What is the ratio in Rhone v Stephens?

The burden of positive covenants cannot run with freehold land at common law and therefore cannot bind successors in title, unlike negative covenants which can run with the land.

What did the court decide in Rhone v Stephens?

The House of Lords held that the covenant to maintain the roof was a positive covenant that could not bind the successor owner of the burdened land.

Why is Rhone v Stephens important for land law?

It confirmed the fundamental rule that positive covenants cannot run with freehold land, which significantly limits how positive obligations can be enforced against successor owners.

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