Equitable Servitude

/ˌekwɪtəbəl ˈsɜːrvɪtjuːd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A nonpossessory interest in land, enforceable in equity, that restricts the use of the servient estate for the benefit of the dominant estate or a group of owners.
    The court upheld the equitable servitude preventing the owner from building commercial property in the residential neighborhood.

Forms

  • equitable servitude
  • equitable servitudes

Commentary

Equitable servitudes differ from real covenants primarily in enforcement, being based on equitable principles rather than contract law; drafting should clearly establish intent to bind successors and privity of estate or notice to avoid unenforceability.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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