Consider the alternatives. Carefully consider all costs of buying a timeshare, including the alternative costs of taking a vacation every year. Ask yourself if a traditional vacation may be more appealing or less expensive. Investors from out of state, or out of the country, might also find difficulty is suing to recover their money or for breach of contract without travel, to the state where the transaction took place. Currently the federal governments of the United States and Canada do not directly regulate the timeshare industry.
Laws bearing on timeshare transactions vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Potential customers should check with their state or provincial securities, real estate, or consumer protection agencies to determine what, if any, laws and regulations apply. Some states do require registration, the issuance of a prospectus by promoters and a cooling-off period after sales in which buyers may rescind the sale without penalty. Make sure that the contract is specific about maintenance fees. Make sure the developer owns the property. The securities administrator in your state, province or territory is responsible for the protection of investors.