Deed Restricted

About deed-restricted communities

I’m always surprise when I’m asked, what a “deed-restricted community” is, apparently there are places in the country that do not have them. Deed restrictions, which is also known as a declaration or a declaration of covenants are a crucial component of a homeowner’s association structure. The goal of deed restrictions is to maintain the neighborhood in such a way that the homeowner’s property is kept consistent with the rest of the community as well as maintained year round.

Homeowners associations are formed by registering and incorporating the community’s association with the state, usually formed by the developer and handed over to the homeowners when construction is completed. In order to form a homeowner associations board members need to be appointed to run day-to-day activities of the association and to make sure the declaration of covenants are being followed. Board members are dedicated volunteers that offer their service for free with not much rewards.

Some subdivisions are governed by minor restrictions, such as: Broken down vehicles can not be parked on the property, no more than so many pets, lawns must be well kept, etc. Other subdivisions are governed by much stricter restrictions. The rules in these subdivisions can include: Structures on the exterior must be approved by the HOA, Vehicles can not be parked on the driveway at night, all exterior house paint colors must be approved by the HOA, etc.

Florida law requires that a homebuyer be notified when purchasing in a deed restricted community by signing an addendum, letting buyers know that there’s an association fee and rules associated with living in a homeowner’s association. At the time of purchasing in a deed restricted community it’s very important for a homebuyer to obtain a copy of the rules and regulations and understand what the restrictions would mean to them. Home buyers need to understand that by purchasing in homeowners association they agree to abide by the governing rules and regulations.

Living in a deed-restricted community has its advantages. For one thing, you are only required to pay a share of the expenses relating to the maintenance and upkeep of the community. In exchange, you share the amenities you might not have been able to afford on your own. The amenities and grounds not owned by individual owners are referred to as common ground and are equally owned by its members.

Click here for information on Chapter 720 Florida law regulating Homeowner’s Associations.

SARASOTA’S DEED RESTRICTED COMMUNITIES

 

Laurel Meadows