Although people have enjoyed a timeshare that provides them with a regular holiday home or location, often abroad in warmer climes, for many years, the industry has been tarred with the issues of scams and Timeshare disputes.
Getting out of a timeshare situation can be an incredibly difficult, lengthy process, and many owners are left in a position of owning an asset they can’t afford. Timeshare disputes are just as notorious as the timeshare itself. The laws and regulations that surround timeshares are often complex; contract law and other aspects of timeshares can change, leaving timeshare owners unable to extricate themselves from the agreement without help from a legal professional. But how do you choose the right solicitor to manage your timeshare dispute?
When Is It A Timeshare Dispute?
Because of the previous record of timeshares not being what they are over the years, it has become known as a ‘Holiday Club’, ‘Destination Club’, ‘Vacation Ownership’, and ‘Fractional Ownership. These terms can often create confusion with investors, and this may result in a timeshare dispute. Other reasons why you may become involved in a timeshare dispute, such as being mis-sold a timeshare or finding it impossible to leave a timeshare, and need professional legal help, include:
- You believe you were deceived or coerced into signing a timeshare contract.
- You were told false promises in relation to an increased value of the timeshare within a specific period of time.
- You were told that you could cancel the contract whenever you chose and this isn’t the case at all.
- You were told it was a short-term offer or ‘once in lifetime offer and only remained valid if you signed up for the timeshare that day.
- You were told the timeshare was an investment, that the value would increase and you would receive a substantial financial profit.
- You tried to leave the timeshare and cancel the agreement but were told that you weren’t able to do that, or that you had to sign up for a new timeshare agreement first.
- You were not advised of the ‘cooling off period, or they informed you that this period didn’t apply to timeshares.
- You were led to believe that maintenance fees were either not payable or were much lower than they turned out to be, and you were not told about any annual increases in fees or any additional expenses.
- You paid for the timeshare, or the deposit, using a loan, credit card, or other finance methods.
- You were advised it wasn’t a timeshare when in reality, it was.
If you are making a claim about a timeshare, it must be filed within six years of the date the timeshare was purchased. This can be extended, such as after you’ve discovered the timeshare was mis-sold to you.
Choosing A Solicitor For Your Timeshare Dispute
When choosing a solicitor to handle your timeshare dispute, make sure they are knowledgeable and experienced in the legal complexities of timeshares – many of the timeshare agreements are for properties or resorts in overseas countries. If you are in any doubt about whether you need professional legal help, contact us to discuss your case in more detail.
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