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Property DescriptionHARD11.8% of exam

A deed restriction prohibits the use of a residential property for commercial purposes. This restriction:

Correct Answer

A) Runs with the land and binds future owners

Why this is correct: Deed restrictions (restrictive covenants) are private agreements that attach to the land itself, not just the owner. They 'run with the land,' meaning they automatically bind all subsequent owners to enforce the original intent. Why the other choices are wrong: They do not automatically expire after 20 years; duration depends on the covenant's terms. Zoning changes do not override private covenants unless specified. They apply beyond the original owner. Exam tip: Deed restrictions 'run with the land'—a key phrase meaning they bind future owners.

Answer Options
A
Runs with the land and binds future owners
B
Expires after 20 years
C
Can be overridden by zoning changes
D
Only applies to the original property owner

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why this is correct: Deed restrictions (restrictive covenants) are private agreements that attach to the land itself, not just the owner. They 'run with the land,' meaning they automatically bind all subsequent owners to enforce the original intent. Why the other choices are wrong: They do not automatically expire after 20 years; duration depends on the covenant's terms. Zoning changes do not override private covenants unless specified. They apply beyond the original owner. Exam tip: Deed restrictions 'run with the land'—a key phrase meaning they bind future owners.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

LAND Runs Forever

Remember 'LAND Runs Forever' - Legal restrictions Attached to the Natural Deed run with the land and bind future owners indefinitely, unlike personal contracts that expire with individuals.

How to use: When you see questions about deed restrictions, immediately think 'LAND Runs Forever' to remember that these restrictions stay with the property permanently and affect all future owners, not just the current one.

Exam Tip

Look for key phrases like 'deed restriction,' 'restrictive covenant,' or 'runs with the land' - these almost always indicate that the restriction binds future owners and doesn't automatically expire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • -Confusing deed restrictions with zoning laws - deed restrictions are private while zoning is public regulation
  • -Thinking deed restrictions expire automatically after a certain time period
  • -Believing that zoning changes can override existing deed restrictions

Concept Deep Dive

Analysis

This question tests understanding of deed restrictions (restrictive covenants) and their legal characteristics in property law. Deed restrictions are private agreements that limit how property can be used, and they create a legal burden that attaches to the property itself rather than to specific individuals. Unlike zoning laws which are public regulations, deed restrictions are private contractual obligations that typically have no automatic expiration date and continue indefinitely unless specifically terminated through legal processes. The key concept being tested is whether these restrictions 'run with the land,' meaning they transfer automatically to new owners when property changes hands.

Background Knowledge

Deed restrictions are private contractual agreements recorded with the property deed that limit how the property can be used, and they are distinct from public zoning regulations. These restrictions 'run with the land,' meaning they are attached to the property itself rather than to individual owners, so they automatically transfer to new owners when property is sold.

Real-World Application

When appraising properties in subdivisions with HOAs or planned communities, appraisers must research deed restrictions that may limit property use (like prohibiting home businesses), as these restrictions affect property value and marketability regardless of who owns the property.

deed restrictionsrestrictive covenantsruns with the landprivate agreementsproperty limitations
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