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.
The following form shows one way in which Restrictive or Protective Covenants may be amended.
Maine Amendment to Protective Covenant
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FAQ
Generally speaking, it is hard to enforce a restrictive covenant after 20 years. The Limitation Act 1980 also states that claims in land should be brought within 12 years, within 12 years from the time the breach occurred, not when the deed came into force.
If there is a restrictive covenant on your property you may be able to remove it. The first step would be to negotiate with the original developer or landowner to enter into a formal agreement to remove the covenants from the title.
1. Twenty years. An action on a breach of covenants in any deed or other instrument for the conveyance of real property in this State or any interest therein must be commenced within 20 years after the cause of action accrues.
You will have to obtain consent from any person with a right to enforce the deed restrictions before you can actually remove the restrictions. For example, if your deed restriction applies to or benefits one or more of your neighbors, you will need that neighbor's permission before you can remove restrictions.
What fees will I have to pay? The Lands Chamber is required by law to charge fees. The fee for lodging an application to discharge or modify restrictive covenants is £880. The fee for hearing an application is A£1,100, but this is reduced to A£275 if the Tribunal determines the application without a hearing.
Although this case relates directly to development of property, it is clear that modifying restrictive covenants of any nature or kind is possible if deemed reasonable in the circumstances by the courts, which will of course be determined on a case-by-case basis.
If there is a covenant on your property which is obsolete, you can make an application to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) (which use to be known as the Lands Tribunal) asking for the covenant to be discharged or modified.
Who enforces breach of covenant? The owner of the land that benefits from the restrictive covenant is the one who can enforce a breach in restrictive covenant, as they potentially stand to lose out as a result of the breach. If they choose to, they are the party that can take legal action against you.
As restrictive covenants don't 'expire', if they are breached the person with the benefit of the covenant can enforce them against you.
Can I get a restrictive covenant removed? If there is a covenant on your property which is obsolete, you can make an application to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) (which use to be known as the Lands Tribunal) asking for the covenant to be discharged or modified.
