Recent Answers to Venue Rental Agreement Law Questions
Can the venue owner change the terms of a rental agreement after it has been signed?
Dispute
Venue Rental Agreement
New York
I recently signed a venue rental agreement to host an event at a popular event space in town. The agreement clearly stated the rental fee, duration, and other terms. However, a few days later, the venue owner contacted me and informed me that they had made changes to the agreement and that I would now be responsible for additional fees and restrictions. I'm wondering if the venue owner has the right to change the terms of the rental agreement after it has been signed, and if not, what actions can I take to ensure that the original terms are honored?
Damien B.
Generally, neither party can unilaterally change or modify the terms of an agreement once both parties sign it. The only way is if a contract provision states that one party can modify the terms of the agreement without the consent of the other party. You would want to review the agreement to verify exactly what it says. If there is no provision that a party can unilaterally change the agreement or certain terms of the agreement, then there could be a possible claim for breach of contract if one of the parties refuses to honor it as it is written. An option is to file a lawsuit now to have a judge declare that the other party must abide by the terms of the agreement as is.
If a new company takes over my wedding venue is my original contract still valid at all?
Contracts
Venue Rental Agreement
Wisconsin
I originally signed a contract months ago for my wedding venue. The venue was free as long as a $5,000 catering minimum was hit. Now a new company took over the venue and they are charging $3000 to use the venue not including catering and regardless of any food and beverage minimum. Needless to say this is about $3000 more than I was anticipating to spend. Is this legal?
Robert A.
I know people hate this answer from attorneys, but it depends on the wording of the contract and the specific facts of the situation. Most contracts will have a clause governing assignment of the contract to a third party. That clause will determine if the terms of the original contract are assignable to the new company operating the venue. If the contract is not assignable, or if the original operator decided not to assign the contract to the new operator, then you will have a new agreement with the new operator. Most contracts will also have a clause governing how the terms of the contract can be changed. If you would like a review of your situation and your contract, you can request a proposal for a review session. I generally do those at a flat fee, based on the length of the contract. I'm sure other attorneys would offer similar rates.