Fidelity Real Estate is a full-service resale brokerage with over 20 years of experience in the timeshare resale industry.

Get started today with NO upfront fees, ever. Contact us now at 1-800-410-8326 or email us at team@fidelityresales.com. You can also check out our video to learn more about how to sell a timeshare without any upfront fees.

Fill out the form below for a free one-on-one consultation. Our licensed resale experts will give you a free consultation at no obligation to you.