What are covenants in real estate?

Covenants in real estate are essentially promises made by property owners regarding how they will use their property, or they may impose restrictions on the property to maintain a certain standard or character within a community. These covenants are typically included in the deed of the property, making them legally enforceable agreements that are tied to the land itself and bind future owners to the same conditions.

Promised conditions can include stipulations like restrictions on building heights, types of permitted structures, or the maintenance of landscaping and aesthetics. These enforceable promises are important for maintaining neighborhood standards and ensuring that property use aligns with the community's goals.

The other options, while related to real estate, do not capture the essence of what covenants are. Requirements for mortgage approvals deal with financing rather than property usage. Local zoning laws are critical for determining permissible land uses but are established by local governments rather than individual property owners. Government regulations on building codes are focused on safety and construction methods and do not inherently involve the voluntary promises of property owners concerning usage and maintenance.