All properties sold through Preservation North Carolina's Endangered Properties Program have protective covenants placed on the deeds.

Protective Covenants agreements serve several important functions.

1. they prohibit demolition of the historic resource.
   
2. they obligate the owner to rehabilitate and maintain the property.
   
3. they give Preservation North Carolina design review over several aspects of the property including exterior alterations to the historic structure, alterations of significant designated interior architectural features (for example, staircases, mantels and woodwork), and usually over changes to the landscape or setting.

Preservation North Carolina recognizes that the historic structures need to be adapted and altered to provide for contemporary conveniences (such as modern baths and kitchens, closet space, and heating and air conditioning) and to accommodate contemporary uses. Preservation North Carolina reviews and offers guidance to the property owners to insure the requested alterations can be accomplished without destroying the architecturally significant features of the building.

Preservation North Carolina retains a first right of refusal on the property in the event of a sale, and also retains the option to repurchase the property if the covenants are violated and the violations are not corrected. The covenant agreement is recorded at the county courthouse and runs in perpetuity with the deed to the property, thus protecting the historic resource for future generations.

Rehabilitation Agreements also accompany properties sold through the Endangered Properties Program that require substantial rehabilitation.

Sample Protective Covenants (45.41 kB)