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.
Restrictive Covenant For A Subdivision Can Be Enforced By In Pennsylvania
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Restrictive covenants are most common when your property is part of a homeowners association, inium association, or planned community. Typical limits include restrictions on how many people can occupy the home and the colors you are allowed to paint the exterior.
The grantor could enforce the covenant only by suing for damages if the covenant was violated. Commencing about a hundred years ago, the courts began to enforce restrictive provisions in another way; by enjoining or forbidding their violation. Injunction is now the customary method of enforcing restrictions.
A restrictive covenant would most likely be reinforced by... an injunction.
Who enforces a deed restriction or conservation easement? Deed restrictions generally are enforceable by individuals with some type of property interest in the land or adjacent property owners who can show that the deed restriction was intended to benefit their properties.
Restrictive covenants are usually enforced by the association's board. These agreements are also called Declarations of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
The courts will restrain an ex-employee from violating a restrictive covenant only when the circumstances make it reasonable to enforce. However, a Pennsylvania court will look only at the terms when the ex-employer sues for damages, not an injunction.
In order to enforce a restrictive covenant, an employer must demonstrate that the clause protects one of its legitimate business interests. Secondly, the employer must show that the clause is reasonable, and it only goes so far as is necessary protect a legitimate business interest of the employer.
``In order to enforce a restrictive covenant, an employer must demonstrate that the clause protects one of its legitimate business interests. Secondly, the employer must show that the clause is reasonable, and it only goes so far as is necessary protect a legitimate business interest of the employer.''
Nevertheless, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has made it clear that non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants are not favored in Pennsylvania and are viewed as a trade restraint that prevents a former employee from earning a living.
Pennsylvania courts blue-pencil when “a covenant imposes restrictions broader than necessary to protect the employer” (Pharmethod, Inc.