Information About Restrictive Covenants on Property

Identification

• Restrictive covenants are a particular type of deed restriction.
  
  

History

• In the 1948 case Shelley vs. Kramer, the United States Supreme Court struck down the state enforcement of restrictive covenants that exclude certain races from owning or occupying real estate.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The Shelley House, which was the subject of the 1948 United States Supreme Court decision, is now registered as a national historic landmark.
  
  

Benefits

• According to Bankrate.com, restrictive covenants generally have a positive impact on property value because they promote appropriate and tasteful construction and land use.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the American Bar Association, detailed restrictive covenants can be a problem for landowners who are looking to install a retail mix that is appropriate for the current population.