Deeded timeshares are considered real estate not personal property. You own property rights to a deeded timeshare until you sell it, until the time frame on the contract expires, or until you pass away. You must pay maintenance fees, insurance, and property taxes on your timeshare as part of the contract.

What does the FTC regulate?

The FTC enforces federal consumer protection laws that prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices. The Commission also enforces federal antitrust laws that prohibit anticompetitive mergers and other business practices that could lead to higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation.

How do I file a complaint against my timeshare?

Federal Trade Commission (you can reach out to them at 1-877-FTC-HELP or ) The State Attorney General’s Office of your state. A local Better Business Bureau or the BBB online.

Who regulates timeshare companies?

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) not only administers and enforces the laws governing the sale of subdivided lots and common interest developments, including condominiums and planned developments, it also administers and enforces laws governing the sale of time-share interests.

What is the downside of owning a timeshare?

Less flexibility for vacations – Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks to owning a timeshare is that many of them don’t allow much flexibility when it comes to planning your vacation. There could be unexpected fees – Unfortunately, unexpected expenses are fairly common with timeshare properties.

Does a timeshare count as an asset?

A timeshare is not an investment. A timeshare is not an investment, it’s a vacation. It’s also an illiquid asset that is likely to lose value over time. Ultimately, timeshares are like swimming pools, if you buy one, do so because you love the idea of owning it, not because you expect to make a profit.

Who does the FTC Act apply to?

Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) (15 USC §45) prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.” This prohibition applies to all persons engaged in commerce, including banks.

What does the FTC do with complaints?

The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights …

How do I sue a company for bad service?

File a complaint with your local consumer protection office or the state agency that regulates the company. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve your complaints against companies.

Are timeshares a ripoff?

Throwing money at a timeshare is not an investment and will not generate money for you. An investment implies that you can eventually sell it and make money. With timeshares, you’re just pre-paying your hotel bill for the next 20 years whether or not you use it.

Is timeshare a ripoff?

Timeshares might seem like a good deal, but beware. Timeshares often have large fees in addition to the purchase price. Some fees, such as maintenance fees, can rise each year without a limit, so the timeshare can quickly become unaffordable.

How long do timeshare contracts last?

You’ll lease for a set amount of years—between 20 and 99 years. The developer maintains ownership.

Why you should never buy a timeshare?

The timeshare property market is highly saturated. Since they’re not in demand, timeshares are difficult to sell unless you’re willing to take a loss. Enough people have had bad experiences with timeshare purchases that they’re not interested in ever purchasing one again.

Are timeshare owners happy?

85% Timeshare users are satisfied with what they own. According to the American Resorts Development Association (ARDA), approximately 85% of timeshare owners are satisfied with their vacation ownership.

Are timeshares a waste of money?

Yes, timeshares are a waste of money. They are marketed as an investment. In fact, you can buy someone’s timeshare for as little as $1 or even for free. The amount of money it will cost every year to own a timeshare will likely be more than if you booked a week at the same timeshare property on your own.

What consumer rights does the FTC protect?

The FTC protects consumers by stopping unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. We conduct investigations, sue companies and people that violate the law, develop rules to ensure a vibrant marketplace, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.

What happens if you violate the FTC Act?

Criminal prosecutions are typically limited to intentional and clear violations such as when competitors fix prices or rig bids. The Sherman Act imposes criminal penalties of up to $100 million for a corporation and $1 million for an individual, along with up to 10 years in prison.

Does the FTC actually do anything?

Does reporting to FTC do anything?

First, the FTC does not open cases for individual consumer complaints. When the FTC acts, it is doing so on behalf of the general public. The FTC takes action when there are lots of complaints about a company. Second, the FTC does bring enforcement actions against companies based in part on consumer complaints.

What can you do if a company rips you off?

To file a complaint, just go to and answer the questions. Or call That’s all there is to it. If you’ve been ripped off or scammed, complain to the Federal Trade Commission. It can help put the bad guys out of business.