Master Social Studies with Fun Quizzes & Brain Teasers!

Two neighbors owned single-story homes next door to one another. The first neighbor informed the second neighbor that he planned to make some small improvements to his home, within all applicable neighborhood rules and covenants. The second neighbor was concerned that the improvements would block her view, but the first neighbor assured her that they would not. The two neighbors orally promised one another that they would never make any improvements to their own homes or yards that would negatively affect the view or light enjoyed by the other's property. Indeed, the completed improvement had no effect on the second neighbor's view. The second neighbor then informed the first neighbor that she planned to make an improvement to her home. The first neighbor reminded the second neighbor of their agreement, which the second neighbor assured him that she would honor. The first neighbor went on an extended vacation, and when he arrived home, he was horrified to see that the second neighbor's improvements to her home completely blocked his view of a nearby woodland, and was so tall that the first neighbor's yard received very little light each day.If the first neighbor sues the second neighbor for breach of their agreement, is the first neighbor likely to be successful?a No, because the agreement was more restrictive than the neighborhood rules and covenants.b No, because the agreement between the first and second neighbors was not in writing.c Yes, because the agreement between the first and second neighbors was an implied reciprocal servitude, which need not be in writing.d Yes, because the agreement between the first and second neighbors was a valid negative easement.