Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

Whether you already own a home or are buying or selling one, we can help you find and discharge restrictive covenants in your deed. When you reject discriminatory covenants on your home and properties, you’re recognizing historical discriminatory housing practices and their effect on communities of color, and you’re taking positive action to dismantle inequitable systems in our society.

Why discharge a deed and how to do it.

Q:
What does it mean to discharge a covenant?
A:

Discharging a covenant adds a statement to your property title that rejects the language of the racist covenant. It does not erase the covenant from your property records. We believe that the discharge is a useful acknowledgment of the history of housing discrimination in our communities and that it can be a powerful first step in your personal work toward dismantling racism in housing.

Q:
Discriminatory covenants are no longer enforceable. Why does discharging a covenant matter?
A:

First, whether to help or to harm, laws can be changed. Second, discriminatory covenants send a message about who is welcome in our communities. Discharging covenants is one of many steps people can take to acknowledge and address systemic racism in housing and economic inclusion for BIPOC Minnesotans. It says that from now and into the future, discriminatory language and systemic racism is unacceptable on your parcel. By discharging your covenant, you are joining a movement of people in your community who are committed to promoting anti-racism in housing.

Q:
How do I get started?
A:
Q:
How do I discharge a restrictive covenant from my property deed?
A:
  • If your city participates in Just Deeds, use its website to access free attorney and title services.
  • If your city does not participate in Just Deeds, contact us directly. Our expert volunteers will help you.
Q:
What can I do after title and legal experts help me discharge a restrictive covenant from my property deed?
A:
  • Please share your story on and so friends and family can get involved too.
  • Continue to educate yourself and your neighbors about restrictive covenants and their legacy in your community.
  • Support local, state and national policies that are designed to dismantle systemic racism in housing.
Q:
Can a deed be researched and restrictive covenants discharged prior to closing on a home?
A:

Yes! When selecting a real estate agent to buy or sell a property, adopt the Just Deeds principles and mission. Find and research your deed. Then, if necessary, work with your agent to discharge the restrictive covenant as part of your closing.

Request a Just Deeds speaker to address your neighborhood, school or community group.