Illinois Real Estate Practice Exam

If a homeowner notices a neighbor violating deed restrictions, what action should the homeowner take?

1. Confront the neighbor directly

2. Ignore the violation

3. File an injunction to enforce the deed restriction

4. Report to the local newspaper

The correct answer is: File an injunction to enforce the deed restriction

When a homeowner notices a neighbor violating deed restrictions, the appropriate action is to file an injunction to enforce the deed restriction. Deed restrictions are legally binding agreements that dictate how property can be used and maintained. If a neighbor is not adhering to these restrictions, it can impact the property values and the community atmosphere. Filing an injunction is a legal action that requests the court to order the neighbor to comply with the restrictions. This is often necessary because deed restrictions are enforceable through legal means. It ensures that the rights of the property owners are protected and provides a formal process for addressing violations. Taking legal action through an injunction demonstrates that the homeowner is serious about upholding community standards and is utilizing the appropriate legal recourse rather than resorting to confrontational or informal methods. Confronting the neighbor directly may lead to conflicts and does not guarantee that the restriction will be enforced. Ignoring the violation can have long-term negative effects on property values and may set a precedent for further violations. Reporting to the local newspaper is not a practical solution for remedying the situation and does not lead to enforcement of the deed restrictions.