Castor, Thompson Introduce Bill to Safeguard Consumers Against Predatory Timeshare Practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in the timeshare industry, protecting consumers from misleading contracts, hidden fees, and vague exit options.

"The dream of a vacation ownership - a timeshare - too often comes with hidden fees, confusing terms and few options when costs spiral out of control for hardworking families," Rep. Castor said. "In Florida, where tourism is the foundation of our economy, families deserve clear prices and honest information, not fine print and expensive surprises, so that they can plan and budget with confidence. Instead, millions of Americans have found themselves locked into agreements with escalating costs and few ways to get out. The bipartisan Timeshare Transparency Act will establish commonsense safeguards so families can make informed decisions, avoid predatory practices and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets."

"Bad actors in the timeshare industry have made a business model out of confusing consumers with misleading contracts, while leaving unsuspecting families with little recourse," Rep. Thompson said. "Americans deserve clear and honest information when making significant financial decisions, rather than predatory and manipulative sales tactics. This bipartisan bill protects hardworking families, so they can safely invest in vacation experiences."

"Timeshare members and owners, including young families, seniors, veterans, and active-duty service members, have long waited for their voices to be heard. The Timeshare Transparency Act is the path forward that we and our volunteers and I have hoped for. This bill directly addresses the concerns we hear every day: no more hidden fees, no more confusing contracts, clear exit options and a 14-day penalty free cooling off period for every buyer. Better communication between consumers and developers is the foundation of a healthy industry. This bipartisan legislation puts that principle into action, and I applaud Congressman GT Thompson and Congresswoman Kathy Castor for championing transparency in the timeshare industry," said Irene Parker, Co-Founder of Timeshare Advocacy & Reform Disclosure Alliance, Inc. (TARDA)

Specifically, this legislation requires all timeshare agreements to:

• Include a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs;
• Mandate disclosure of modifiable fees and the notice requirements for such changes;
• Provide clear, documented options to exit ownership;
• Grant buyers a 14-day, penalty-free cancellation period;
• Allow buyers time to review the timeshare agreement privately.

Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) lead the Senate companion bill.

Read the full bill text here.

Castor has worked to protect Florida families and visitors from fraud, scams and deceptive business practices that raise costs and undermine confidence in the marketplace. She has championed stronger consumer protections and greater price transparency, supported efforts to crack down on hidden "junk fees" and introduced the Hotel Fees Transparency Act to require upfront disclosure of mandatory lodging charges. Castor continues to work across party lines to promote honest competition, safeguard consumers and ensure that Florida families and visitors can make informed decisions and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.