During the term of the All County franchise, can I have an interest in a competitive business?
All_County Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have granted the Franchise to you in consideration of and reliance upon your agreement to deal exclusively with us and not to be involved with a Competitive Business. **"**Competitive Business" means any business that offers real estate property management services or products or other services that are the same or similar to those offered by ALL COUNTY® businesses, or any business that offers franchises or licenses to others to operate any business that offers real estate property management services or products or other services that are the same or similar to those offered by ALL COUNTY® businesses. You agree that during the Term of this Agreement neither you nor any of your owners including any of your or your owners' spouses, children or other first degree relatives by blood or marriage will not engage in any of the following:
- 16.1.1. Interest or Involvement. You will not have any direct or indirect interest as a disclosed or beneficial owner in a Competitive Business, wherever located.
- 16.1.2. Performance. You will not perform services as a director, officer, manager, employee, consultant, representative, agent or otherwise for a Competitive Business, wherever located. You are prohibited from selling or transferring any of the accounts or clients of the Business to anyone except to us or to one of our designees or to another ALL COUNTY® business that has been approved in writing by us.
Source: Item 17 — Renewal, Termination, Transfer, and Dispute Resolution (FDD pages 31–34)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to All County's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally prohibited from having any interest in a competitive business during the term of the franchise agreement. The agreement requires franchisees to deal exclusively with All County and not be involved with any business that offers similar real estate property management services or franchises. This restriction extends to the franchisee, their owners, and their immediate family members.
Specifically, franchisees (or their listed family members) are barred from having any direct or indirect ownership interest in a Competitive Business, regardless of its location. They are also prohibited from performing any services for a Competitive Business, whether as a director, officer, manager, employee, consultant, or agent. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements to protect the brand and prevent franchisees from using the franchisor's knowledge and resources to benefit a competing business.
This exclusive relationship is a key consideration for prospective All County franchisees. It means that during the term of the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee must fully commit to the All County business and cannot simultaneously operate or invest in a competing venture. This restriction also prevents franchisees from selling or transferring accounts or clients of the All County business to anyone except All County or another approved All County franchisee. This ensures that the customer base remains within the All County system.