What happens if property owners do not enforce their rights to restrictive covenants?

If property owners do not enforce their rights to restrictive covenants, they essentially risk losing those rights. Restrictive covenants are legally binding agreements that impose limitations or obligations on property owners aimed at maintaining a certain standard or character within a neighborhood or community.

When a property owner fails to act against violations of these covenants over time, such as allowing certain kinds of developments or changes that contravene the agreed stipulations, it may be seen as a waiver of their right to enforce those covenants. This concept is grounded in the legal principle that rights can be forfeited through inaction. If the owner consistently ignores violations, they may be deemed to have accepted them, which weakens their position if they later decide to enforce the restrictions.

Understanding this principle is critical for property owners, as the enforcement of covenants is essential in protecting the value and use of their property in accordance with community standards.