In a deed, a grantee may agree to do something or refrain from doing certain acts. This agreement will become a binding contract between the grantor and the grantee. An example would be an agreement to maintain fences on the property or that the property will only be used for residential purposes. This kind of covenant is binding, not only between the grantor and the grantee, but also runs with the land. This means that anyone acquiring the land from the grantee is also bound by the covenant of the grantee. A covenant that provides that the grantee will refrain from certain conduct is called a restrictive or protective covenant. For example, there may be a covenant that no mobile home shall be placed on the property.
A restrictive or protective covenant may limit the kind of structure that can be placed on the property and may also restrict the use that can be made of the land. For example, when a tract of land is developed for individual lots and homes to be built, it is common to use the same restrictive covenants in all of the deeds in order to cause uniform restrictions and patterns on the property. For example, the developer may provide that no home may be built under a certain number of square feet. Any person acquiring a lot within the tract will be bound by the restrictions if they are placed in the deed or a prior recorded deed. Also, these restrictive covenants may be placed in a document at the outset of the development entitled "Restrictive Covenants," and list all the restrictive covenants that will apply to the tracts of land being developed. Any subsequent deed can then refer back to the book and page number where these restrictive covenants are recorded. Any person owning one of the lots in the tract may bring suit against another lot owner to enforce the restrictive covenants. However, restrictive covenants may be abandoned or not enforceable by estoppel if the restrictive covenants are violated openly for a sufficient period of time in order for a Court to declare that the restriction has been abandoned.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés.
For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.
Changing or removing a restrictive covenant usually requires the agreement of all involved parties, or you may need to go through a legal process. It's not as easy as flipping a switch.
Typically, you can check the property deed or ask your local government office or a real estate agent. They should have the information you need.
If someone breaks a restrictive covenant, it can lead to legal action. Neighbors or associations may take steps to remedy the situation, which can be as serious as taking them to court.
Not necessarily. They can have expiration dates or may be changed if everyone involved agrees. But many stick around for a long time, depending on how they're set up.
Yes, they can be enforced, but usually only by certain parties, like homeowners' associations or neighboring property owners, who want to uphold the agreement.
People create restrictive covenants to ensure that certain standards are maintained in their community, like keeping properties well-kept or preventing commercial development in residential areas.
A restrictive covenant is a rule or condition written into a property deed that limits what the owner can do with their property. Think of it as a set of guidelines that helps maintain the neighborhood's character.
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Boston Massachusetts Acuerdo que crea convenios restrictivos