Changing Deeds
FAQs
We’ve pulled some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received and compiled them all into one place for your convenience. Not finding what you’re looking for? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Where exactly is the John Allen Subdivision neighborhood?
John Allen's Subdivision includes the homes located within the boundaries of Arborview Boulevard on the south, Arbana Drive on the east, Miller on the North, and Wesley on the west, plus a few extra homes.
Why were racially restrictive covenants put on my property?
Racially restrictive covenants on deeds were used to enforce segregation and keep Black people and other people of color out of certain neighborhoods. The developer of a land area could attach these restrictions when homes were originally developed and sold. Although a US Supreme Court case in 1948 deemed covenants such as these unenforceable, many still remain attached to properties on legal documents and are shared with new owners when a home is sold. Today, these unenforceable restrictions serve as a reminder of the racist and discriminatory practices of the past, but do not reflect the values and community desires of today.
What has to be signed to make a change?
Property owners are all adding their notarized signatures to this legal resolution.
Can the covenants be changed?
Yes. The legal documents allow for a process to make changes. The Wildwood Addition 1 area requires two-thirds of the current assessed value of the parcels to affirmatively approve a change. This is a high bar and tougher than some other neighborhoods.
Will/Must my property deed be re-issued?
No. Once the proposed resolution is officially filed with the Register of Deeds Office, the revised language is attached to your property. After filing, anyone doing a title or other legal search on your property records will see the updated language.
Why is it important to make this change?
Although unenforceable today, covenants like these were part of other policies and practices that harmed people of color and prevented them from the opportunity of gaining wealth through home ownership and attending integrated schools. While they reflected the values and beliefs of that time of exclusivity, they do not reflect the neighborhood and community values of today of inclusivity. Amending the covenants today recognizes the racial injustice done in the past, adds to the historical record of how the neighborhood has changed, and contributes to making the neighborhood more inclusive!
Is there a cost to me associated with signing?
No. The attorney who drafted the documents and a notary are waiving their fees. The filing fee for the Register of Deeds office will be absorbed by the neighbors who initiated this movement.
Who can sign?
Legally each person on the deed must sign for their parcel or the parcel does not count towards a successful amendment. Through public information at the Register of Deeds Office, we already have the ownership names of who owns each parcel and must sign. If you aren’t sure, you can write us at Welcoming.Neighbors@icloud.com, and we can let you know.
If you rent instead of own, we must obtain signatures from the property owners. Unfortunately, renters are unable to sign as the occupant. If the home is owned by a trust, the executor or all parties to the trust must sign.
How do I sign?
Reach out to us at WelcomingNeighborhood@gmail.com and tell us where you live. A volunteer notary will reply to arrange a time to get your signature.
How much progress have you made?
We've just started!
How does this affect my property value?
Racially restrictive covenants were determined to be unenforceable by the US Supreme Court in 1948, so there should be no impact on property values since this action only removes a long-time unenforceable covenant and replaces it with inclusive, non-restrictive language.
I read about the Mark Hannah neighborhood’s successful campaign earlier this year to eliminate racially restrictive language in their deeds. Have there been other neighborhoods in Ann Arbor that have followed in their footsteps?
At this time, to the best of our knowledge, John Allen's Subdivision will be only the 3rd neighborhood in Ann Arbor to successfully replace racially restrictive language. Wildwood Addition 1 was the second neighborhood in Ann Arbor and the Hannah neighborhood was the first. We are proud of the fact that John Allen neighbors are showing such strong interest.
Friends in another neighborhood also have racially restrictive language in their deeds. How can they learn about undertaking a similar initiative?
We build inclusive communities by taking many actions across many neighborhoods. Removing racially restrictive covenants is just one way we can become a more welcoming community.
Tell others about what we’re doing and if they have racially restrictive covenants & restrictions on their property, we will share the steps and information sources we used to make this happen for the other Ann Arbor neighborhoods.
I don’t live in John Allen. How can I find out if my neighborhood has racist deed restrictions?
Title companies are required to provide each owner at their closing with all of the legal documents associated with ownership of their home. The best way to find out about your neighborhood is to contact your title company and ask for a copy of the covenants and restrictions. You can also visit www.justiceindeedmi.org, where some research has already been done in Washtenaw County.