Tennessee Rules for Agricultural Worker Housing

If you are an agricultural worker living in employer-provided housing in Tennessee, it's important to know your legal rights and safety protections. Agricultural worker housing is subject to specific rules that help protect renters like you from poor living conditions and unfair treatment. This guide covers health and safety standards, your rights under Tennessee law, how to file complaints, and what forms you may need.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing in Tennessee

Agricultural worker housing, often called farmworker housing, is housing provided by employers or operators to workers during seasonal or temporary employment. Because these settings often involve shared accommodations and rural locations, state and federal agencies set minimum standards to ensure workers live in safe, healthy conditions.

Key Regulations and Protections

• Health and Safety Standards: Employers who provide housing must comply with standards outlined by the Tennessee Department of Health and, when applicable, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) migrant housing rules. These standards cover things like clean water, safe sleeping areas, sanitation, and fire safety.
• Inspections and Licensing: Tennessee law requires most agricultural worker housing to be inspected and licensed by the Tennessee Department of Health. Before housing is occupied, an inspection is conducted to check for compliance with regulations.
• Tenant Protections: While some general landlord-tenant laws do not apply to employer-provided agricultural housing, farmworker tenants still have basic rights against dangerous living conditions and retaliation for reporting safety or health violations.

Employers cannot evict or retaliate against you for filing a valid housing complaint with the proper authority.

What Are My Rights as an Agricultural Housing Renter?

If you live in agricultural worker housing in Tennessee, you have the right to:

• Live in clean and safe housing that meets standards required by the Tennessee Department of Health.
• Access basic utilities, including safe drinking water, functioning toilets, and washing facilities.
• Request an inspection or file a complaint if you believe your housing is unsafe or unhealthy.
• Be protected from retaliation or being forced out for reporting violations to the authorities.

Official Agencies and Complaint Process

If you experience unsafe or unsanitary housing conditions, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Health. For severe problems related to employer-provided housing or migrant worker camps, the Migrant Housing Program is your primary state contact. Federal protections may also apply under the OSHA Temporary Labor Camp Standard (29 CFR 1910.142).

Most eviction issues and rental disputes for traditional residential units are handled through local courts under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), but agricultural worker housing is typically exempt from URLTA. Find more on the Tennessee Department of Health Environmental Health Division website.

Relevant Forms: Complaint and Inspection Requests

• Tennessee Department of Health Housing Complaint/Inspection Request Form – This form lets you officially request an inspection of employer-provided housing if you believe your living conditions are unsafe or do not meet minimum standards.
  When to use: If you notice major issues (like broken plumbing, unsafe wiring, overcrowding, or pests) and your employer is not fixing them, fill out this form and submit it to your local health department.
  Download the Housing Complaint/Inspection Request (PDF)
• Appeal Request with the Tennessee Department of Health – If your complaint is not resolved or you disagree with a decision about your housing conditions, you may request a review.
  When to use: If the initial inspection report closes your complaint without action and unsafe conditions continue. Contact your local health office for the current procedure.
  See appeal contact information

Official tribunals for standard rental disputes are county General Sessions Courts. For health and safety complaints in farmworker housing, the Tennessee Department of Health (Environmental Health Division) handles investigations and enforcement.
Where relevant, some rights may also be governed by federal standards listed under the OSHA Temporary Labor Camp Standard.

FAQ: Agricultural Worker Housing in Tennessee

1. What basic health and safety standards must my agricultural housing meet?
   Employers must provide clean drinking water, working toilets, safe food storage, pest control, good lighting, and emergency exits. See full state guidelines.
2. Can I be evicted from employer-provided housing without notice?
   While farmworker housing is not always covered by typical landlord-tenant laws, any actions against you for making a health or safety complaint may be illegal retaliation. For eviction disputes, seek help from the Department of Health or a local legal aid office.
3. What can I do if my living conditions are unsafe and my employer ignores my complaints?
   File a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health using the official Housing Complaint/Inspection Request form.
4. Is agricultural worker housing covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?
   In most cases, no. See Tennessee URLTA (T.C.A. 66-28-102) for details on exemptions.
5. Who enforces safety rules for farmworker housing in Tennessee?
   The Tennessee Department of Health Environmental Health Division monitors and enforces standards. Find contacts here.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Agricultural Worker Renters

• Know that your employer must provide safe, healthy housing that meets state rules.
• You have the right to file a complaint and cannot be retaliated against for doing so.
• For unresolved issues, contact the Tennessee Department of Health and keep all documentation.

Staying informed about your legal rights gives you more control and helps ensure a safer living environment while working in Tennessee's agriculture industry.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Health Migrant Housing Program: Report unsafe housing, request inspections, or get information on minimum standards.
• Federal OSHA Tennessee Area Offices: Report hazardous housing conditions covered by federal labor camp standards.
• TN Environmental Health Division: General questions or further support.
• Tennessee Legal Aid Offices: Advice on eviction, discrimination, or employer disputes about housing (free or low-cost help for eligible workers).
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency: Additional resources for renters and affordable housing programs.

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1. Tennessee Department of Health – Migrant Housing Program
2. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. 66-28)
3. OSHA Temporary Labor Camp Standard (29 CFR 1910.142)

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