Which statement about negative easements (restrictive covenants) is true?

Which statement about negative easements (restrictive covenants) is true?

• A. They must be expressly created by a writing signed by the grantor
• B. They may be created by implication
• C. They are always valid even without writing
• D. They grant the right to use land for a limited purpose

Answer: (A)

Restrictive covenants must be created in a written instrument signed by the grantor to be enforceable against future owners. This reflects the rule that interests in land, including negative easements, require a signed writing to be binding and recordable, so they can run with the land and bind successors. Without a writing, a promise about land use isn’t enforceable as a deed restriction. A negative easement doesn’t grant a use of someone else’s land; it restricts what the landowner may do. That’s why a statement describing an implied creation or a right to use land for a limited purpose isn’t correct.

Restrictive covenants must be created in a written instrument signed by the grantor to be enforceable against future owners. This reflects the rule that interests in land, including negative easements, require a signed writing to be binding and recordable, so they can run with the land and bind successors. Without a writing, a promise about land use isn’t enforceable as a deed restriction. A negative easement doesn’t grant a use of someone else’s land; it restricts what the landowner may do. That’s why a statement describing an implied creation or a right to use land for a limited purpose isn’t correct.