Michigan Agricultural Worker Housing: Tenant Rights Explained

If you live in housing provided for agricultural workers in Michigan, special laws exist to protect your safety, health, and rights. These accommodations, often called "farm labor housing," have additional rules beyond standard landlord-tenant laws. Understanding these can help you assert your rights, resolve problems, and protect your home and family.

What Is Agricultural Worker Housing in Michigan?

Agricultural worker housing includes any temporary or seasonal accommodations provided to farmworkers and their families. Farms or companies that provide this housing must meet strict safety, health, and habitability standards under Michigan and federal law.

• Agricultural worker housing must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).
• All units must meet health, sanitation, and safety codes.
• Workers must be informed of their rights, including eviction, rent changes, and complaint processes.

Your Legal Protections as a Renter

Michigan's key law for tenants is the Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), Parts 124 and 125, which set housing standards and protections for farm labor housing.

• You have the right to safe, clean, and licensed living conditions.
• Landlords cannot evict you without proper written notice, usually requiring a valid reason.
• Agricultural worker housing providers must post a copy of their license and notify tenants of complaint procedures.

Michigan Tribunal Handling Tenant Issues

If disputes arise, such as illegal eviction or unaddressed serious repairs, you may seek resolution through your local District Court (Housing Division). This is Michigan's official body handling residential tenancy disputes.

Key Forms for Agricultural Worker Housing Renters

• Farmworker Housing Complaint Form (Online or PDF)
  Use this form if your housing does not meet health and safety standards. Example: You notice persistent mold or unsafe wiring and your landlord has not made repairs after you've asked. Submit a complaint to MDARD here or download the PDF Farmworker Housing Complaint Form.
• Notice to Quit and Summons Forms (DC 100, DC 104)
  Use these court-issued forms if you receive an eviction notice. The landlord must provide a Notice to Quit before filing for possession. Find official Notice to Quit forms on the Michigan Courts Landlord-Tenant Forms page.

What to Do If You Have a Problem

If your home is unsafe, or you feel your rights are at risk, these steps can help you resolve the issue:

1. Tell your landlord in writing about the problem.
2. If there is no action or the problem is urgent (dangerous or illegal conditions), file a complaint with the MDARD using their Farmworker Housing Complaint Form.
3. For eviction or unresolved disputes, contact the District Court (Housing Division) where your housing is located.

Your Rights under Michigan Law

• Farmworker housing must be licensed and inspected each year.
• Landlords must give written notice before raising rent or terminating your tenancy.
• You cannot be forced to leave without a valid notice and court process.

Always keep copies of any notices or complaints for your records. For detailed protections, see the Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978) and Summary Proceedings Act (covers eviction procedures).

FAQs for Michigan Agricultural Worker Housing Renters

1. What basic conditions must my housing meet?
   Your housing must be clean, structurally safe, have working plumbing, and be free from major health and safety hazards. It must also be licensed by MDARD.
2. Can I be evicted from farmworker housing without warning?
   No. The provider must give a written notice (Notice to Quit) and follow a legal court process before eviction can happen.
3. How do I file a complaint about unsafe agricultural worker housing?
   You can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development by submitting the Farmworker Housing Complaint Form online or by mail.
4. What happens after I file a complaint?
   MDARD will investigate your complaint. They may conduct inspections, and your landlord could be required to fix the issues before continuing to rent the housing.
5. Who can help me if I'm facing eviction or retaliation?
   You can seek assistance from local legal aid, your District Court’s housing division, or the Michigan Legal Help program for guidance and referrals.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan protects agricultural workers with specialized housing laws and inspection standards.
• If you have problems, document everything and use the official complaint process through MDARD or your District Court.
• Your landlord must follow all legal steps before raising rent or evicting you.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• MDARD Farmworker Housing Program: Licensing, complaints, and regulations
• Michigan District Courts (Housing Division): Handles eviction and housing disputes
• Michigan Legal Help: Free legal information and self-help tools
• Michigan Public Health Code - Farm Labor Housing
• Summary Proceedings Act: Michigan's eviction rules

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1. Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development – Farmworker Housing
2. Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978), Parts 124 & 125
3. Michigan District Court (Housing Division)
4. Michigan Judiciary – Landlord & Tenant Forms
5. Michigan Legal Help

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