Pennsylvania Rules for Agricultural Worker Housing

If you’re an agricultural worker renting housing in Pennsylvania, you are protected by specific state regulations to ensure your living conditions are safe and fair. Agricultural worker housing, also called migrant labor camps, includes buildings and accommodations provided for farm employees. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you resolve problems like unsafe conditions, eviction, or unclear rent changes, and guide you through official complaint channels if needed.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania regulates housing for agricultural workers to protect health, safety, and basic rights. Housing must meet state standards regarding cleanliness, safety, water, sanitation, and occupancy limits. These standards are enforced by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

Who is Covered?

• Agricultural workers (often migrant/seasonal employees)
• Anyone living in housing provided by an employer for farm work
• Renters or workers residing in certified migrant labor camps

Your Rights as a Tenant

• The right to safe, sanitary living conditions
• Access to potable water, proper sanitary facilities, and safe structures
• Freedom from retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions
• Right to fair notice before eviction (except for emergencies/threats to safety)

Pennsylvania's Official Rules and Oversight

The Pennsylvania Department of Health's Migrant Labor Camp Program inspects and certifies housing annually, ensuring compliance with 28 Pa. Code Chapter 199a (Migrant Labor Camps) (state regulations).

• All migrant/agricultural worker housing must have a valid state license
• Regular inspections check for compliance on water, sewage, crowding, structure, and safety

Key Complaint and Enforcement Agencies

• PA Department of Health Migrant Program — handles licensing and enforcement
• Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board — handles some disputes over employment and housing related to labor rights

Relevant Legislation

• Migrant Labor Act (43 Pa.C.S. § 1301–1320)
• 28 Pa. Code Chapter 199a – Housing standards and tenant protections

Official Forms for Agricultural Worker Renters

• “Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form” (no. specific DOH code)
  When to use: If you believe your employer-provided housing is unsafe, overcrowded, or not meeting state standards, you can file this complaint.
  How to use: Download and complete the Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form, and submit it by mail or email to the DOH as directed on the form.
  Example: If your water supply stops working and requests to management aren’t fixed, fill out this form, describe the problem, and send it to the state.
• “Application to Operate a Migrant Labor Camp” (Form DOH-Migrant)
  For landlords: Property owners must use this application to legally operate migrant worker housing. Check if your housing has this license; renters may request to see it.
  PA DOH Application to Operate Labor Camp

Keeping a copy of all submissions and responses is recommended. For help in completing or submitting complaints, you can call the Department of Health (see Resources below).

Action Steps: Reporting Unsafe Housing

• Document the unsafe condition carefully (photos, dates, requests made to employer, etc.)
• Fill out the state complaint form
• Send your complaint form to the Department of Health by the method listed on the form (mail, email, or fax)
• Follow up by calling the DOH if you do not receive a timely response

FAQs on Pennsylvania Agricultural Worker Housing

1. Can my employer evict me from agricultural worker housing without notice?
   Generally, proper notice must be given except in emergencies. Check your housing agreement and state rules (28 Pa. Code § 199a.7).
2. What should I do if my housing is overcrowded or lacks basic amenities?
   File a complaint using the Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form and notify the Department of Health.
3. Are rent increases limited for this type of housing?
   No set statewide limits, but any increases or charges should comply with your housing agreement and all required disclosures.
4. What protections exist if I report problems in my housing?
   You are protected from retaliation for making good-faith complaints about unsafe or improper living conditions under state law.
5. Where can I get a copy of the inspection report for my housing?
   Request it from your landlord or contact the Department of Health, which keeps inspection records.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Pennsylvania law gives you the right to safe, licensed agricultural worker housing
• If you encounter problems, use the official state complaint process and keep records
• Contact the Department of Health for information, support, or urgent safety concerns

Always review your housing agreement and know the available agency contacts for support and reporting.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• PA Department of Health – Migrant Labor Camp Program: Oversees licensing, inspections, and complaints. Call 1-877-724-3258 for support.
• Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board: Handles employment-related housing disputes and labor rights.
• PA Farmworker Legal Aid Resources: Legal help and information for farmworkers and their families.
• State Housing Standards for Agricultural Workers

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1. 28 Pa. Code Chapter 199a – Migrant Labor Camps
2. Migrant Labor Act (43 Pa.C.S. § 1301–1320)
3. PA Department of Health – Labor Camps
4. Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board

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