Washington Agricultural Worker Housing: Renter Rights Guide

If you live or work in agricultural housing in Washington State, it's important to understand your rights as a renter. Special regulations protect agricultural workers who rent employer-provided or farmworker housing. This guide explains core rights, maintenance standards, key complaint processes, and where to get help—all using the latest Washington rules and forms.

Understanding Agricultural Worker Housing in Washington

Agricultural worker housing is any accommodation provided for those employed in farming or related seasonal work, often called 'migrant farmworker housing.' Washington has extra health, safety, and rental protections for these residences, which are inspected and regulated by state agencies.

Your Rights and Basic Protections

• Safe, healthy living conditions: Your housing must meet the standards set by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Labor & Industries (L&I).
• Written rental agreement: You should receive a clear rental agreement that covers rent, rules, and notice requirements.
• Protection from sudden eviction: Landlords must give written notice and follow the legal process before evicting tenants.
• No retaliation: You cannot be punished for reporting code violations or exercising your rights.

These protections apply whether your housing is on or off the farm and regardless of your immigration status. See the Washington Temporary Worker Housing Act (RCW 70.114A) and the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) for official rules.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Cleanliness

Washington law requires landlords to maintain rental units in good repair, especially in agricultural worker housing. This includes:

• Working plumbing, heating, and electricity
• Safe drinking water
• Proper waste disposal and pest control
• Safe, clean sleeping quarters with adequate ventilation

If there is a problem, you should notify your landlord or camp operator in writing.

How to Request Repairs

When problems aren't fixed quickly, use the following process:

• Notify your landlord or site manager in writing.
• If not resolved promptly, file a complaint with the Department of Health.

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• Temporary Worker Housing Complaint Form
  Official Complaint Form (DOH 646-154)
  When to use: If your agricultural housing is unsafe, unhealthy, or not maintained, fill out this form to start an official complaint with the Washington State Department of Health.
  Example: If your employer-provided housing has no hot water for several days and requests for repairs have not been addressed, use this form to report the problem.

• Request for Assistance Form – Landlord-Tenant (Non-Discrimination)
  Attorney General's Complaint Process
  When to use: If you believe you have been unlawfully evicted, denied housing, or discriminated against, use the Attorney General’s online system to file a complaint.
  Example: If you are evicted without proper written notice or marginalized because of your nationality, file with the Washington Attorney General.

Eviction and Notice Requirements in Agricultural Worker Housing

Landlords and employers must follow strict legal steps before evicting agricultural workers:

• Written notice—typically at least 20 days, unless there's immediate danger or illegal activity
• Eviction must proceed through the court (no "self-help eviction" allowed)
• You have the right to contest eviction in court

If you receive a notice to vacate, contact a legal aid office or the Department of Health immediately. Notices and court documents should be in a language you understand.

Who Regulates and Enforces These Laws?

The primary agencies are:

• Washington State Department of Health (DOH) – Migrant and Temporary Worker Housing
• Washington State Courts – Residential tenancy eviction hearings

For formal tenant-landlord disputes, cases are handled by the local Washington Superior Court where the property is located. More support is provided by the Washington Attorney General's Office Landlord-Tenant Section.

FAQ: Washington Agricultural Worker Housing

1. What are the minimum safety standards for agricultural worker housing?
   Washington law requires safe water, working toilets and hot water, adequate space, pest control, and fire safety features. See the Temporary Worker Housing Act (RCW 70.114A) for details.
2. Can my employer evict me without notice from agricultural worker housing?
   No. Proper written notice is required—generally at least 20 days unless there are special circumstances. Evictions must go through the courts.
3. What do I do if my housing conditions are dangerous or not repaired?
   First, notify your landlord in writing. If not fixed, use the Temporary Worker Housing Complaint Form to report the issue to the Department of Health.
4. Are there translation or language supports for agricultural worker renters?
   Yes. Notices must be provided in a language you understand. The Department of Health and Attorney General offer translated materials and interpretation services.
5. Who can help me if I’m facing eviction or discrimination in my agricultural housing?
   Local legal aid offices, the Washington Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Health can provide help and information.

Key Takeaways

• Agricultural worker housing in Washington is subject to strong safety and anti-eviction protections.
• Document all repair requests and use official complaint forms if issues persist.
• Contact state agencies or legal help if you believe your rights are being violated.

Understanding these steps can help renters resolve issues and stay protected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington DOH: Migrant & Temporary Worker Housing
• WA Attorney General’s Office: Landlord-Tenant Information
• WashingtonLawHelp: Housing Rights for Agricultural Workers
• Northwest Justice Project (Legal Aid)

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1. RCW 70.114A – Washington Temporary Worker Housing Act
2. RCW 59.18 – Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
3. Temporary Worker Housing Complaint Form (DOH 646-154)
4. Washington Attorney General - File a Complaint

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