{"id":369426,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/restrictive-covenants-questionnaire.html"},"modified":"2024-02-20T13:58:20","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T18:58:20","slug":"restrictive-covenants-questionnaire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/restrictive-covenants-questionnaire.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Ask Before Buying a Home With a Restrictive Covenant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

What To Ask Before Buying a Home With a Restrictive Covenant<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A restrictive covenant<\/a> is an agreement, usually outlined in a property’s deed, limiting how you can use your real property. It’s part of a declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (or CC&R<\/a>s). Restrictive covenants are common when you purchase a condominium. They’re generally designed to maintain property values and strengthen a community.<\/p>\r\n

Even if a particular covenant seems odd, by signing the deed, you contractually agree to abide by the rules. Examples of restrictive covenants include things like required color schemes or prohibitions against vegetable gardens. Such covenants may also be used between neighbors or among a small number of property owners. For instance, a home with a lake view may be restricted by how high the owners may build. Adding another story or a higher roof may be prohibited if it blocks another neighbor’s view<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides questions to consider as a homebuyer before purchasing a property with restrictive covenants. It addresses disclaimers regarding changing a home’s appearance or completing renovations. It also discusses how covenants might affect yard use or lifestyle choices.<\/p>\r\n

How Much Do You Want To Change the Home’s Appearance?<\/h2>\r\n

For most people, a home is the biggest purchase of their lives. Ensure you know the parameters of any restrictive covenants (or any other CC&Rs<\/a>) before making that investment. Ask your realtor to obtain all relevant documents for review. Like local ordinances or zoning laws, deed restrictions can affect things like a home’s appearance. Below are questions to consider:<\/p>\r\n