What are protective covenants in real estate?

What are Protective Covenants?

Protective covenants in real estate are legally binding conditions written into the deed of a property or a homeowners' association (HOA) rules that dictate how a property can be used and what alterations can be made to it. These covenants are designed to maintain a certain standard within a community, preserve property values, and govern the use and appearance of the property. They can include restrictions on architectural styles, colors, fence heights, types of landscaping, and prohibitions on commercial use in a residential area, among others. Violating these covenants can result in legal action or fines.