We own weeks 52 and 1 so periodically we qualify for week #53. Of course we are still required to pay maintenance fee for the 3rd week but have never been able to get an answer as to why, since the system is based upon a 52 week year, there is no discount for timeshare owners when there is a week #53. Any thoughts?
"Because they can" is one I just don't buy.

Do you stay week 53? I bet the logic is every couple years you get two weeks vacation, so for just maintenance you get the extra week? If you don't want to use it, do you pay for it and bank it, or can you not pay if you don't use it.

Do you pay MF every year for that week or just the years that there is a week 53? If its only for the years 53 is available I can see why you have to pay the fee but not every year when there is no week on the calendar. Timeshare MFs have to be paid whether you use them or not for the weeks you own in most all TS contracts.

Of course you pay for the weeks you own. But you don't "own" 53, I can remember reading it was a bonus if you owned 52, you got 53 as well. Just can't remember the rules that went with 53

I must have missed something. Each year has 365 days, 366 for leap years. 52 weeks makes up 364 a total of days.

So if you pay maintenance for 52 weeks, you are not paying for one day every year, 2 for a leap year.

Normally if you only pay maintenance on 52 weeks, the famous 53rd week should occur every 5 years (4 the first time if you start counting on a leap year). If you own the whole of the year (i.e. 365 days), you should pay maintenance for the 53rd week because you have used it. Just make sure that it only occurs every 5 years.

Clarification:
1. Week #53 was originally sold as "bonus" for buying week #52 and Week #1. No big deal when MF was $250/wk. but now MF is $1140/wk.
2. Only pay MF for week #53 year before it occurs (MFs always due by 12/31 for following year).
3. No choice to bank or not pay for week #53.

Basic thought is that if your system is based upon 52 week year and you are dividing by 53 every 5 years, shouldn't that reduce everyone's MF for that year?

Tom - no specific answer except to say that every timeshare company will have a policy - perhaps it is in the written agreement with members who own week 52 and/or week 1- best to inquire direct with members services.

Its my understanding that week 53 only occurs when there are 53 start days in a calendar year. Like 53 Saturdays if that is when you start your week. Same thing for weeks that start with a Friday or Sunday start. Happens at a lot of timeshares and at most of them you only pay for that week if it will occur that year.
Each timeshare company has their own policy as to MF's for week 53 or usage. Some just keep it dark and use that week for major refurishments to the units or as a rental.