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Re: How can I rent a timeshare? (by KC):

shiros2 asks:

cynthia281 wrote:

Make sure that your reservation is from the resort and not from RCI or Interval International. Many are renting weeks that do not belong to them, so be careful not to rent something they do not own. If it is an exchange, it is against the rules to rent it out.

================================================= Please explain what you mean in above statement? How do I know potential renter are from RCI or II?=================================================

RCI and II, as you likely know, are timeshare "exchange" companies. Timeshare owners who are members of RCI or II can use RCI or II to "exchange" a week that they own for a different week (one that they DON'T own). However, a week obtained by such an "exchange" CANNOT then be rented out for profit. RCI and II members can rent out weeks that they actually own, but NOT weeks obtained by "exchange" (at least not for any more money than the exchange fee cost and guest certificate cost, which collectively total around $200).

Generally (except in a few isolated "points" systems), it's easy enough to confirm that the advertiser actually owns the week that they are advertising. Get the advertisers' name and unit number and then simply call the resort directly yourself during their normal business hours to confirm that the advertiser (whose full name and unit number you must have already obtained on your own) actually owns the unit / week being advertised. If not, just walk (or run) away and move on, since the rental of an exchange is NOT allowed and you could simply be turned away completely upon check-in if discovered -- even AFTER paying your rental money (to someone who had no legal right to rent out that week to you in the first place). Be advised in advance that resorts will not RELEASE owner information (for obvious privacy reasons) --- they will only CONFIRM the accuracy of owner information which you ALREADY HAVE in hand and which you present for resort confirmation.

My own summary advice? Rent direcly from an actual owner ONLY AFTER confirming for yourself their actual ownership of the week being advertised. Or, rent directly from the resort (which is always more money, however). "Under the table" deals involving illegally rented "exchanges" are unethical and they are in clear, direct and obvious violation of II and RCI membership rules. It's not worth risking your vacation lodging by being a willing participant in any of these shady under the table "deals" -- renting an "exchange" week not allowed to be rented out in the first place.

CAVEAT EMPTOR (Buyer beware)......renters too!