Advertising lawyers, including in-house counsel and outside counsel, need to comply with laws involving false, unfair and deceptive acts

Timeshare Tips

  March 1997

Planning your next vacation? Perhaps timesharing — the use of a vacation home for a limited, pre-planned time — is on your list of options. Timesharing is a popular way to take a vacation, but problems can occur. Consider the risks and the benefits before you sign a contract.

Many sellers of timeshares offer gifts to get you to listen to a sales presentation. If you're only going to the presentation to get the gift, be aware that many giveaways include gems of little or no value; "gold" ingots, with minimal gold content and worth no more than a few dollars; or vacation "awards" or "certificates," which don't cover costs for travel and food.

There are two basic types of timesharing plans. In a deeded plan, you buy an ownership interest in a piece of real estate. In a non-deeded plan, you buy a lease, license, or club membership that lets you use the property for a specific amount of time each year for a specific number of years. With both types, the cost of your unit is related to the season and the length of time you want to buy. For example, a winter week in a warm climate is worth more than a summer week in the same location.

The purchase will cost thousands of dollars. Before you sign any papers or pay any fees, understand what you're buying. Consider these points when you're making your decision.

For More Information

Usually, timesharing is regulated through the Real Estate Commission in the state where the timeshare property is located.

You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone: toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TDD: 202-326-2502; by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or through the Internet, using the online complaint form. Although the Commission cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, it can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations.

The FTC publishes free brochures on many consumer issues. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357), TDD 202-326-2502.

 Produced in cooperation with the American Society of Travel Agents.

Other Timeshare-Related Websites

The following websites contain information about timeshares, including timeshare laws, statutes and rules across the United States and in individual U.S. states:



Advertising Law-Related Articles

"12 Key Advertising-Related Laws You Should Know"
This article examines 12 key advertising-related laws that you should know about before you review your ads to make sure your ads don't run afoul of these laws.
"10 Things to Do So Your Ads Comply With Advertising Laws"
This article discusses 10 key areas you should look at when you're reviewing your advertising to determine whether it's in compliance with advertising law's many requirements.
"10 Tactics to Use So Your Ads Comply with Advertising Laws"
This article presents 10 tactics you could use to help your ads comply with the many laws, rules, regulations and guidelines that may affect your advertisements.
"10 Major Advertising Law-Related Concepts"
This article is a useful review of 10 key areas you should look at when you're reviewing your advertising to determine whether it's in compliance with the numerous laws, rules, regulations and guidelines that may affect your ads.