If you’ve been searching for a timeshare, chances are you’ve come across a few unfamiliar terms. From “leasehold” to “floating week” to “fractional ownership,” the parlance of the timeshare industry can seem like a different language. Another lesser-known timeshare term is “right to use,” aka “RTU.” If you’ve encountered this term and aren’t sure what it means, this blog is for you! Read on to learn more about right-to-use timeshares and discover the best RTU timeshare resorts from our resale marketplace.
What Are Right To Use Timeshares?
Right-to-use timeshares, often RTU timeshares, are non-deeded vacation ownership contracts. RTU timeshares give you the “right to use” a unit for a predetermined time. So, unlike with traditional timeshare ownership, buyers don’t own the property. Typically, these types of contracts are found in international locations. U.S. citizens cannot legally own deeded vacation properties in those countries. For example, all timeshares in Mexico are RTU contracts unless the buyer is a Mexican citizen.
Many timeshare owners enjoy right-to-use timeshare agreements because they give them an exact expiration date. They know they won’t always be responsible for the timeshare or its costs and fees. In other words, there is a guaranteed out, so they won’t get stuck with a timeshare as some people do with deeded contracts. Some people with deeded timeshare contracts get into a bad financial situation because they still have to pay timeshare maintenance fees on a deeded ownership they don’t use anymore. With RTU timeshares, owners get a little extra reassurance.
How Do RTU Timeshares Work?
Because it is a type of property ownership, a deeded timeshare is the owner’s responsibility for life or until they sell it. Some are even owned perpetually, meaning they get passed on to the owner’s children or grandchildren. On the other hand, RTU contracts have a set expiration date stated in the original contract terms and agreed upon by the owner. After the expiration date, the owner is no longer legally responsible for the property. The length of the contract depends on the resort and the timeshare brand but is generally between 25 and 75 years.
Owners of RTU timeshares can still sell or pass along their property, just like a regular deeded timeshare. However, the original contract’s expiration date will still stand. If you signed a 30-year contract in 2020, it will expire in 2050 even if you sold it. The expiration date does not start over when the contract has a new owner. If you sell an RTU contract with only 5 years left of ownership, the new owners only get to use the timeshare for those 5 years. This makes it more challenging to sell an RTU timeshare.
RTU Subtypes
As with all types of timeshare ownership, right-to-use contracts are divided into subtypes. Most rights-to-use timeshares are points-based, meaning owners can access various destinations within their vacation club’s portfolio. However, you can also find fixed-week RTU timeshares that allow you to use the property during the same week each year. Furthermore, an RTU timeshare may either be annual, i.e., available every year or biennial, i.e., every other year.
RTU Timeshare Resorts
Many beautiful timeshare resorts around the world offer RTU contracts. Some of the top timeshare brands in the industry provide right-to-use timeshares at various resorts. So, if you’re looking for this specific type of contract, you are bound to find a trusted brand to buy a timeshare from. We’ve assembled some of our top RTU resorts that you’ll love.
Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club
Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club is an oceanfront resort on beautiful Palm Beach. With the fantastic amenities and accommodations that you expect from Marriott, this is a resort the whole family can enjoy. Little ones will love the planned Kid’s Night Out, where they can play games and eat pizza with other kids at the resort. Moreover, adults can find a moment of pure relaxation at the resort’s Mandara Spa, which offers massages and facials. Alternatively, adults can unwind with a refreshing drink at Champion’s Sports Bar. For a meal with the whole family, this resort has three restaurants onsite and easy access to the dining options next door at Aruba Surf Club. This RTU timeshare resort offers spacious one- and two-bedroom villas with all the comforts of home.
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa is a right-to-use timeshare resort in Cancun that offers stunning Caribbean sea views. The resort’s location is convenient for those looking to explore the area’s best attractions. Discover the beauty of Mexico’s past at the ruins of the Mayan temple, Yamil Lu’um just steps from the resort. Lagunamar Ocean Resort is also across the street from La Isla Village, a waterfront area with shopping, dining, a Ferris wheel, and an aquarium. Of course, you don’t have to leave the resort to enjoy delicious dining options and fun amenities. Eat breakfast at Oceano or grab some lunch from Viento Bar & Grill. Viento also has a swim-up bar! Guests can enjoy the resort’s pools, spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Moreover, guests can relax after a fun-filled day in their spacious villa with unforgettable ocean views.
Marina el Cid Hotel & Yacht Club
On the sandy shores of Mazatlan, along the Pacific Coast of western Mexico, sits Marina el Cid Hotel & Yacht Club. The resort is in the Golden Zone of town, a popular area with resorts, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This location is perfect for those who want to spend their days on the beach and evenings on the dance floor. This lively area is full of things to do and see, so visitors will never have trouble making fun plans near El Cid. The resort has a Mediterranean feel, a private beach, and a lagoon-like pool area with an underwater cave. Since the resort has a full-service marina, getting out onto the open waters on a boat is easy. When you visit your RTU timeshare at Marina el Cid Hotel and Yacht Club, you will undoubtedly make lifelong vacation memories.
Buy RTU Timeshare
If you’re interested in an RTU timeshare, Timeshares Only is here to help! Firstly, you should browse our marketplace of available timeshares for sale at the link below. If you’re unsure whether or not a contract is RTU, we can find that information for you. Then, when you’ve found the perfect timeshare, simply make an offer! If you need further assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our team of timeshare experts has years of experience and connections, so call 1(800) 213-7733 today!
Rent RTU Timeshare
Are you still on the fence about timeshare ownership? Renting a timeshare is a great way to try before you buy! We have a vast inventory of timeshares for rent, including at fantastic RTU resorts like those mentioned above. Explore our timeshare rentals at the link below, and book your vacation today!
