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.
Pennsylvania Amendment to Protective Covenant
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FAQ
Are covenants legally enforceable? Restrictive covenants are usually legally enforceable and binding if they have been set up properly, but can cease to be enforceable after a period of time in some circumstances.
While Pennsylvania courts repeatedly comment that such restrictive agreements are not favored, properly drafted Restrictive Covenants, although strictly construed and narrowly interpreted, are enforceable in Pennsylvania.
Restrictive covenant indemnity insurance can only be obtained when a covenant has been breached for at least 12 months without complaint. But once procured, the policy will last in perpetuity and can usually be passed on to future owners of the property.
Are covenants legally enforceable? Restrictive covenants are usually legally enforceable and binding if they have been set up properly, but can cease to be enforceable after a period of time in some circumstances.
How long do covenants last? Many HOA covenants expire after a period of time, usually between 25 to 30 years. When covenants expire, associations may choose to reinstate them through a majority vote from the membership. This is known as Covenant Revitalization.
Some covenants are given a set expiration date, which is listed in the deed or a secondary document called the "List of covenants, conditions and restrictions". Otherwise, they may not have an expiration date and can last indefinitely.
What happens if I breach a restrictive covenant? If you own a property and unknowingly (or otherwise) breach a restrictive covenant then you could be forced to undo any offending work (such as having to pull down an extension), pay a fee (often running into thousands of pounds) or even face legal action.
How enforceable are restrictive covenants? The general position is that post-termination restrictive covenants are void on public policy grounds as being in restraint of trade, unless they are being used by the employer to protect a legitimate business interest.
Ignoring a restrictive covenant If you choose to ignore a restrictive covenant, you could potentially face a claim in damages for the breach in addition to any injunctions granted.
In all cases, no matter how old they are, covenants cannot be removed or disregarded unless they are extinguished by agreement, which usually involves some form of payment or an application to the Lands Tribunal a long and costly undertaking. Covenants can be very obscure.