Can Christies International Real Estate unreasonably withhold consent for relocation of a Christies International Real Estate office?
Christies_International_Real_Estate Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (e) Relocation Review. You must obtain our prior written consent, which will not be unreasonable withheld, if you wish to relocate your Main Office and/or an Additional Office.
The "new" location must comply with all applicable provisions of this Agreement and with our then-current specifications and standards for CHRISTIE'S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE businesses.
If you must relocate the Main Office and/or an Additional Office because it was destroyed, condemned, or otherwise became untenantable by fire, flood, or other casualty, you must reopen the replacement office within 90 days after you discontinue operation at the prior office.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 54–177)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Christies International Real Estate Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain prior written consent from Christies International Real Estate to relocate their Main Office or any Additional Office. However, Christies International Real Estate will not unreasonably withhold this consent. The new location must comply with all applicable provisions of the Franchise Agreement and with Christies International Real Estate's then-current specifications and standards for Christies International Real Estate businesses.
If a franchisee needs to relocate their Main Office or an Additional Office due to circumstances such as destruction, condemnation, or the premises becoming untenantable due to fire, flood, or other casualty, they must reopen the replacement office within 90 days after discontinuing operations at the prior office.
This stipulation protects franchisees from being unfairly restricted in their business operations while also ensuring that any relocation meets the brand's standards and legal requirements. It is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements to ensure brand consistency and quality control, while also providing some flexibility for franchisees facing unforeseen circumstances.