For Aplus franchisees, what document outlines the Franchisee Maintenance Responsibility Schedule that details maintenance responsibilities not covered by Sunoco?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
(H) Except as set forth in Section 2.13(A) herein and in the Franchisee Maintenance Responsibility Schedule as set forth in Part III below, Sunoco shall be responsible for performing or having performed all other maintenance and repairs to the Premises or Loaned Equipment.
(A) You shall maintain the Premises, Loaned Equipment, and your own property and equipment on the Premises in a clean, neat, orderly, sanitary, safe, and trash- and weed-free condition and in accordance with the Franchisee Maintenance Responsibility Schedule as set forth in Part III below.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 68–302)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Franchisee Maintenance Responsibility Schedule, as detailed in Part III of the agreement, outlines the maintenance responsibilities for which the franchisee is responsible. This schedule specifies which maintenance and repair tasks are the franchisee's responsibility versus those of Sunoco.
The schedule covers various aspects of the premises, including refrigeration systems, restrooms, plumbing, building water systems, sumps, electrical components, and the structure of the buildings. For example, the franchisee is generally responsible for the first $250 of any repairs to refrigeration systems and for maintaining clean and functional restrooms. The franchisee is also responsible for replacing broken or cracked glass in doors and windows, along with cleaning up broken glass and securing the area until the glass is replaced.
It is important for prospective Aplus franchisees to carefully review this schedule to understand their financial and operational obligations regarding maintenance. Franchisees are also required to maintain a Preventive Maintenance (PM) contract with either Sunoco or a reputable contractor, providing a copy of the PM contract to Sunoco's Maintenance Department each year during the term of the lease if they choose an independent contractor. This ensures that the franchisee understands the full scope of their maintenance duties and can budget accordingly.
Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for managing costs and maintaining the Aplus store in good condition, which directly impacts the customer experience and the overall success of the franchise. The franchisee's failure to keep and maintain the property can result in Sunoco making the repairs and charging the franchisee for the expense.