​Discriminatory covenants were once used to keep people of color from buying houses in many Minnesota neighborhoods. The result was a century of segregated communities.
While these discriminatory covenants are no longer lawful or enforceable, due to various court rulings and legislation, they are maintained as historical property documents.
Call Property Taxation & Records for further information
State law allows for property owners to file a Discharge of Restrictive Covenants Affecting Protected Classes to disavow past inclusion of discriminatory covenant in their property's history as stated in Minnesota Statute 507.18, subd.5.
Before submitting the form, please contact Property Taxation & Records at 651-438-4355 or records@co.dakota.mn.us to receive directions for your property. They will let you know if your property is Torrens or Abstract and provide resources to submit the form. If your property is Torrens, they will give you additional instructions.
County has exempted filing fee
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has exempted property owners from paying a recording fee to file a discharge document. The fee will be covered by the county to help property owners.
For Torrens properties
If your property is Torrens, most of these covenants have already been removed from the Certificate of Title.
For further information on discharging discriminatory covenants, contact Property Taxation & Records at 651-438-4355 or records@co.dakota.mn.us.