{"id":369181,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/what-are-my-rights-as-a-homeowner.html"},"modified":"2026-10-13T15:50:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:50:59","slug":"what-are-my-rights-as-a-homeowner","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/what-are-my-rights-as-a-homeowner.html","title":{"rendered":"What Are My Rights as a Homeowner?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Are My Rights as a Homeowner?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 13, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>The legal owner of a piece of property has the right to quiet enjoyment of that property.<\/li>\n<li>Before you buy a house, review any factors that might affect your property rights, such as easements and HOA rules.<\/li>\n<li>Property owners have legal remedies if someone wrongfully interferes with their rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Property owners have a lot of freedom with their real property. Generally, you have a bundle of rights to use your property in most ways.<\/p>\n<p>But there are certain limitations against your own property rights. For example, you may not have subsurface or mineral rights to what&#8217;s underneath your home. Laws, ordinances, and covenants can all affect your rights as a homebuyer.<\/p>\n<p>The following article covers many of the most common limitations on private property ownership and your legal rights in homeownership. Be sure to check with your local community for specific laws relating to your land use. Contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local property law attorney<\/a> for a personalized assessment of your property use issues.<\/p>\n<h2>Basic Property Rights<\/h2>\n<p>Property rights generally include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Actual legal possession of the property<\/li>\n<li>Privacy from uninvited guests (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/trespassing-basics.html\">trespassers<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Freedom from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/property-rights-my-neighbor-is-a-nuisance.html\">nuisances and intrusions<\/a> while using the property<\/li>\n<li>Access to a public right-of-way for entering and exiting the property<\/li>\n<li>The ability to modify your home, land, or structures<\/li>\n<li>The ability to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/selling-your-home.html\">sell<\/a>, transfer, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate.html\">bequeath<\/a> your property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>State property laws establish owners&#8217; rights. But these rights aren&#8217;t absolute. They exist in harmony with the rights of other people and the interests of public order.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a person who owns a real estate property has the right to quiet enjoyment. Laws typically define quiet enjoyment as the ability to use a property without significant interference. But if a certain way of enjoying your property means your neighbor can&#8217;t enjoy their property, this right may be limited.<\/p>\n<h2>Infringement of Your Property Rights<\/h2>\n<p>If someone infringes on your rights, you may have a legal remedy. Most property issues, such as those involving neighbors, are possible to solve through simple communication. But serious problems that affect your ability to enjoy and control your property may need a different approach.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In these cases, a swift response can help you avoid consequences like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Loss of your property rights through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/adverse-possession-continuous-trespassers-rights.html\">adverse possession<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Damage to your property or its value, as in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/water-damage-and-neighbor-disputes.html\">flooding scenario<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Loss of enjoyment of a feature of your property, such as when a neighbor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/can-my-neighbor-legally-block-my-view.html\">blocks your view<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Can Affect My Property Rights?<\/h2>\n<p>Several things can change, limit, or revoke your rights, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#violations\">Illegal activity\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#zoning\">Local ordinances and zoning restrictions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#covenants\">Covenants under an association or community<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#easements\">Easements<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Breaking the Law<a id=\"violations\"><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>As a homeowner, you don&#8217;t have the right to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal.html\">break the law<\/a> in your home. If it&#8217;s illegal outside of the house, chances are it&#8217;s illegal inside the home. That goes for drug crimes, violent crimes, and most other categories of criminal activity.<\/p>\n<p>But criminal laws aren&#8217;t the only things restricting your at-home behavior. Local ordinances may limit the use of your property. Local noise ordinances\u00a0and nuisance laws can restrict activities. For example, you\u00a0may be unable to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-to-do-about-a-neighbor-s-noise-faqs.html\">crank up your stereo<\/a> at 3 a.m. in a residential neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>The law may also require you to follow certain duties as a title holder. These include paying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/property-tax-basics.html\">property taxes<\/a> incident to real estate ownership. It also includes allowing law enforcement emergency access in certain situations.<\/p>\n<h3>Zoning Laws<a id=\"zoning\"><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Even though an activity isn&#8217;t criminal, it doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s appropriate for your neighborhood. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/zoning.html\">Zoning restrictions<\/a> prevent certain types of businesses from sprouting up in neighborhoods and houses from being built in business parks.<\/p>\n<p>While\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/land-use-and-zoning-basics.html\">zoning ordinances<\/a> vary from city to city, areas are typically designated for residential, business, or industrial use. An owner of the property affected by a zoning ordinance must be careful about the activity they carry out. Before opening a convenience store in your garage or converting your office building into an apartment complex, you should check with your local zoning authority.<\/p>\n<h3>Restrictive Covenants<a id=\"covenants\"><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Property law creates other situations that may restrict your rights as a homeowner. Many developments and subdivisions have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/ccrs.html\">covenants<\/a> (governing terms). They dictate what improvements you can make or how to use the land. For example, some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/home-owners-associations.html\">homeowners associations<\/a> (HOAs) demand a certain level of lawn maintenance or prohibit owners from affixing satellite dishes to homes.<\/p>\n<p>Gated communities are particularly notorious for their <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/restrictive-covenant.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">restrictive covenants<\/a>. These residential communities may limit:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The color you can paint your house<\/li>\n<li>The way you use your yard<\/li>\n<li>Where you store your garbage cans and personal property<\/li>\n<li>Your ability to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/checklist-before-you-rent-out-your-property.html\">create a tenancy<\/a> (rental)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Easements Limit or Grant Property Rights<a id=\"easements\"><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Easements can also affect your rights as a homeowner. An\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/easements\/\">easement<\/a> is a property interest allowing another person to use the property. It can also act as a right of way. While it may be an <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/encumbrance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">encumbrance<\/a> (legal burden), an easement is not a right of possession or right of control to land.<\/p>\n<p>For example, an easement on your property may allow:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your neighbor to cross your land<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/easements-and-utility-companies.html\">utility company<\/a> to maintain power lines on your land\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can consult with a legal expert to determine whether:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You have ownership rights to an easement<\/li>\n<li>There&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/easement-basics.html\">an easement on your land<\/a><\/li>\n<li>You have the right of exclusion against certain trespassers on your land<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Talk to a Lawyer About Your Rights as a Homeowner<\/h2>\n<p>Your home is your castle, but there are many situations in which a neighbor or other party can limit your activities on your own land. Contact a local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate attorney<\/a> to learn about the rights and limitations you have in using your land.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n         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for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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