Definition
A legally binding promise or restriction in a deed governing how property can be used, often imposed by developers to maintain neighborhood character. It's your neighbor's legal standing to care way too much about your fence height.
Example Usage
The restrictive covenants prohibited any structure taller than one story, crushing their dreams of adding a second floor.
Origin
From Latin 'convenire' (to agree), adopted into English property law from feudal land tenure systems
Fun Fact
Racially restrictive covenants were common until deemed unenforceable by the Supreme Court in 1948, though some still appear in old deeds as historical artifacts.
Source: Property law and deed documentation
Related Terms
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See “covenant” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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