Does Counselor Realty require franchisees to meet standards that exceed those established by law?
Counselor_Realty Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 7.1 Standards. Your Business and Office (including any Additional Office and Extension Office) must:
- (a) be and remain equipped and furnished by competent contractors in accordance with System standards. You are responsible for obtaining necessary utilities, permits, licenses and other legal or architectural requirements;
- (b) be maintained in a clean, orderly and safe manner, in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes and the Franchise Policy Guidelines, including any standards we set that may exceed those established by law. You must repair or replace defective or obsolete equipment, signage or fixtures. You must at all times possess a
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Counselor Realty FDD, franchisees must maintain their business and office in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, codes, and the Franchise Policy Guidelines. This includes any standards that Counselor Realty sets that may exceed those established by law.
This means that a Counselor Realty franchisee could be held to a higher standard than what is legally required in their area. This could include things like cleanliness standards, safety protocols, or even specific business practices. Franchisees must repair or replace defective or obsolete equipment, signage, or fixtures to adhere to these standards.
It is important for prospective franchisees to carefully review the Franchise Policy Guidelines and understand all of the standards that Counselor Realty requires. They should also be prepared to invest additional money to meet these standards, as the FDD states that franchisees must comply with changes Counselor Realty makes to the Franchise Policy Guidelines, System, and standards, even if additional investment or expenditures are required.