Renting Out Your DVC Points: Pros and Cons
DVC members unable to use annual point allocations sometimes rent points to offset annual dues rather than letting points expire. Understanding the rental market helps members make informed decisions about whether renting points fits their ownership strategy and risk tolerance.
How Point Rental Works
Members rent points by booking resort stays using their allocation, then renting those reservations to third parties for cash. Rental rates typically range from $16-22 per point depending on resort, season, and villa category. A member with 150 unused points might book a resort stay worth those points, then rent it for $2,400-3,000, offsetting most or all annual dues.
Rental Platforms and Methods
David's DVC Rentals, DVC Rental Store, and other brokers facilitate point rentals, handling marketing, renter communications, and payment processing in exchange for 10-15% commissions. Members can also rent directly through DVC forums and Facebook groups, keeping full rental proceeds but accepting all transaction risk and communication burden.
Financial Benefits
Point rental can offset 60-80% of annual dues on average, sometimes more during peak seasons when rental rates peak. This transforms unused points from pure loss into partial dues recovery, making DVC ownership more financially sustainable during years when vacation plans don't work out.
Risks and Downsides
DVC technically prohibits commercial point rental, though enforcement is inconsistent. Repeated large-scale rental could theoretically result in membership termination, though this remains rare. Renters who cancel create point refund complications. Market rates fluctuate, and finding renters isn't guaranteed - you might book a stay hoping to rent it, then fail to find renters and either use the stay yourself or forfeit the points.
Disney Policy Concerns
Disney's official position discourages point rental, though they don't actively police it except in extreme commercial cases. Members renting occasionally face minimal risk, while those running de facto rental businesses could encounter membership issues. Most members rent sparingly when genuinely unable to use points rather than buying DVC specifically as a rental investment.
Tax Implications
Rental income is taxable and should be reported to the IRS. Frequent renters essentially operate small businesses subject to income tax on rental proceeds. Consult tax professionals to understand reporting requirements and potential deductions like dues and maintenance costs against rental income.
Alternatives to Renting
Before renting, consider banking points for next year's bigger vacation, borrowing from future years to use current points immediately, or gifting stays to family members who can enjoy Disney vacations. Rental should be a last resort for points that would otherwise expire, not a primary DVC strategy.