Ohio Agricultural Worker Housing: Tenant Rights & Protections

If you rent housing as an agricultural worker in Ohio, you have special rights and protections under state and federal law. Knowing the rules on safety, maintenance, and occupancy in employer-provided or farmworker-specific housing can help you secure decent living conditions and take action when issues arise. This article explains the main regulations, housing standards, and step-by-step help for renters like you in Ohio.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing Rules in Ohio

Agricultural worker housing—sometimes called “migrant labor camps” or “farm labor housing”—is subject to special laws in Ohio. These rules primarily focus on health and safety, fair treatment, and minimum living standards to protect workers and their families who may live on or near farms, greenhouses, or nurseries while employed seasonally.

Who Regulates Farmworker Housing in Ohio?

• The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Migrant Labor Camp Program oversees inspections, licensing, complaints, and regulations for agricultural worker housing.
• Federal protections under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) also apply, guaranteeing safe, decent, and sanitary housing conditions for covered workers.

Ohio's main law for tenant-landlord matters is the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 (Landlord-Tenant Law), but agricultural housing receives additional, specialized oversight from state and local health authorities.^[1]

Key Housing Standards for Agricultural Workers

All licensed agricultural worker housing in Ohio must meet certain requirements. These include:

• Adequate drinking water and approved toilet and bathing facilities
• Safe electrical wiring and heating
• Sufficient space per occupant (no overcrowding)
• Protection from extreme temperatures and pests
• Regular maintenance and cleaning

Landlords or employers must regularly inspect housing and promptly address health or safety issues reported by tenants.

Your Rights—and What to Do If There’s a Problem

If you experience unsafe conditions (mold, broken bathrooms, lack of heat, etc.), you have the right to:

• File a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health or your local health district
• Request an inspection of the housing (anonymously if needed)
• Ask for repairs or corrections in writing

Important Official Forms for Ohio Agricultural Worker Renters

• Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (ODH Form HEA 5329): Use this to report unsafe or unsanitary housing.
  Practical Example: If drinking water at your camp is unsafe or you have broken showers, fill out and submit this form.
  View & download the ODH Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form
• Request for Inspection (Contact Local Health Department): If you feel your camp is unsafe, you may submit an informal or written request for inspection to your local health district office.
  Practical Example: When overcrowding or lack of repairs is affecting your living conditions, you can contact your county health authority, who may have their own form or online request process.
  Find Your Local Health District Office

Always keep records and copies of any complaints, forms, or communications with landlords or agencies.

Pursuing Further Action

If issues persist, you may contact the official board or tribunal that handles tenant complaints:

• Ohio Courts (local municipal or county court) resolve rental disputes and eviction matters for agricultural worker housing.

You may also have protections under federal law through the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA), enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who inspects and licenses agricultural worker housing in Ohio?
   The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and your local health district are responsible for licensing, inspecting, and ensuring compliance in farmworker housing facilities.
2. What should I do if my employer-provided housing is unsafe?
   File a written complaint with ODH using HEA 5329, request an inspection, and keep a record of your communication. You may also contact the U.S. Department of Labor for MSPA violations.
3. Can I be evicted for filing a complaint about living conditions?
   No. Retaliation or eviction for reporting health or safety issues is illegal under both Ohio law and federal protections.
4. Is overcrowding allowed in agricultural worker housing?
   No. Ohio law requires minimum space per occupant. Overcrowding is a violation that should be reported to health authorities.
5. Where do I go for legal help with housing issues as a farmworker?
   You can turn to your local legal aid office, the Ohio Department of Health, or the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division for confidential help.

Key Takeaways for Ohio Agricultural Worker Renters

• Ohio has strict health, safety, and licensing standards for agricultural worker housing.
• If you experience unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, you have the right to file complaints—and are protected against retaliation.
• Always use official complaint forms and keep records of your communications and reports.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Department of Health – Migrant Labor Camp Program: (614) 466-1390
• Find Your Local Health District
• U.S. Department of Labor – MSPA Protections: 1-866-487-9243
• Ohio Legal Help – Renter Rights

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1. "Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant" View the full legislation here
2. "Ohio Migrant Labor Camp Program" – Ohio Department of Health
3. "Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)" – U.S. Department of Labor
4. "ODH HEA 5329 – Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form" – Official ODH Forms
5. "Find Your Local Health District" – Ohio Department of Health Directory

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