What is the deadline for Even Hotels to complete implementing non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay Solution after notice from FreedomPay?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FreedomPay may implement a hosted update on the FreedomPay Solution at such time as it determines, and Hotel shall have the flexibility to commence implementing non-hosted updates according to the schedule of IHG, which implementation shall be commenced no later than twelve (12) months after notice from FreedomPay and completed no later than twenty-four (24) months after such notice, unless such non-hosted update is required by Law, network requirements or PCI requirements, or other applicable authority, in such case Hotel shall implement such non-hosted update in accordance with the date required in such Law or requirement.
If Hotel fails to implement any nonhosted update when required as set forth herein, FreedomPay reserves the right to terminate operational support for the prior release (even if Hotel continues to rely on the prior release) and will not be deemed in breach for doing so.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Even Hotels FDD, franchisees have a specific timeframe to implement non-hosted updates to the FreedomPay Solution. Generally, Even Hotels franchisees must complete these updates no later than twenty-four months after receiving notice from FreedomPay. However, the implementation must commence no later than twelve months after receiving the notice. This means franchisees have a one-year window to begin the update process, with another year to finalize it.
There are exceptions to this general rule. If a non-hosted update is mandated by law, network requirements, PCI requirements, or another applicable authority, the Even Hotels franchisee must implement the update according to the date specified in that law or requirement. This implies that some updates may need to be implemented faster than the standard twenty-four-month period, depending on external mandates.
Failure to comply with the required update timeline can have consequences for the Even Hotels franchisee. FreedomPay reserves the right to terminate operational support for the prior release of the FreedomPay Solution if a franchisee fails to implement a non-hosted update when required. This termination can occur even if the franchisee continues to use the older version of the software, and FreedomPay will not be considered in breach for doing so. This highlights the importance of adhering to the update schedule to maintain full operational support for the payment system.