What does it mean to live in
A Deed Restricted Community?
So, what does it mean when a property is deed-restricted? Simply put, it means you must adhere to certain rules and covenants restricting how you use that property.
What does deed-restricted community mean? To put it plainly, a deed-restricted community is a complex or development where homeowners can’t do certain actions. Such communities are typically governed by a private entity known as homeowners associations. (HOA) These associations follow a set of governing documents, which includes the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs).
What is a deed restriction? Otherwise known as restrictive covenants in HOAs, these are agreements that limit or prohibit certain activities typically involving the property use, maintenance, and appearance. So, what does it mean when a property is deed-restricted? Simply put, it means you must adhere to certain rules and covenants restricting how you use that property.
Deed restrictions typically run with the land. That means they are attached to the land itself and not the home on top of it. Many deed restrictions also come from homeowners associations. For this article, we will be focusing on the HOA deed restrictions.
Common Deed Restrictions in HOAs
What is an example of a deed restriction? Although deed restrictions are very common in HOA communities, not all associations have the same exact set. Some of the most common restrictive covenants you might come across, though, include but are not limited to:
The exterior appearance of your property such as what paint colors and finishes you can use, doors you can install, etc.
Structural additions or modifications to your property such as sheds, greenhouses, balconies, pools, etc.
Fencing requirements and limitations
Vehicle parking such as where you can park, what type of vehicles you can park in your driveway or street, etc.
Landscaping requirements and limitations
Hanging your laundry out to dry*
Satellite dish, antenna, or solar panel installations*
Custom mailbox designs
Prohibiting or regulating the use of your property as a business
Pet policies such as how many pets you can have, what types, and what breed
Age restrictions such as only allowing residents 55 years or older
Placement of trash cans
In some states, HOAs cannot prohibit homeowners from solar drying and the installation of satellites, antennas, and solar panels. Though, they may be able to regulate them.