It is possible to apply to the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal to have a restrictive covenant “discharged or modified”, as the statute puts it, in order to get the covenant removed or changed so that development can take place or the use of the land can be changed.
Non-competition, non-dealing and non-solicitation restrictive covenants are only enforceable under English law if the employer can demonstrate that: it has a legitimate business interest that it is seeking to protect; and.
In the UK, a restraint of trade clause will typically prevent an employee from starting a business in direct competition or from working for a competitor for six months, although this could be longer for key senior staff.
Is a 12-month restrictive covenant enforceable? Each case turns on its own facts, but a court is generally reluctant to enforce restrictive covenants longer than 12 months. Market practice dictates a period of between 3 and 6 months is appropriate for more junior employees.
For example, restrictive covenants can prevent owners and tenants from making certain renovations, having pets, parking RVs in the driveway, or raising livestock.
This is called a 'non-solicitation clause'. Or your contract might say you can't do any business with former customers at all - even if they approach you. This is called a 'non-dealing covenant'. Ask your old employer if they'll let you ignore the limit on who you can work for.
A restrictive covenant is a contract between 2 landowners. One landowner promises the other landowner not to carry out certain acts on their own land. Restrictive covenants usually happen when somebody selling land wishes to restrict what the buyer can do with it.
How long do restrictive covenants last? They have no official expiration date. As long as the legal requirements for a restrictive covenant are otherwise met, a restrictive covenant could be hundreds of years old and could still be enforceable.