What are restrictive, or protective covenants?
Most subdivisions that were developed since the 1980’s have restrictions to protect the people who buy in the subdivision. These covenants are put in place by the developer and are enforced by them. These restrictions are attached to the deed and the buyer must agree to abide by them. The restrictions are very similar from one subdivision to another and include such things as -you are not allowed to operate a business or school in the subdivision- you are not allowed to cut trees that are bigger than 4 inches thick without permission from the developer- you are not allowed to keep horses,cattle or other domestic animals- the list can be quite long. In my agreement of purchase and sale I have a clause asking the seller to provide a copy of the covenants and giving the buyer the opportunity to read them before firming up the purchase of the property.
