Timeshare Owner Dies: What You Need to Do Right Away
If a family member or friend who owned a timeshare passes away, it can feel like a sudden mess. The good news is that the process isn’t as scary as it sounds. In most cases you just follow a few clear steps: check the will, contact the timeshare manager, and file the right paperwork. Doing these things early helps keep the property from going into limbo and stops extra fees from piling up.
Check the Will or Trust First
The first place to look is the deceased’s will or trust. If the timeshare is named, the document will say who gets it. If the will is vague, the executor of the estate steps in. The executor’s job is to list all assets, pay any debts, and then pass the remaining stuff to the heirs. You don’t need to be a lawyer to understand this – just make sure the timeshare shows up on the asset list.
When the will names a specific person, that person can ask the timeshare company to transfer the deed. If the will only says “my estate,” then the executor has to handle the transfer. In either case, you’ll need the death certificate, a copy of the will, and the timeshare contract.
Contact the Timeshare Management Company
After you have the paperwork, call the timeshare’s management office. Tell them the owner has died and ask what forms they need. Most companies require a death certificate, a copy of the will or probate order, and a signed transfer form. Some will ask for a fee to change the name on the deed – think of it like a title transfer for a car.
Ask the manager about two important things: continuing fees and the option to sell or quit the timeshare. If the heirs don’t want to keep the weeks, many companies let you transfer the ownership to another buyer for a fee, or they may offer a “deed‑back” program where you give the timeshare back for a smaller price than the original purchase.
Watch Out for Ongoing Costs
Timeshares have yearly maintenance fees that don’t stop when the owner dies. If the fees aren’t paid, the management company can place a lien on the property, which makes selling later much harder. Set up a payment plan right away or ask the executor to use estate funds to cover the next year’s dues.
If the heirs plan to keep the timeshare, they should also check the resort’s rules. Some resorts have “right‑of‑first‑refusal” clauses, meaning the resort can buy the share before anyone else. Knowing this ahead of time saves surprise offers later.
When the Heirs Don’t Want the Timeshare
Many people inherit a timeshare and think, “I don’t need this vacation spot.” You have options. First, try to sell it on the open market – sites like eBay or specialized timeshare resale platforms can help. Second, consider a lease‑back program where you rent the weeks out to other vacationers and collect some cash while the management keeps the property.
If selling feels too much work, see if the resort offers an “exit” program. Some companies will let you walk away for a modest fee, especially if the property is older and the resort wants to reduce its maintenance load.
Bottom line: when a timeshare owner dies, the process boils down to three actions – verify the inheritance paperwork, talk to the timeshare manager, and deal with ongoing fees. Do these steps quickly, and you’ll either keep the vacation spot hassle‑free or get rid of it without extra costs. If you’re unsure, a quick call to a real‑estate attorney who knows timeshare law can give you peace of mind and keep the estate on track.