J. Patrick Sutton Cases & Issues Blog

Do amendments to restrictive covenants apply retroactively?

After years of having the issue crop up but not get resolved, I've finally litigated the question whether amendments to deed restrictions can be applied to the detriment of owners who relied on the prior deed restrictions. I am pleased to report that my client prevailed in a state district court, based on the legal theories of estoppel and equity (unclean hands). My client was able to continue renting out a property under leases already in force when the subdivision amended its restrictions to ban short-term rentals.
J. Patrick Sutton Cases & Issues Blog