Texas Agricultural Worker Housing: Rights & Regulations

Agricultural workers in Texas often face unique housing concerns. Whether you live on a farm, ranch, or employer-provided property, it's important to understand your rights and the legal standards that protect your health and safety. This article explains key Texas agricultural worker housing regulations, outlines what to do if you have problems, and links to forms and resources you may need.  

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing in Texas

In Texas, housing provided to agricultural workers—sometimes called "farmworker housing" or "labor camps"—must meet certain health, safety, and occupancy standards. These rules exist to protect workers and their families living on or near agricultural worksites.

Key Legal Standards and Tenant Rights

• Habitability: Agricultural worker housing must be safe, structurally sound, have clean water, adequate waste disposal, and safe cooking and sleeping facilities.
• State Oversight: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) inspects facilities and enforces standards.
• Tenant Protections: Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights to healthy and decent living conditions.
• Notice and Eviction: Agricultural housing is usually covered by the same basic eviction and notice procedures outlined in the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies).

Standards apply whether you live in dormitory-style quarters, shared barracks, or family units provided by your employer. Local health departments may have additional rules.

Common Maintenance and Health Problems

Problems like mold, overcrowding, unsafe wiring, and lack of clean water often arise in agricultural worker housing. Texas law requires landlords or employers to fix dangerous conditions that threaten your health or safety.

• Unsafe electrical wiring or exposed circuits
• Broken plumbing or no access to clean running water
• Severe pest infestations

• Lack of heating, air conditioning, or weatherproof roofs and walls
• Exposure to agricultural chemicals or pesticides near living quarters

If your landlord or employer refuses to make repairs, you have the right to request repairs in writing. Always keep a copy of your repair request. If urgent risks to health persist, you might be able to pursue further remedies under the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92.

Tip: If you’re not sure who your landlord is or who owns your housing, check if your employer, a farm operator, or a contractor is named on lease documents or paperwork. DSHS and local authorities can help clarify ownership in disputes.

Reporting Problems and Filing Complaints

If you experience an unsafe living environment, you can submit a complaint to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) using their official forms. This often prompts investigation and potential enforcement action.

Helpful Forms for Agricultural Worker Tenants

• DSHS Complaint Form for Farmworker Housing
  Form: Report of Complaint: Labor Facility/Temporary Housing (No formal form number)
  When to use: If your housing does not meet legal standards (e.g., lacking proper plumbing, overcrowding, hazardous conditions), fill out and submit this form to DSHS.
  Example: If water is not potable and repeated requests to your employer/landlord have failed, you may document the issue and file this form.

Other Applicable Tenant Forms

• Texas Justice Court Eviction Forms
  Official Eviction Forms and Instructions
  When to use: If you face eviction from agricultural worker housing, you may receive a "Notice to Vacate." If you wish to challenge it, you can respond using the forms provided by the Texas Justice Courts.
  Example: If you believe you are being evicted unfairly or without sufficient notice, review these forms to protect your rights.

Who Oversees Agricultural Worker Housing in Texas?

The Texas Department of State Health Services – Farmworker Housing Section handles inspections, licensing, and enforcement for agricultural worker housing. For eviction cases, the Texas Justice Court system hears landlord–tenant disputes.

How Texas Law Protects You

Your rights are found in several places:

• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — covers tenant rights to repairs and eviction procedures
• Texas Administrative Code: Farmworker Housing Facilities — outlines health and inspection standards for agricultural worker quarters

Federal protections (such as OSHA standards) may also apply in certain cases, including temporary labor camps.

Action Steps if You Have Issues with Agricultural Worker Housing

If you experience unsafe or unhealthy conditions, take the following steps to protect yourself and your family.

• Notify the landlord, operator, or employer about the problem – do this in writing and keep a copy.
• If the issue isn’t resolved promptly, use the DSHS complaint form to report concerns.
• If facing eviction, review Texas Justice Court forms and know your right to a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What requirements must my agricultural worker housing meet in Texas?
   Texas law requires that housing be clean, weatherproof, and provide safe water, waste disposal, and sleeping facilities. Employers or landlords must keep conditions healthy and safe at all times.
2. Can I be evicted from farmworker housing without notice?
   No, even in agricultural worker housing, you are generally entitled to written notice before eviction. Emergency exceptions apply only in cases of health or safety risks, but most evictions must go through Texas Justice Courts.
3. How do I file a complaint about unsafe living conditions?
   Complete the DSHS Complaint Form and submit it to the Texas Department of State Health Services as soon as possible.
4. Are undocumented agricultural workers protected by these rules?
   Yes. Health, safety, and housing rights in Texas apply regardless of documentation status. Report problems without fear of retaliation for status alone.
5. Where can I find the laws about farmworker housing?
   The main rules are in the Texas Administrative Code (Farmworker Housing Facilities) and Texas Property Code, Chapter 92.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Texas protects farmworkers’ rights to safe, healthy housing, regardless of employer or immigration status.
• Official complaint forms and legal procedures are available if problems arise with your living conditions or eviction.
• Stay informed, document all issues, and reach out to the Texas DSHS or local justice courts when you need guidance or enforcement.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Department of State Health Services – Farmworker Housing (inspections and complaints)
• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs – Help for Renters
• Texas Justice Courts – Self-Help Eviction Resources
• Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies)

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1. Texas Department of State Health Services – Farmworker Housing
2. Texas Property Code, Chapter 92
3. Texas Justice Courts – Landlord & Tenant Disputes
4. Texas Administrative Code: Farmworker Housing Facilities

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