What must a Springhill Suites By Marriott franchisee ensure regarding compliance?
Springhill_Suites_By_Marriott Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- E.
Compliance.
Franchisee will ensure that the Hotel complies with Applicable Law, the Standards and the Design Criteria, including the fire protection and life safety Standards (even if such Standards exceed local code requirements).
- D. Permits and Certifications.
Franchisee will obtain all permits and certifications required for lawful renovation and operation of the Hotel, including zoning, access, sign, building permits and fire requirements, and if requested, will certify that it has obtained all such permits and certifications.
- 22.1 Compliance with Applicable Law. Franchisee will comply with all Applicable Law, and will obtain all permits, certificates and licenses necessary to operate the Hotel and comply with the Marriott Agreements.
- 22.2 Notice of Legal Actions. Within seven days of receipt, Franchisee will notify Franchisor and provide copies of: (i) any Claim involving the Hotel, Franchisee or Franchisor; (ii) any judgment, order, or other decree related to the Hotel or Franchisee; or (iii) any inspection reports and warnings about a material failure to meet health or life safety requirements or any other material violation of Applicable Law related to the Hotel or Franchisee. This Section 22.2 will not change any notice requirement that Franchisee may have under any insurance policies.
Source: Item 16 — FINANCING OF THE HOTEL (FDD pages 206–257)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Springhill Suites By Marriott's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that their hotel complies with all applicable laws, standards, and design criteria, including fire protection and life safety standards, even if those standards exceed local code requirements. This encompasses obtaining all necessary permits and certifications for the lawful renovation and operation of the hotel, such as zoning, access, sign, and building permits, as well as meeting fire requirements.
This compliance responsibility extends to all aspects of the hotel's operation, including construction, renovation, and adherence to brand standards. Springhill Suites By Marriott representatives may conduct site visits to observe the work, and franchisees must cooperate fully with these visits and promptly correct any deficiencies or discrepancies identified. Franchisees are also responsible for the entire cost of renovating, equipping, supplying, and furnishing the hotel to meet Springhill Suites By Marriott system standards.
Furthermore, franchisees must notify Springhill Suites By Marriott of any legal actions, judgments, orders, or inspection reports related to the hotel or franchisee within seven days of receipt. This includes any claims involving the hotel, franchisee, or franchisor, as well as any warnings about a material failure to meet health or life safety requirements or any other material violation of applicable law. Maintaining compliance is crucial for franchisees to avoid potential defaults, suspensions from the reservation system, and other penalties outlined in the franchise agreement.