Definition
A restriction on how property can be used, often originating from historical deed language or neighborhood associations. It's basically a legal way for dead people to control your choices.
Example Usage
The restrictive covenant prevented us from operating a business from home, which killed our plans for a home office startup.
Origin
From Old French 'covenanir' (to agree), describing an agreement restricting land use.
Fun Fact
Many historic restrictive covenants contained racist provisions that are now unenforceable but still appear in title records, a reminder of real estate's discriminatory past.
Source: Property Law and real estate standards
Related Terms
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See “Restrictive Covenant” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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