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Maintenance Fee Negotiation
2 min readLast reviewed
Owners often ask whether maintenance fees can be negotiated. The honest answer is that the fee amount itself is rarely negotiable, but payment arrangements sometimes are. This article explains the difference. It is general information, not legal advice.
What is usually fixed
The annual fee reflects a budget divided among owners per the governing documents, as explained in how fees work. That calculation is not typically open to individual negotiation.
Increases and special assessments are set the same way.
What may be possible
You can reasonably ask about:
- A short-term payment plan for a current bill
- A hardship arrangement if you are struggling
- A clear explanation of any disputed charge
- Whether an exit or deed-back would end future fees
How to ask
Contact the association or management company in writing, be specific, and stay respectful. Pair this with the approach in how to contact your resort.
Keep records of any arrangement offered and get it in writing.
Realistic expectations
Associations are not obligated to reduce fees, and many cannot. A payment plan is more likely than a reduced amount.
Never stop paying as leverage; it can trigger penalties and foreclosure and rarely helps.
Sources & citations
- 1.FTC — Timeshares and Vacation Plans— Federal Trade Commission
- 2.CFPB — Consumer resources— Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Written by
Consumer Education Desk
Timeshare Research & Reporting
Reviewed by
Compliance Reviewer
Consumer-Protection & Compliance Review
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