Oregon Agricultural Worker Housing: Tenant Rights & Regulations

If you rent housing provided for agricultural work in Oregon, you are protected by specific regulations designed to ensure your health, safety, and dignity. Understanding your rights and the standards for agricultural worker housing can help you resolve many common issues and keep your living environment safe. This article explains tenant protections for agricultural worker housing, including official forms, complaint procedures, and important resources—all tailored for renters in Oregon.

What Is Agricultural Worker Housing in Oregon?

Agricultural worker housing (AWH) refers to residences provided specifically for people employed in farm work. In Oregon, this type of housing is covered by laws and health codes that set higher standards for living conditions, occupancy, and maintenance to ensure worker safety and fair treatment. These protections apply to temporary housing, seasonal camps, and permanent units provided by agricultural employers or operators of worker housing facilities.

Key Rights of Agricultural Worker Tenants in Oregon

Agricultural worker tenants in Oregon have rights under both general landlord-tenant laws and specific health and safety regulations for farmworker housing. The main protections ensure:

• Safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste disposal
• Sufficient space and occupancy limits per unit
• Functional cooking, bathing, and laundry facilities
• Protection against retaliation if you raise concerns
• Proper notice if the landlord wants you to move out (except in emergencies)
• Privacy and freedom from unlawful entry

Read detailed agricultural worker housing standards from Oregon Building Codes Division.

Which Agency Oversees Agricultural Worker Housing?

The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) regulates the permitting, inspection, and safety standards for farmworker housing. Tenant-landlord disputes, such as eviction or habitability problems, fall under the Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Court process. Public health inspections are overseen by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

The primary law protecting Oregon renters, including those in agricultural worker housing, is the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).^[1]

Common Issues and Protections for Agricultural Worker Housing

Farmworker housing is subject to both state housing codes and worker protection laws. Here are common issues and how Oregon law addresses them:

• Unsafe conditions: Housing must meet specific health and sanitation standards. You can request inspections if basic needs (like water or toilets) aren't met.
• Eviction or early move-out: Landlords must follow legal notice procedures under ORS Chapter 90—emergency health and safety risks are exceptions.
  Find eviction procedures here.
• Retaliation: It's illegal for landlords to evict or threaten tenants for reporting safety issues or requesting repairs.
• Privacy: Landlords must provide proper notice before entering your housing, except in emergencies.

Required Forms for Agricultural Worker Tenants in Oregon

• Complaint/Concern about Housing Safety – OHA Complaint Form
  When to Use: If your housing is unsafe or unsanitary (for example, if sewage backs up or clean water is not provided), you can use the Oregon Health Authority Farmworker Housing Complaint Form to alert officials. Fill this out and send it to the OHA for investigation.
• Notice of Termination with Cause (Form – No official unique number)
  When to Use: If your landlord gives you a written notice demanding you leave—and you disagree with the cause (for example, you did not violate rules)—you may need this notice for court proceedings. You can learn more about forms and filing procedures from the Oregon Judicial Department's landlord-tenant resources.
• Request for Repairs (No official state-wide form; written request advised)
  When to Use: If your housing needs repairs or is not maintained, submit a written repair request to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records. This can be informal but must clearly describe the problem. If the issue is not resolved, you can report to OHA or the local health authority.

Filing complaints or notices protects your rights and creates a record should you need to go to court or contact inspectors.

How to Address Agricultural Worker Housing Problems in Oregon

If you experience unsafe conditions, improper eviction, or retaliation, you have several options:

• Communicate concerns in writing to your landlord
• Request repairs or sanitation improvements as needed
• File an official complaint (using the OHA complaint form or contacting the county health department)
• Consult with the Oregon Judicial Department if you receive an eviction notice or face court proceedings

If your situation is urgent (for example, if your health or safety is at risk), contact OHA or your county health authority immediately for inspection and assistance.

FAQ: Oregon Agricultural Worker Housing

1. What are my main rights as a resident of agricultural worker housing in Oregon?
   You have the right to safe, healthy, and sanitary housing conditions, clear notice before eviction, and freedom from retaliation if you report unsafe conditions or request repairs.
2. Which agency do I report unsafe farmworker housing to?
   Unsafe housing can be reported to the Oregon Health Authority using the Farmworker Housing Complaint Form. Local county health departments can also receive complaints.
3. Can I be evicted without notice from agricultural worker housing?
   Generally, landlords must follow Oregon's legal notice requirements before evicting a tenant. Exceptions exist only for immediate threats to health or safety as determined by authorities.
4. Are there special maintenance requirements for farmworker housing?
   Yes. Oregon law sets specific requirements for clean water, waste disposal, adequate space, and facility maintenance, above and beyond general rental housing regulations.
5. How do I request repairs if my agricultural housing is not maintained?
   Submit a written repair request to your landlord describing the problem. If it isn’t resolved, file a complaint with the Oregon Health Authority or your local health inspector.

Key Takeaways for Farmworker Tenants in Oregon

• Agricultural worker housing must meet strict state safety and health standards
• You can report issues to Oregon Health Authority or your local health department
• Always communicate concerns in writing and keep records of forms or notices

Staying informed on Oregon's regulations helps you protect your rights and well-being as an agricultural worker tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Health Authority – Farmworker Housing Program (complaints, inspections, standards)
• Oregon Building Codes Division (permits, safety rules)
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Resources
• ORS Chapter 90: Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Your local county health department contact list

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^[1] Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).
^[2] Farmworker Housing Complaint Form – Oregon Health Authority.
^[3] Agricultural Worker Housing Standards Guide – Oregon Building Codes Division.
^[4] Oregon Judicial Department Landlord-Tenant Court.

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