How are "real covenants" defined in property law?

Real covenants are defined as promises or agreements that relate to the use of land and are intended to run with the land. This means that such covenants bind not just the original parties who made the covenant, but also subsequent owners of the land. They typically impose restrictions or obligations on property owners regarding how they may use their property, often aimed at maintaining a certain character or standard for the neighborhood or community.

For instance, a real covenant might require property owners in a subdivision to maintain their lawns to a certain standard or prohibit certain types of activities, ensuring that the overall aesthetic and usage of the area remains consistent. This characteristic of running with the land is what distinguishes real covenants from other types of agreements, as these obligations can persist beyond the original contracting parties and can be enforced against new owners.

In contrast, the other options presented do not capture the essence of real covenants. Regulations governing commercial property transactions are typically part of zoning laws and not individual promises tied to specific parcels of land. Agreements to lease property and contracts between landlords and tenants are specific to temporary arrangements and do not carry forward in the same manner as real covenants. Therefore, the notion that real covenants are promises about the use of land that run with it accurately reflects their