New Jersey Agricultural Worker Housing Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Agricultural workers in New Jersey provide crucial labor within the state’s farming sector. If you’re living in farm labor housing, you have important rights and protections under New Jersey law. This article explains the key agricultural worker housing regulations, your responsibilities as a renter, and how to get help if you face issues with living conditions, rent, or disputes with your landlord.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing in New Jersey

New Jersey specifically regulates housing for agricultural workers—sometimes called “migrant labor camps” or “farm labor housing.” These rules are in place to ensure safe, healthy, and fair accommodations for farmworkers and their families. Most of these requirements are overseen by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA).

Key Legal Protections for Agricultural Worker Housing Tenants

• Minimum housing standards: All agricultural worker housing must meet requirements for ventilation, bathroom access, water supply, garbage disposal, and fire safety.¹
• Occupancy limits: There are strict rules on how many people can occupy each unit or room, to prevent overcrowding and protect health.¹
• Inspections: The NJDOH regularly inspects farm labor housing for compliance. A valid Certificate of Occupancy is required before workers can move in.²
• Right to repairs: Landlords must maintain plumbing, electrical systems, and structural soundness. Renters can request repairs if conditions are unsanitary or unsafe.

These rights are covered under New Jersey’s specialized housing code for agricultural labor, alongside the broader protections of the New Jersey State Housing Code and N.J.A.C. 8:25 Migrant Labor Camp Standards (specifically applying to farm workers).

Filing Complaints or Requesting Repairs

If your agricultural worker housing is unsafe or your landlord refuses to fix problems, you can file a complaint.

• Contact the NJDOH Public Health Services to report unsafe or unsanitary conditions in farm labor housing.
• Use the "Public Health Complaint Form" for issues like lack of heat, broken plumbing, or pest infestations.
  Download the NJ Public Health Complaint Form
• If your complaint involves fire safety or overcrowding, contact the NJDCA Bureau of Housing Inspection.

Example: If your communal bathrooms stop working and your landlord doesn’t fix them, you may file the NJ Public Health Complaint Form with the Department of Health. They will review, inspect, and may require your landlord to make repairs.

Official Forms & How They’re Used

• Public Health Complaint Form (No Number): Used to report unsanitary, hazardous, or overcrowded agricultural worker housing conditions. Submit this form to NJDOH online, by email, or by mail. Official complaint form link
• Bureau of Housing Inspection Complaint (No Standardized Form): For building code or fire safety issues in farm labor or temporary housing, you may file a complaint directly through the NJDCA’s online portal or by calling their contact number.

Your Rights in Rent Increases and Evictions

While agricultural worker housing often involves seasonal or employment-based rentals, you remain protected by certain state tenant rights. Farm labor housing providers cannot raise rent without proper notice or evict you without reasonable cause.

• Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice for most rent increases (unless your contract states otherwise).
• Evictions must comply with the State Housing Code and, if long-term, the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act.
• Your landlord cannot evict you as a retaliation for complaining about conditions or requesting repairs.

Understanding the Official Tribunal or Board

Disputes regarding farm labor housing may be handled by the Landlord-Tenant Section of the New Jersey Superior Court. For housing code violations, the NJDCA Bureau of Housing Inspection investigates and enforces standards. These agencies help ensure fair housing practices and tenant protections statewide.

Relevant Legislation

• N.J.A.C. 8:25 – Migrant Labor Camp Standards
• N.J.A.C. 5:28 – New Jersey State Housing Code
• New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.)

These laws and regulations protect your basic rights and guide what your landlord can and cannot do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I have no hot water or working bathrooms in my farmworker housing?
   Report the issue to your landlord in writing. If it is not fixed quickly, fill out the Public Health Complaint Form and send it to the NJ Department of Health.
2. Can my landlord evict me immediately after I stop working at the farm?
   Most farm labor housing is tied to employment. However, you should still be given written notice, and evictions must follow state law. Check your rental agreement and the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act for more.
3. Are there limits on how many people can stay in each room?
   Yes. New Jersey law has specific occupancy limits for farm labor housing to prevent overcrowding. Ask to see your landlord’s permit or contact NJDOH if you suspect violations.
4. I’m afraid of retaliation from my landlord if I complain. Am I protected?
   Yes. State law prohibits landlord retaliation for making good-faith complaints about unsafe or unsanitary housing. Document all communications and contact state agencies if retaliation occurs.
5. Where can I get help if my living conditions are unsafe?
   Contact the NJ Department of Health or the NJDCA Bureau of Housing Inspection. Renter advocacy groups and legal aid services are also available to assist farmworkers.

Conclusion: What New Jersey Farmworker Renters Should Remember

• New Jersey’s agricultural worker housing is closely regulated for your health and safety.
• You have the right to request repairs and file official complaints if conditions are unsafe or unsanitary.
• Evictions and rent increases must follow proper notice rules.

Always keep records of your communications and make use of state-supported complaint processes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NJ Department of Health – Public Health Services (for complaints about agricultural worker housing conditions)
• NJDCA Bureau of Housing Inspection (for inspections and violations reports)
• New Jersey Superior Court: Landlord-Tenant Section (for tenancy disputes)
• NJDCA Tenant Rights and Protections
• Legal Services of New Jersey (free or reduced-cost legal aid)

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1. N.J.A.C. 8:25 – Migrant Labor Camp Standards
2. NJ Public Health Complaint Form

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