Minnesota Rules for Agricultural Worker Housing Explained

Agricultural workers renting housing in Minnesota are protected under special state and federal regulations. Whether you're living in employer-provided housing on a farm or in separate rental units, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities. This overview explains Minnesota's specific rules for agricultural worker housing, what protections tenants have, and how to take action if your housing conditions are unsafe or unfair.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing Laws in Minnesota

Agricultural worker housing—sometimes called migrant or seasonal housing—is managed by both Minnesota state law and federal rules. Most agricultural worker housing is regulated under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 327 (Lodging Establishments and Agricultural Labor Camps) and applicable sections of federal CFR Title 29: Labor, Part 500. Housing must meet health, safety, and occupancy standards set by the state.

Main Rights of Agricultural Worker Tenants

• Safe and sanitary living conditions (clean water, heating, ventilation, pest control)
• Reasonable privacy, even in shared accommodations
• Written notice before eviction or removal
• Freedom from retaliation for making complaints
• Access to written rental agreements if stays are longer than one month

If you notice unsafe or unsanitary conditions, your landlord or employer must address them promptly. If your concerns aren’t addressed, you have options to file complaints or take action.

How is Agricultural Worker Housing Inspected and Regulated?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) inspects and licenses farmworker housing. Employers must register their camps and correct violations. Tenants have the right to request inspections.

Steps for Renters: How to Report Unsafe Conditions

• Notify your employer or landlord in writing about the issue.
• If the problem is not fixed promptly, request an inspection from the Minnesota Department of Health. Use the official complaint process below.
• If you feel you are being unfairly evicted or treated, you may contact the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), which handles disputes relating to state housing rules, or seek help from legal aid.

Official Forms for Agricultural Worker Housing in Minnesota

• Complaint Form (Minnesota Department of Health – Food, Pools, and Lodging Services Complaint Form)
  When and How It's Used: Use this form if you believe your agricultural worker housing is unsafe, unlicensed, or not meeting minimum housing standards. For example, if your unit has no heat in winter or the provided water is unsafe, fill out and submit this form to prompt an MDH inspection.
  View and submit the official Complaint Form
• Notice to Correct Violations (Issued by MDH after inspection, no tenant action required to fill out)
  When It's Used: If an inspection finds a violation, MDH will issue this notice to the owner or manager. Tenants should receive a copy.

Eviction Protections and the Role of Minnesota Housing Laws

Minnesota law protects all tenants, including agricultural workers, against unlawful eviction. Any eviction notice must comply with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant. If you are being removed from employer-provided housing, you have the right to written notice and due process.

Federal Protections and Additional Rights

If you work as a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker, federal law (the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act) provides extra protections. This includes standards for housing conditions and transparency about rental charges. If housing is federally funded or subsidized, additional rules may apply.

Where to File a Housing Complaint or Resolve a Dispute

• State-level health or safety complaint: Submit to the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Eviction or tenancy dispute: District Court or contact the Office of Administrative Hearings – Housing and Rentals Division.
• Suspected retaliation, discrimination, or major legal rights: Seek guidance from Legal Aid in Minnesota.

FAQ: Minnesota Agricultural Worker Housing Rules

1. What qualifies as agricultural worker housing in Minnesota?
   Agricultural worker housing includes employer-provided dormitories, barracks, cabins, or mobile home units set up for farm or agricultural workers, usually on or near the job site.
2. Do I have to pay rent for employer-provided agricultural housing?
   Yes, unless your employment contract or a law says it’s included for free, you may be charged rent. Any charge or deduction must be stated in writing and meet applicable laws.
3. Can I be evicted from agricultural worker housing without notice?
   No. Even in employer-provided housing, you must receive proper written notice and the right to contest evictions, as described in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B.
4. Who inspects agricultural worker housing in Minnesota?
   The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for inspecting, licensing, and enforcing standards for farmworker housing facilities.
5. How can I report unsafe conditions or code violations?
   You can submit an online or paper complaint to the Minnesota Department of Health’s Food, Pools, and Lodging Services for an investigation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Agricultural worker tenants in Minnesota are covered by special regulations to ensure safe, sanitary, and fair housing.
• You have the right to report unsafe conditions and are protected from retaliation.
• Evictions must follow state procedures—seek help if you receive a notice or face problems.

Knowing your rights can help ensure your housing is safe and your tenancy is respected. Always save copies of written communications and official notices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Health – Agricultural Labor Camps Information (rules, forms, complaint contacts)
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Tenant Rights and Protections
• Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings – Housing and Rentals Division
• Minnesota Legal Aid – Free help for low-income renters

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1. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 327 – Lodging Establishments and Agricultural Labor Camps
2. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
3. Minnesota Department of Health – Agricultural Labor Camps Overview
4. Federal Migrant and Seasonal Worker Housing Protections
5. Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings – Housing and Rentals

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