factual

Under what conditions can Chem Dry suspend or terminate a Chem Dry franchisee's account?

Chem_Dry Franchise · 2024 FDD

Answer from 2024 FDD Document

    1. You acknowledge that your failure to pay the Initial Fee when due is a material default under the Franchise Agreement and the we can suspend providing services to you, and cause approved suppliers to suspend providing goods and services to you, until we receive the Initial Fee.
  1. Pursuant to Section 13.1-564 of the Virginia Retail Franchising Act, it is unlawful for a franchisor to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause. If any ground for default or termination stated in the franchise agreement does not constitute "reasonable cause", as that term may be defined in the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia, that provision may not be enforceable.
    1. Exercise of Remedies: In any case of default by the Franchisee under the terms of the Lease or under the Franchise Agreement, Franchisor shall be entitled to exercise any one or more of the following remedies in its sole discretion:
  • a) to take possession of the Site, or any part thereof, personally, or by its agents or attorneys;

  • b) to, in its discretion, without notice and with or without process of law, enter upon and take and maintain possession of all or any part of the Site, together with all furniture, fixtures, inventory, books, records, papers and accounts of the Franchisee;

  • c) to exclude the Franchisee, its agents or employees from the Site;

  • d) as attorney-in-fact for the Franchisee, or in its own name, and under the powers herein granted, to hold, operate, manage and control the Franchised Business and conduct the business, if any, thereof, either personally or by its agents, with full power to use such measures, legally rectifiable, as in its discretion may be deemed proper or necessary to cure such default, including actions of forcible entry or detainer and actions in distress of rent, hereby granting full power and authority to the Franchisor to exercise each and every of the rights, privileges and powers herein granted at any and all times hereafter;

  • e) to cancel or terminate any unauthorized agreements or subleases entered into by the Franchisee, for any cause or ground which would entitle the Franchisor to cancel the same;

  • f) to disaffirm any unauthorized agreement, sublease or subordinated lien, to make all necessary or proper repairs, decorating, renewals, replacements, alterations, additions, betterments and improvements to the Site or the Site that may seem judicious, in the sole discretion of the Franchisor; and

h) notwithstanding any provision of the Franchise Agreement to the contrary, to declare all of the Franchisee's rights but not obligations under the Franchise Agreement to be immediately terminated as of the date of Franchisee defaults under the Lease and fails to cure said default within the applicable cure period (if any).

Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 68)

What This Means (2024 FDD)

The 2024 Chem Dry Franchise Disclosure Document includes addenda for North Dakota and Virginia that address conditions related to termination.

According to the North Dakota addendum, Chem Dry can suspend services and cause approved suppliers to suspend providing goods and services if a franchisee fails to pay the initial fee when due, which constitutes a material default under the Franchise Agreement. Additionally, any provision requiring the franchisee to consent to liquidated damages or termination penalties is deleted for franchises in North Dakota.

For franchises sold in Virginia, it is unlawful for Chem Dry to cancel a franchise without reasonable cause, as defined in the Virginia Retail Franchising Act or the laws of Virginia. If any ground for default or termination stated in the franchise agreement does not constitute reasonable cause, that provision may not be enforceable.

In cases of default by the franchisee under the terms of the lease or the Franchise Agreement, Chem Dry has the right to take possession of the site, including furniture, fixtures, inventory, books, records, papers, and accounts. Chem Dry can also exclude the franchisee, its agents, or employees from the site, operate the franchised business, cancel unauthorized agreements or subleases, disaffirm unauthorized agreements, and make necessary repairs or improvements to the site. Chem Dry can also terminate the franchisee's rights under the Franchise Agreement if the franchisee defaults under the lease and fails to cure the default within the applicable cure period.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2024 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.