Deed-restricted communities are developments where a homeowners’ association (or HOA) has restrictions in place that prohibit residents from taking certain actions. Florida is home to many of these restricted communities and neighborhoods. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Florida property with deed restrictions or covenants and restrictions, talking to a real estate attorney about everything it entails can help ensure you won’t have any unpleasant surprises come closing time.
What Are Deed Restrictions?
In real estate law, deed restrictions are defined as agreements by landowners that they will only use their property for specific purposes in a specified manner. They’re also used as deed provisions limiting and prohibiting certain property uses.
Living in a Deed-Restricted Community
What does living in a deed-restricted community mean? How will it affect you as a potential homeowner?
Deed-restricted communities typically have homeowners associations that outline and enforce neighborhood rules. The rules are designed to preserve home values by ensuring the community remains in good shape.
Common deed restrictions you might encounter include:
- Lawn maintenance
- State of repair
- Type and color of garage doors
- Fencing
- What the property can be used for, including home businesses
- Whether you can rent out the property
- Rules on using common areas
Each community has its own deed restrictions, so it’s vital to your long-term well-being to learn what they are before you buy a home.
The information above was excerpted from the website of the Munizzi Law Firm, Florida Real Estate Attorneys in Deland, Florida.
101 N Woodland Blvd Suite 601
DeLand, FL 32720