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Statement on timeshare maintenance fees during the COVID-19 pandemic

RDO / Coronavirus  / Statement on timeshare maintenance fees during the COVID-19 pandemic
Statement on timeshare maintenance fees during the pandemic
29 Oct 2020

Statement on timeshare maintenance fees during the COVID-19 pandemic

Timeshare owners pay an annual fee towards the maintenance of their resort, irrespective of whether they choose to holiday at their ‘home’ resort or use the exchange system to holiday elsewhere. The fee typically covers cleaning, maintenance, staff salaries, taxes, insurance, energy supplies and the operation of any common facilities eg swimming pools, spas, children’s play areas, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants and cafes. A portion of the management fee is set aside to build up reserves to pay for non-recurring costs such as furniture and appliances.

At this stage it is too early to assess the impact of the pandemic on maintenance fees and whether adjustments can be made in 2021 to reflect the actual costs incurred for 2020. Whilst many resort staff were put on furlough during lockdown and operations wound down, core functions still had to be maintained and taxes and bills paid. Resorts also had to invest in new equipment and extensive staff training to ensure they were Covid-secure and in line with strict government protocols when they reopened.

Customer satisfaction is paramount and RDO members have made it their priority to look after owners who have been unable to take their timeshare holidays during lockdown, offering them alternative holiday options. This is administratively complicated and time consuming but our members are rising to the challenge.

We are additionally concerned at reports from owners of unsolicited contact by people purporting to be representatives of ‘consumer organisations’ and are advising them to report such approaches to Citizens Advice so that checks can be made and, where appropriate, actions can be taken.

 


Subject to certain conditions under the Code of Conduct, owners may surrender their timeshare at any time. All RDO members sign up to the Code, as well as an independent mediation and arbitration scheme, both of which provide customers with levels of protection over and above those required by law.

6 Comments:

  • Barney Hynes
    November 18, 2020 at 11:05 am

    Are you entitled to pay full maintenance if you cant use your timeshare?

    • Nikkie
      November 19, 2020 at 9:32 am

      You need to contact your resort in the first instance to check what your options are if you are unable to use your timeshare interest due to the pandemic.

  • Ann Blyth
    November 19, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Hi Everybody good to see an organisation is out there and on the owners side at last. I have had my exchange business for the past 30 years concentrating on exchanges within the UK. Just though to add a comment on Maintenance Fees during 2020. Most resorts depending on availability are letting their owners have a replacement week and some are refunding half of maintenance fees back to the owner if there is no availability to offer them.
    Owners must bare in mind that resorts have a commitment to maintain the resort to an acceptable standard so that when guests arrive they will not be disappointed and that still costs money to ensure everything is in good order, we all have to endure a bit of a loss and we must all pull together for the better of all.

    • Nikkie
      November 23, 2020 at 8:44 am

      Thank you for your comment Ann

  • Kathleen Spangler
    July 13, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    I have been approached to meet in the state I reside to discuss if I am qualified to get my 2120 timeshare fees
    refunded to me. They asked if I own my timeshares and if I used them in 2020. I specifically asked if they are going to try to get me to sell them or swap them for something. They said no. I am hesitant to go as it will be a two hour drive. What do you think?

    • Nikkie
      July 30, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      Thank you for your enquiry. We strongly advise owners to be wary when contacted with unsolicited (cold) calls offering help which involves attending a “meeting”. If you have further details on the company who contacted you we would advise you to contact the Timeshare Helpline. This free service is funded by EUROC and is operated by Kwikchex, who are approved by the UK Trading Standards: Telephoning from the UK: 01823 510625, Telephoning from outside the UK: 00 44 1823 510625, Email: info@timesharetaskforce.org

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