As the watchdog of the timeshare industry, it’s our mission to keep you up to date with the latest news.

Diamond Resorts Using COVID-19 Crisis as Reason to Buy More Points
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff | April 27, 2020

“Diamond Resorts, the undisputed leader in high-pressure sales to senior citizens, is using the COVID-19 crisis as a reason for owners to buy more timeshare points. “

“’Pressure to buy, pressure to up-sell you into higher points program and then (if) you want to leave that timeshare, it is very difficult to get out of that timeshare,’ Moore told 8News…Moore recommends for anyone considering a timeshare that you take your time to do the research before signing anything.”

Maintenance Fees are Painful Reminders of Timeshare Purchases that Many Owners Regret
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff | January 21, 2020

“Forget the Ides of March. January is the cruelest interval for most timeshare owners, because it’s the month when maintenance fees are due and payable. These fees are constant reminders, painful for many, that they bought an over-priced timeshare years ago and, now, use it or not, they’re still paying for it…”

The $10 Billion Timeshare Business Needs Immediate Reform
Brandon Reed | Sun Sentinel | October 28, 2019

“Legislators and timeshare developers across the country - starting here in Florida - should not wait another second to act. For a snapshot into the problems with the timeshare industry, look no further than right here in the Sunshine State.”

Timeshare Industry in Need of Reform
Brandon Reed | Orlando Sentinel | September 30, 2019

“When Orlando-area resident Karen Henderson realized that the vacation points she had purchased from a major timeshare developer resembled a never-ending contract, she was convinced that enlisting in its buy-back program would ensure that she wasn’t stuck paying increasing maintenance fees and that her daughter wouldn’t inherit a money pit.”

It’s Time for a Timeshare Bill of Rights
David Lazarus | Los Angeles Times | September 30, 2019

“I’m guessing most of us, at one time or another, have gotten suckered into a timeshare meeting while on vacation. You know the drill: They’ll give you a bunch of coupons if you give them an hour to pitch you on owning a portion of a condo in some tropical paradise.”

2018 Timeshare Industry Statistics and What It Means for Owners
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff | September 17, 2019

The timeshare industry just released its annual report for sales and other performance stats, and, no surprise, the 2018 report supports developers’ contention that all is well within the timeshare universe.  At the same time, the report is silent on most of the issues that plague owners who express dissatisfaction with their timeshares and/or want to get out of their contracts. Here are some of the key metrics, as reported by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

How to Avoid Timeshare Scams
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff | September 9, 2019

“Based upon the Coalition’s experience with thousands of consumers, here are our best tips to help you avoid getting scammed by a timeshare company — or by one of its imitators, the fly-by-night “travel companies” that call, unsolicited, to offer vacation packages that sound too good to be true, and are.”

Top 8 Reasons NOT to Buy A Timeshare
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff | July 25, 2019

“Thirty years ago, when timeshare developers controlled the information flow about their products, average travelers were often sitting ducks, pressured by aggressive sales agents who would say and promise just about anything to get consumers to sign a lifetime purchase contract. Today, that’s all changed thanks to the global information explosion that was caused by the adoption of the Internet and wireless technology.”

“The timeshare industry’s so-called “Responsible Exit” program is an outright fraud, according to documents and interviews obtained by the Coalition from the industry’s annual developer conference, known as ARDA WORLD.”

“Timeshares should not be purchased, or sold, as an investment. The developer may raise the price of newly sold timeshares, but that doesn’t mean the one you purchased has any value at all on the resale market.”

“In an exceedingly frank discussion of industry issues, timeshare executives revealed their plans to deconstruct the exit industry, brick by brick, through lawsuits, lobbying regulators and plying politicians to do something they have been unable to do on their own —- get rid of exit companies and lawyers who help consumers get out of timeshare contracts.”

“The world’s largest timeshare and exchange company, Wyndham Destinations, just announced a five-year, $1 billion initiative to “shake up timeshare” by re-branding its flagship clubs - Club Wyndham and Worldmark by Wyndham - and by opening new timeshares in urban areas.”

Diamond Drops Lawsuit Against Florida Law Firm Then Declares Victory in Fight Against Exit Companies
Coalition to Reform Timeshare Staff |May 13, 2019

“In a bizarre development that screams “twisted logic,” timeshare developer Diamond Resorts settled a lawsuit — rather than risk losing it — against an Orlando attorney whose firm has helped people get out of timeshare contracts for seven years. Then, on May 8, 2019, five days after Diamond moved to abort the case in mid-trial, the company announced in a press release on a national wire service that it was “pleased” with the outcome.”

Desperate Timeshare Industry Handed Loss in Court
Coalition to Reform Timeshare | Apr. 3, 2019

“On March 19, a federal court dismissed Welk Resorts’ lawsuit against Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB), who have been working with Timeshare Exit Team (TET) to exit unhappy Welk customers from “unfair or oppressive” timeshare contracts. The court also dismissed a majority of the causes of action against TET.”

With timeshare bill losing steam, should lawmakers look at addressing timeshare sales tactics?
By Drew Wilson, Florida Politics | Mar. 28, 2019

“Earlier this month we wrote against legislation that would block timeshare owners from hiring exit companies to escape bad deals. That bill hasn’t had a committee vote yet and appears to be going nowhere this session. That’s a win for consumers. However, an ongoing lawsuit out of Pinellas County shines a light on some timeshare practices, and the Legislature should pay attention and consider taking action next year to fix the problem.”

