In Washington, does the Bumble Roofing franchise agreement allow for a statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed by a franchisee to waive rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act?
Bumble_Roofing Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
able under California law.
Exhibit G, Additional Disclosure:
No statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed or agreed to by a franchisee in connection with the commencement of the franchise relationship shall have the effect of (i) waiving any claims under any applicable state franchise law, including fraud in the inducement, or (ii) disclaiming reliance on any statement made by any 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.
CALIFORNIA ADDENDUM TO FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
To the extent the California Franchise Investment Law, Cal. Corp. Code §§ 31000-31516 or the California Franchise Relations Act, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§20000-20043 applies, the terms of this Addendum apply.
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Franchise Agreement, to the extent that the Franchise Agreement contains provisions that are inconsistent with the following, such provisions are hereby amended:
The Franchise Agreement requires franchisee to execute a general release of claims upon renewal or transfer of the franchise agreement. California Corporations Code Section 31512 provides that any condition, stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring any franchise to waive compliance with any provision of that law or any rule or order there under is void.
Source: Item 17 — RENEWAL, TERMINATION, TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION (FDD pages 43–45)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bumble Roofing's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee's statement, questionnaire, or acknowledgment signed at the start of the franchise relationship cannot waive claims under any applicable state franchise law. This includes protection against fraud in the inducement or disclaiming reliance on statements made by Bumble Roofing or its representatives. This rule overrides any conflicting terms in other franchise documents.
Specifically for Washington State, a release or waiver of rights executed by a Bumble Roofing franchisee cannot include rights under the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act (WFIPA) or any related rule, unless it's part of a negotiated settlement after the franchise agreement is in effect and both parties have independent legal counsel. Provisions that unreasonably restrict the statute of limitations for claims under the WFIPA, or rights/remedies like the right to a jury trial, may not be enforceable.
In the event of a conflict of laws, the provisions of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Chapter 19.100 RCW will prevail. RCW 19.100.180 may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with Bumble Roofing including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise. There may also be court decisions which may supersede the franchise agreement in your relationship with Bumble Roofing including the areas of termination and renewal of your franchise.