Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 183 § 183.12
Business discrimination
Operative Text
It is an unfair discriminatory practice for a person or entity engaged in a trade or business or in the provision of a service: (1) To refuse to do business with or provide a service to a woman based on her use of her current or former surname; (2) To impose, as a condition of doing business with or providing a service to a woman, that a woman use her current surname rather than a former surname; or (3) To refuse to do business, to contract, to award franchise, or to discriminate in the terms, conditions or performance of the business or contract; except it is not illegal to base a decision upon status with regard to public assistance, when the alleged refusal or discrimination is because of a legitimate business purpose. Nothing in this subdivision shall prohibit positive action plans.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.12 designates certain business practices as unfair and discriminatory. Specifically, it prohibits businesses and service providers from refusing service to a woman because of her surname choice—whether current or former—or from conditioning service on her use of a particular surname. The provision also broadly bars refusal to contract, award franchises, or impose discriminatory terms in business dealings, with a narrow exception for decisions based on a legitimate business purpose related to public assistance status, and it expressly permits positive action plans.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.12, property owners and managers who engage in rental transactions—a form of business dealing—generally ensure that their leasing and service practices do not treat a woman differently based on whether she uses a current or former surname. Compliant operators apply consistent criteria for applications, lease terms, and service delivery regardless of a tenant's surname choice. Maintaining uniform written policies and training staff on this provision helps demonstrate adherence to the standard it establishes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.12 gives women the right to engage in business and housing transactions without being penalized for their surname choice. If a landlord or service provider refuses to rent, contract, or provide services—or imposes different conditions—because of a woman's current or former surname, that conduct may constitute an unfair discriminatory practice under this provision. Tenants who believe this rule has been violated can explore options such as filing a complaint with a local civil rights or human rights office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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