Maryland Renters’ Rights in Agricultural Worker Housing

If you are an agricultural worker living in Maryland, it’s important to know that your housing is regulated by special laws designed to protect your health, safety, and basic rights as a renter. Maryland’s agricultural worker housing laws cover rental conditions, landlord obligations, and your options if something isn’t right in your home.

What is Agricultural Worker Housing?

Agricultural worker housing typically includes any accommodation—like dormitories, cabins, or shared living spaces—provided by an employer or landlord for people working in farming, harvesting, or food processing. In Maryland, both state and federal regulations apply to these housing types, often called “migrant labor camps.”

State Laws and Your Rights

In Maryland, agricultural worker housing is regulated under the Maryland Code, Labor and Employment Article, Title 7, Subtitles 2 & 3 – "Migrant and Seasonal Farm Labor". These laws lay out minimum requirements for landlords and protections for you as a renter. Key points include:

• Minimum habitability standards for rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and shared spaces
• Health and safety maintenance, including sanitation, drinking water, and fire safety
• Occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding
• Anti-retaliation protections if you report issues

You can read more in the Maryland Labor and Employment Article, Title 7.

Federal Standards

Many Maryland agricultural worker housing sites must also comply with the federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). These federal rules provide extra protections for health and safety, and require landlords to register housing and allow inspections.

Who Oversees Agricultural Worker Housing?

The Maryland Department of Labor oversees labor and housing conditions for agricultural and migrant workers. They enforce state rules, conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and can take action if laws are violated.

For rental disputes and broader tenant rights, the Maryland District Court handles landlord-tenant matters, such as complaints about living conditions, evictions, or withheld deposits.

Filing a Complaint or Reporting Housing Violations

If you live in agricultural worker housing and have problems—such as unsafe conditions, lack of running water, or overcrowding—you have the right to file an official complaint. This alerts Maryland authorities, who can investigate and order repairs or issue fines if your rental does not meet state standards.

Maryland Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (DLLR/OUI-MLC-1)

• Name: Maryland Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (DLLR/OUI-MLC-1)
• When to use: Use this form to report health, safety, or regulatory violations in migrant or agricultural worker housing. For example, if your employer provides housing without adequate sanitation, complete the form to start a state investigation.
• Official source: Download the Maryland Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (DLLR/OUI-MLC-1)

Once completed, send the form to the Maryland Department of Labor at the address listed, or call their office for guidance. You can remain anonymous if needed.

Key Landlord Responsibilities in Agricultural Worker Housing

• Provide safe and sanitary living spaces
• Ensure working plumbing, kitchen, and bathroom facilities
• Comply with all occupancy and inspection requirements
• Do not evict or retaliate because of a filed complaint

Landlords failing to meet these obligations may face fines or orders to fix the problems.

What to Do If You Have a Problem

Always start by reporting issues directly to your landlord or employer. If nothing changes, complete the official complaint form above and consider reaching out to the Maryland Department of Labor or local health department. Depending on the issue, you may also be able to file a case in the Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division.

FAQ for Maryland Agricultural Worker Housing Renters

1. What rights do I have as an agricultural worker renter in Maryland?
   You have the right to safe, sanitary housing, protection from retaliation, and to file complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions under state law.
2. How do I report unsafe or illegal housing conditions?
   Complete the Maryland Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (DLLR/OUI-MLC-1) and submit it to the Department of Labor. Link and instructions are above.
3. Can my employer evict me for complaining about living conditions?
   Landlords and employers are prohibited from retaliating or evicting workers because they report violations or participate in investigations.
4. Where can I find the laws that protect agricultural worker housing in Maryland?
   The main laws are found in the Maryland Labor and Employment Article, Title 7, plus federal protections under MSPA.
5. Who can I contact if I need more help or legal advice?
   You can reach out to the Maryland Department of Labor, local legal aid offices, or the Maryland District Court’s Landlord-Tenant Section for support.

Conclusion: Your Rights and Next Steps

• Maryland has clear regulations protecting agricultural worker housing renters—know your rights to safe and healthy living conditions.
• If you face unsafe or unlawful conditions, use the official complaint form and know that retaliation is not allowed.
• Helpful support is available from state agencies and legal aid groups if you need extra guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of Labor – Wages & Employment Standards (410-767-2357)
• Maryland District Court – Landlord/Tenant Self-Help
• Maryland People's Law Library – Agricultural Workers
• Local Legal Aid offices or farmworker organizations (search for "Maryland Legal Aid").

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1. Maryland Labor and Employment Article, Title 7, Subtitles 2 & 3: Maryland Migrant and Seasonal Farm Labor Laws
2. Maryland Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form: DLLR/OUI-MLC-1
3. Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Information
4. Federal MSPA regulations: U.S. Dept. of Labor MSPA Information

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