What actions are required for an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee to renew their franchise agreement?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Except as otherwise provided herein the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall expire on the date that is ten (10) years from the Effective Date (the "Term Expiration Date").
4.5.2 Renewal
You shall have the option to renew this Agreement for one (1) renewal term (the "Renewal Term"), with such Renewal Term being for a period of ten (10) years subject to your satisfaction of the following conditions, all of which shall be met before each renewal:
(a) You and Your Related Parties are in Good Standing under this Agreement, and any other Agreement between Augusta Lawn Care and You, and You and Your Related Parties are in compliance with the Manual;
(b) You shall give Augusta Lawn Care written notice of Your election to renew not less than six (6) months nor more than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then-current term;
(c) You and any Related Parties that have signed this Agreement shall have signed a copy of the then-current Franchise Agreement (except with respect to the renewal provisions thereof, which shall not supersede this Section 4.5.2) not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the then-current term, or thirty (30) days after You receive a signature-ready copy of the then-current Franchise Agreement from Augusta Lawn Care, whichever is later; and
(d) You and Your Related Parties that are parties to this Agreement shall have executed a general release, in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care, of any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its Related Parties affiliates successors and assigns and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, partners, agents, representatives, servants, and employees in their corporate and individual capacities, including, without limitation, claims arising under this Agreement, any other agreement between You and Augusta Lawn Care or its affiliates, and federal, state, and local laws and rules.
The provisions of the standard franchise agreement in use by Augusta Lawn Care at the time of renewal may be materially different than those contained in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, provisions for increased royalties, advertising, and other fees. You hereby acknowledge and agree that Your right to renew this Agreement shall be contingent upon Your execution of the then-current form of franchise agreement and acceptance of the new provisions.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 32–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Augusta Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees have the option to renew their franchise agreement for one additional term of ten years. To be eligible for renewal, several conditions must be met. First, the franchisee and any related parties must be in good standing with Augusta Lawn Care, complying with the franchise agreement and the Augusta Lawn Care manual.
Second, the franchisee must provide written notice to Augusta Lawn Care of their intent to renew the agreement. This notice must be given no less than six months and no more than twelve months before the current term expires. This timeframe is important for franchisees to note, as missing the window could jeopardize their renewal.
Third, the franchisee and related parties must sign a copy of the then-current franchise agreement. This must be done no less than thirty days before the expiration of the current term, or thirty days after receiving the signature-ready copy from Augusta Lawn Care, whichever is later. The new franchise agreement in effect at the time of renewal may contain terms that are materially different from the original agreement, potentially including increased royalties, advertising fees, and other costs. Finally, the franchisee and related parties must execute a general release, in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care, releasing any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its affiliates.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that the terms of the renewal agreement could significantly impact their business's profitability and operational requirements. It is essential to carefully review the then-current franchise agreement before committing to the renewal to fully understand the potential changes and obligations.