deed restriction

Intermediate 🏠 Real Estate

Definition

A limitation written into a deed that controls how property can be used, from prohibiting commercial activity to dictating paint colors. It's your previous owner reaching from the grave to tell you what to do.

Example Usage

The deed restriction prohibited any structure over 25 feet tall, protecting neighbors' ocean views in perpetuity.

Origin

Property law concept allowing perpetual land use controls, codified in modern deed practices

Fun Fact

Some historic deed restrictions contain shockingly discriminatory language from earlier eras, now unenforceable but still embarrassingly present in public records.

Source: Real estate law and property rights terminology

Related Terms

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