Under what conditions can an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee renew their franchise agreement?
Augusta_Lawn_Care Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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 the 2025 FDD, an Augusta Lawn Care franchisee has the option to renew their franchise agreement for one additional term of ten years, provided they meet specific conditions. To be eligible for renewal, the franchisee and their related parties must be in good standing with Augusta Lawn Care, complying with the franchise agreement, any other agreements, and the operations manual.
The franchisee must provide written notice of their intent to renew the agreement to Augusta Lawn Care within a specific timeframe: not less than six months, but also not more than twelve months, before the current term expires. Additionally, the franchisee and any related parties who signed the original agreement must sign the franchise agreement that is current at the time of renewal. This must be done no less than 30 days before the expiration of the current term or 30 days after receiving a signature-ready copy of the current franchise agreement from Augusta Lawn Care, whichever date is later.
As part of the renewal process, the franchisee and related parties must execute a general release, in a form satisfactory to Augusta Lawn Care, which waives any and all claims against Augusta Lawn Care and its related parties. The FDD also states that the terms of the renewed franchise agreement may differ significantly from the original, potentially including increased royalties, advertising fees, and other fees. The franchisee's right to renew is contingent upon accepting and signing the then-current form of the franchise agreement, acknowledging the potential for these new provisions.