Final answer:
A deed restriction is a covenant that creates conditions on the use of property, often established by developers to maintain certain standards within a neighborhood. These standards can include architectural guidelines or property use limitations and have historically been used for discriminatory practices, but now focus more on community aesthetics and land preservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A deed restriction is a private agreement, also known as a covenant, that limits the use of property by setting conditions on its usage. Such restrictions are common tools used by land developers to preserve the aesthetic integrity and design of a neighborhood. These conditions can include requirements like establishing minimum house sizes, enforcing setback lines, or mandating certain architectural styles. The use of restrictive covenants has historically had significant social implications, with some being used as tools for segregation by prohibiting the sale of properties to certain ethnicities until declared unconstitutional.
Furthermore, easements are another type of non-governmental land use restriction that grants rights to use someone else's property for a specific purpose, such as the preservation of open spaces or conservation goals.
Both deed restrictions and easements are enforcements based on contractual rights, which are underpinned by property rights, and allow property owners to legally enforce the agreed-upon terms.