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 Covenants By The Transferee In Philadelphia
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Philadelphia
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FAQ
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.
Non-compete clauses are enforceable and legal in Pennsylvania as long as they reasonably protect the business' interest and have reasonable duration and geographic restrictions.
My limited understanding is, restrictive covenants are only enforceable by a home owners association created among them. A local government isn't going to swoop in and enforce, or defend, a covenant that you created on your property. The local government is only concerned with land use ordinance's and state laws.
These covenants were agreements added to property deeds that typically prohibited the sale or lease of the property to non-White persons. In Philadelphia, such covenants were put into place to restrict the movement of Black residents into new developments and predominantly White neighborhoods.
Pennsylvania courts blue-pencil when “a covenant imposes restrictions broader than necessary to protect the employer” (Pharmethod, Inc.
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.
Some of the most common restrictive covenants include: Alterations and extensions to the building. Changes to the use of a property, for example, converting a building into flats or turning a house into business premises. Rent and lease restrictions. Limitations on pets. Limitations on home colour.
How do I challenge a restrictive covenant? Express release: It may be possible to negotiate the release or variation of a restrictive covenant. Indemnity insurance: It is possible to obtain indemnity insurance to protect against the risk of a person with the benefit of a restrictive covenant seeking to enforce it.
To officially end the restrictive covenants, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit seeking a declaration from a court that the covenants are no longer enforceable. This can be a complex legal process that may require the assistance of an attorney.
In the case of an HOA, restrictive covenants are general rules that members of your HOA vote on that all property owners living in the area must follow. The covenant may include actions you can't take with your property, like raising livestock or running a business from your home.