Restrictive covenants are commonly used to prevent a bond issuer from issuing more debt until one (or more) series of bonds mature. The issuer may also be restricted from paying dividends above a certain amount to shareholders.
Restrictive Covenants, Explained This restricts how homeowners can manage and modify their land. Examples include restrictions on fence options, the type of animals allowed and the use of outbuildings, such as sheds.
The association or another representative may enforce restrictive covenants by civil litigation or administrative proceedings. This section gives justice courts jurisdiction in cases relating to the enforcement of a deed restriction of a residential subdivision that does not concern a structural change to a dwelling.
The three types of covenants are positive, negative, and financial. Each contains a unique set of requirements and stipulations. Positive and negative covenants are not interchangeable as good or bad but rather refer to what borrowers can or cannot do.
One of the most common restrictive covenants is not to do or keep anything on the property that could be a nuisance to the neighbouring properties. This is general covenant that could cover a wide variety of actions, to try to keep the area a pleasant place to live.
Statute of Limitations. Please keep in mind that there is a 4-year statute of limitations in Texas for enforcing the breach of a restrictive covenant. Thus, it is imperative that associations enforce deed restrictions in a diligent and timely manner or they may lose their right to enforce them.
Because there's no central authority to keep everyone in line, it's up to individual property owners to take matters into their own hands. They can either enforce the restrictions themselves or turn to local authorities.
A property owners' association or another “representative designated by an owner” may file a lawsuit to enforce a restrictive covenant.
The absence of an HOA board can result in significant risks, including financial mismanagement, where bills go unpaid and dues are uncollected, leading to financial instability. Residents and city officials can also bring about legal actions against the HOA, resulting in expensive court actions.
The new law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. HOAs are mandated by law to provide property owners with a catalog outlining prohibited items, a fine timetable, and details on the conduct of hearings. The information must be posted to their website and given annually to residents via delivery, first-class mail, or email.