Covenants are promises made by the purchaser of property to do (or not do) something upon the land. The most common form of covenants are CC&Rs: covenants, conditions and restrictions. Almost always in writing, covenants may attach to the property in several different ways: 1. Deed

When the purchaser of property takes title, it is usually done so through a written and recorded deed. The deed itself may contain covenants preventing the purchaser from certain activities, like mining for minerals or creating a nuisance affecting adjacent land owners.

2. Declaration

A declaration refers to a "declaration of covenants, conditions and restrictions"--the full title of CC&Rs. The declaration subjects multiple lots or parcels in a subdivision or community to the same set of covenants prior to the developer or "declarant" conveying the first lot in the community. Often, the declaration is incorporated or referenced in the deeds to individual purchasers. In most states, the recording of the declaration is sufficient without having to incorporate or reference the declaration in each individual deed.

3. Plat

Similar to a declaration, a developer may place covenants on the recorded plat of the community. The plat is a graphical depiction of the lot lines, roads, and common property. For condominiums, the plat will also show the elevation profile of the units and common elements. Covenants contained in plats are typically noted in the narrative portion of the plat or referenced on the affected parcels.