Arkansas Laws for Agricultural Worker Housing: Your Rights

Finding safe and comfortable housing is especially important for agricultural workers in Arkansas. As a renter living in agricultural worker housing, you're protected by state and federal regulations designed to ensure your wellbeing and set standards for landlords and employers. Understanding these rights can help you address issues with repairs, overcrowding, evictions, and more.

What is Agricultural Worker Housing?

Agricultural worker housing includes any accommodation provided to one or more workers who are employed in farming, planting, livestock care, or similar rural labor. This housing is often managed by farm owners, labor contractors, or agricultural employers. In Arkansas, both state laws and federal standards apply to these settings.

Your Housing Rights and Protections

Arkansas law sets minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and habitability in all residential housing—including agricultural worker housing.

• Safe and Sanitary Conditions: Landlords must provide safe, weatherproof housing, with working facilities for cooking and bathing, adequate heat, and proper waste disposal. See requirements in the Arkansas Public Health Code.¹
• No Unlawful Eviction: Even if the landlord is also your employer, they cannot evict you without proper notice or due process under state law.²
• Privacy and Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for reporting unsafe or unsanitary conditions.²

Key Regulations for Arkansas Agricultural Worker Housing

Employers and operators of farmworker housing must follow specific laws, including:

• Arkansas Sanitation Requirements for migrant labor camps, covering space per occupant, showers, toilets, cooking, and sleeping areas. These requirements are enforced by the Arkansas Department of Health - Environmental Health Division.³
• Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Temporary Labor Camps Standard also applies.⁴

Both state and federal law apply—whichever protection is strongest, takes priority.

Common Issues and How to Take Action

If you encounter unsafe conditions—like overcrowding, no running water, faulty heating, pest infestations, or threats of eviction—take these steps:

• Document the problem (photos, notes, dates).
• Report concerns to your landlord or employer in writing if possible, detailing what needs to be fixed.
• If the issue isn't resolved, contact the Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health Division to file a complaint.
• If you believe your rights have been violated, you may contact the EEOC Little Rock Office or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for federal issues.

Official Complaint Forms and How To Use Them

• Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health Complaint Form (ADH EH Complaint Form): Use this form if your housing is unsanitary or unsafe. Example: If your shared bathroom does not have running water, fill out and submit this form to the ADH.
• OSHA Workplace Safety or Health Complaint (OSHA Online Complaint Form): Use if the problem is related to federal safety/health standards in your camp or facility.

Who Oversees Housing Disputes?

In Arkansas, the official authority for tenant complaints related to agricultural worker housing is the Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health Division for state issues, and OSHA for federal safety issues. There is no state Residential Tenancy Tribunal, but county courts can also hear disputes.

If you feel unsafe or unsure about your rights, reach out for help—official agencies are there to protect you, even if your landlord is also your boss.

FAQ: Agricultural Worker Housing in Arkansas

1. Who is responsible for maintaining agricultural worker housing?
   The landlord, employer, or operator providing the housing is responsible for keeping it safe and sanitary, following state and federal laws.
2. What if my landlord tries to evict me immediately after I complain?
   This could be considered retaliation. Arkansas law requires due process for eviction and prohibits retaliation for reporting health or safety violations.²
3. Can I file a complaint if I am not a U.S. citizen or do not have a written lease?
   Yes, all workers—regardless of citizenship or lease status—are protected under Arkansas health and safety regulations.
4. How quickly must housing problems be fixed?
   The Arkansas Department of Health may order a landlord to resolve serious risks within a set deadline. For urgent hazards like no water or heat, deadlines are often very quick.
5. Is there a fee for filing a complaint?
   No, filing a complaint with the ADH or OSHA is free for renters and workers.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Understanding your rights as an agricultural worker in Arkansas helps you stay safe and secure:

• Agricultural worker housing must meet specific health and safety laws.
• You can file a complaint—regardless of citizenship status—if your housing isn’t safe or is unsanitary.
• Evictions require proper notice and must not be in retaliation for reporting problems.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health Division (main state authority for housing complaints)
• OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (safety for labor camps)
• U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division (for labor and pay complaints)
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Little Rock Area Office (for discrimination or retaliation issues)

---

1. Arkansas Public Health and Welfare Code – Title 20, Chapter 9
2. Arkansas Property Law – Landlord and Tenant Rights (Arkansas Code Title 18)
3. Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health Complaint Form (pdf)
4. OSHA – Temporary Labor Camps Standard, 29 CFR 1910.142

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations