factual

What is the impact of RCW 19.100.180 on the relationship between Basecamp Fitness and its franchisees in Washington?

Basecamp_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

y claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by the Franchisor, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of the Franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise.

Franchisor: BASECAMP FITNESS FRANCHISOR LLC Its: Its:

WASHINGTON ADDENDUM TO THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AND RELATED AGREEMENTS

The provisions of this Addendum form an integral part of, are incorporated into, and modify the Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchise agreement, and all related agreements regardless of anything to the contrary contained therein. This Addendum applies if: (a) the offer to sell a franchise is accepted in Washington; (b) the purchaser of the franchise is a resident of Washington; and/or (c) the franchised business that is the subject of the sale is to be located or operated, wholly or partly, in Washington.

    1. Conflict of Laws. In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail.
    1. Franchisee Bill of Rights. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor, including in the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions that supersede the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning your relationship with the franchisor. Franchise agreement provisions, including those summarized in Item 17 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, are subject to state law.
    1. Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation. In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation. In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
    1. General Release. A release or waiver of rights in the franchise agreement or related agreements purporting to bind the franchisee to waive compliance with any provision under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act or any rules or orders thereunder is void except when executed pursuant to a negotiated settlement after the agreement is in effect and where the parties are represented by independent counsel, in accordance with RCW 19.100.220(2). In addition, any such release or waiver executed in connection with a renewal or transfer of a franchise is likewise void except as provided for in RCW 19.100.220(2).
    1. Statute of Limitations and Waiver of Jury Trial. Provisions contained in the franchise agreement or related agreements that unreasonably restrict or limit the statute of limitations period for claims under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, or rights or remedies under the Act such as a right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
    1. Transfer Fees. Transfer fees are collectable only to the extent that they reflect the franchisor's reasonable estimated or actual costs in effecting a transfer.
    1. Termination by Franchisee. The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement under any grounds permitted under state law.
    1. Certain Buy-Back Provisions. Provisions in franchise agreements or related agreements that permit the franchisor to repurchase the franchisee's business for any reason during the term of the franchise agreement without the franchisee's consent are unlawful pursuant to RCW 19.100.180(2)(j), unless the franchise is terminated for good cause.

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 61–62)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Basecamp Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, RCW 19.100.180, specifically the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, has several impacts on the relationship between Basecamp Fitness and its franchisees in Washington state. A Washington Addendum to the franchise agreement is included, and it applies if the franchise offer is accepted in Washington, if the purchaser is a Washington resident, or if the franchised business operates in Washington.

Specifically, in the event of conflicting laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, chapter 19.100 RCW, will take precedence over other terms in the franchise agreement. Furthermore, RCW 19.100.180 may supersede provisions in the franchise agreement or related agreements concerning the franchisee's relationship with Basecamp Fitness, particularly in areas of termination and renewal. Court decisions may also supersede the franchise agreement.

Additionally, any provision in the franchise agreement or related agreements that prohibits a Basecamp Fitness franchisee from communicating with or complaining to regulators is unlawful under RCW 19.100.180(2)(h). This ensures that franchisees can freely communicate with regulatory bodies without fear of reprisal from the franchisor.

Finally, a general release signed by the franchisee does not apply to claims arising under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, RCW 19.100, and the rules adopted thereunder. This protects the franchisee's rights under Washington law, even if they have signed a general release.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.