Do questionnaires and specific acknowledgments apply to prospective Dog Haus franchisees who are Maryland residents or seek to purchase a franchise located in Maryland?
Dog_Haus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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, franchise seller, or other person acting on behalf of franchisor. This provision supersedes any other term of any document executed in connection with the franchise. Any questionnaire and specific Acknowledgments shall not apply to prospective franchisees who are Maryland residents or who seek to purchase a franchise located in Maryland.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 87–328)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dog Haus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, questionnaires and specific acknowledgments do not apply to prospective franchisees who are Maryland residents or who seek to purchase a Dog Haus franchise in Maryland. This means that any such documents signed in connection with starting the franchise relationship will not waive claims under Maryland franchise law, including claims related to fraud.
This protection ensures that Maryland franchisees retain their legal rights and are not bound by potentially disadvantageous acknowledgments or questionnaires at the commencement of their franchise. This provision supersedes any other conflicting terms in any document executed in connection with the franchise, reinforcing the priority of Maryland franchise law.
This safeguard is specific to Maryland and aims to protect franchisees within the state's jurisdiction, ensuring they are not inadvertently deprived of their rights under Maryland law through standard franchise agreements. Prospective Dog Haus franchisees in Maryland should be aware of this protection, as it can be crucial in resolving disputes or addressing concerns related to the franchise agreement.