Company convinces Arizona couple, nearly 90 years old, to buy $150,000 timeshare
By Rebekah L. Sanders, Arizona Republic | Mar. 28, 2019

“Retired Christian missionaries Frank and Betty Lusk had no intention of buying another timeshare while on a Caribbean cruise last year. But by the time the trip was over, a charming Diamond Resorts salesman had convinced them to buy a $150,000 timeshare with $19,000 in annual fees. They borrowed against their West Valley retirement home to pay for it, the Lusks said.

“They called it a dream holiday. Actually, it was a nightmare,” said Frank, 89, who was a music professor. “It was the dumbest thing we ever did.”

Proposal to Eliminate Timeshare Exit Assistance Draws Concern from House Committee
By Brian Burgess, The Capitolist | Mar. 13, 2019

“Florida has more timeshare properties than any other state in the nation. But now some state lawmakers are looking at restricting the options consumers have when they want to get out of a timeshare deal.”

Timeshare Industry Muddies Waters on Florida Bill That Will Gut Consumer Protections
Coalition to Reform Timeshare | Mar. 12, 2019

Like many timeshare customers, Florida’s elected officials are currently being subjected to the same kind of high-pressure, manipulative tactics for which the timeshare resort industry is known. In advance of today’s hearing on Florida’s proposed legislation (FL HB 435/ SB 1430), the powerful $9.6 billion timeshare industry lobby is pushing for the passage of this anti-consumer bill. The bill will destroy the ability of consumers to get out of restrictive contracts by eliminating their access to legal representation.

Members of the House Business and Professions Subcommittee held a workshop on March 12, 2019 in which they heard from representatives from Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBRP), the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection, timeshare developers and exit companies. You can view a video of the workshop by visiting https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/3-12-19-house-business-and-professions-subcommittee/ and forwarding to the 1:45 mark of the video.

Florida Needs a Timeout from Timeshares
Peter Schorsch, Flapol | Mar. 1, 2019

Floridians need a timeout from timeshares, those too-good-to-be-true vacation dreams that always seem to cost way more than you expected. But if some Florida legislators (and the timeshare industry) have their way, there would be no end in sight for consumers. State Sen. Travis Hutson has introduced SB 1430, the companion to state Rep. Wyman Duggan’s HB 435, a bad idea that would stop Florida timeshare owners from using third-party groups to help them escape bad timeshare investments.

Florida House Bill 435 (2019)
Florida Representative Wyman Duggan | Jan. 22, 2019

Florida HB 435 seeks to limit if not eliminate a timeshare owner’s ability to exit their timeshare safely and permanently. As the timeshare capital of the world, restrictive legislation in this state has far reaching implications to timeshare owners all over the country.

When a Timeshare Dream Turns Into a Nightmare
By Lee Hinkle, Florida Politics | Mar. 6, 2019

“The bottom line is that consumers should have a variety of options available to them when they are looking to get out of a bad timeshare – or even a good one that simply isn’t working out anymore. That might involve selling it back to the timeshare developer, trading it for a different timeshare, or working with a third-party partner to get out of the deal. Consumers should have all of those options. It’s time to help consumers end their personal timeshare nightmares. The Florida Legislature should reject this anti-consumer legislation.”

Bill would make it easier for Arizonans to get out of future timeshare contracts
By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services | Feb. 19, 2019

“Legislation approved Monday by the House Committee on Regulatory Affairs would give people who sign timeshare contracts 14 days to have second thoughts. That’s twice as long as they now have. House Bill 2639 also would allow buyers to opt out within 14 days of actually using their timeshare and be entitled to a 90 percent refund…”

Major Consumer Rights Coalition Launched
By Coalition to Reform Timeshare | Jan. 30, 2019

“The Coalition to Reform Timeshare (CRT) has been launched to advocate for the rights of over nine million timeshare owners in the U.S.”

Timeshare Troubles: What to Do Before You Buy and Sell
By Sandra Jones, NBC CT | Jan. 7, 2019

“Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen says his office received 58 timeshare complaints in 2018, including concerns about pressure sales tactics, exorbitant fees, and difficulty reselling.”

‘My Soul Feels Taller’: A Whistle-Blower’s $20 Million Vindication
By Gretchen Morgenson, The New York Times | Nov. 25, 2016

“Patricia Williams, 44, is a single mother of two grown children, as well as a grandmother. She is also a rarity: a whistle-blower who has succeeded in bringing to light abuses at a powerful corporation that wanted to keep them hidden.”

The Timeshare Hard Sell Comes Roaring Back
By Gretchen Morgenson, The New York Times | Jan. 24, 2016

“In lawsuits and in interviews, customers complain not only of high-pressure sales, but also of sky-high maintenance fees and frustration at procedures that block club members from taking vacations where and when they want. Perhaps most distressing to owners is the fact that once you buy into a timeshare it is almost impossible to get out.”

Consumers Notified of Festiva Settlement with the State of Maine
Office of the Maine Attorney General | Feb. 29, 2016

“Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills announced that over 800 consumers who were customers of Festiva Development Group have been notified of the relief that Festiva is providing pursuant to a settlement reached by the parties through court-ordered mediation.”

Attorney General Brnovich Announces $800,000 Settlement with Diamond Resorts
Office of Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich | Dec. 23, 2016

“Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today that the State of Arizona has entered into a settlement agreement with Diamond Resorts…”

15 Missouri Customers to Get Payments from Branson Timeshare Seller
By Thomas Gounley, Springfield News-Leader | Aug. 24, 2015

“A California-based company that sells timeshares in Branson has agreed to pay $18,000 in restitution to 15 Missouri customers. Welk Resort Sales has also agreed to terminate any agreements between the 15 customers and the company…”