Where to look
- Harris County Clerk’s real property records (other counties: that county’s clerk)
- Your civic association or HOA website
- Your title policy and closing documents from when you bought the home
What they commonly control
- Building lines and setbacks
- Height, number of stories and minimum house size
- Garages, carports and fences
- Second dwelling units and rentals
- Commercial uses and some home businesses
- Exterior materials in some neighborhoods
How long they last and who enforces them
Most deed restrictions last 25 to 30 years and many renew automatically unless owners act. Neighbors and associations can enforce them, and the City of Houston Legal Department runs a deed restriction enforcement team that takes complaints through its hotline at 832-393-6333.
Common questions
Does Houston have zoning?
No. Houston regulates development through city ordinances, building codes and private deed restrictions instead of traditional zoning.
Do deed restrictions affect my remodel?
Often. Additions, garage conversions, fences, second units and some exterior changes can all be limited by deed restrictions. Read them before you design.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm details with the agency named in the sources or a licensed professional.