Wisconsin Renters’ Rights in Agricultural Worker Housing

Renting as an agricultural worker in Wisconsin comes with unique rights and regulations. While you have protections under general landlord-tenant laws, there are also specific standards for the housing provided to farm and migrant workers. Knowing these rules helps you stay safe and ensure your landlord or operator meets their legal obligations.

What Is Agricultural Worker Housing?

Agricultural worker housing in Wisconsin includes any residential accommodation provided to workers (and sometimes their families) by farms, food processors, or employers as a benefit or as part of their employment. This may be called farm labor housing or migrant labor camp housing. Such housing must comply with state and federal standards for health, safety, and occupancy.

Key Legal Protections for Agricultural Worker Tenants

• Health and Safety: All facilities must meet sanitation, water quality, fire protection, and space requirements under state law.
• Licensing: The property owner or operator must obtain a state license for migrant labor camps from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before any workers can live there.
• Inspections: Licensed housing is subject to inspections to ensure compliance with state rules.
• Notice and Rental Agreements: Agricultural worker tenants are entitled to written rental agreements and, in most cases, must be given reasonable notice before any eviction or removal, consistent with Wisconsin landlord-tenant law.

For full details, see the Wisconsin Statutes Section 103.90 to 103.97 on migrant labor[1].

Your Rights under Wisconsin Law

In addition to special farmworker housing standards, you are still protected under Wisconsin’s general residential tenancy laws. These include:

• The right to safe, habitable living conditions
• Protections against unfair eviction and notice requirements
• The ability to request repairs without retaliation
• Access to complaint procedures through state agencies

General tenant protections are laid out in the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord & Tenant and ATCP 134 – Residential Rental Practices[2][3].

How to File a Complaint about Housing Conditions

If you believe your agricultural worker housing does not meet state standards or your landlord is not licensed, you have a right to file a complaint.

Official Form: Complaint About Migrant Labor Camp

• Form Name: Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form
• When to Use: Use this form if your housing is unsafe, unsanitary, or lacks a required license.
• Where to Get It: Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (F-44501)
• Example: If your housing has no working toilets or clean water, fill out this form and submit to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Submit complaints to: Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Migrant Labor Camp Program.

Other Helpful Forms

• Rental Agreement: While not a government form, always request a written tenancy agreement outlining your rights and obligations.
• Maintenance Requests: Put any repair or maintenance requests in writing to your landlord or operator for documentation.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenancy Disputes?

If you need to resolve a housing dispute outside of informal negotiation, you can use the Wisconsin circuit courts for landlord-tenant matters, including evictions and housing standard violations. These courts interpret the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 and other regulations related to agricultural worker housing.

Staying Informed

Regulations for farmworker housing can change. Always reference official Wisconsin government pages for the latest requirements. If you’re unsure about your rights or need advice, state resources and advocacy groups are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all employers offering farmworker housing need a license in Wisconsin?
   Yes, any employer or operator providing migrant labor camps or agricultural worker housing must obtain a license from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before allowing workers to reside there.
2. What can I do if my housing conditions are unsafe?
   File a complaint using the Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (F-44501) or contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services directly.
3. Can my landlord remove me without notice from agricultural worker housing?
   No, regardless of your work situation, you are generally entitled to reasonable notice and formal eviction proceedings according to Wisconsin’s tenant laws.
4. Who inspects farmworker housing in Wisconsin?
   The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Migrant Labor Camp Program inspects and licenses agricultural worker housing camps each season.
5. Where can I find more information on my rights as an agricultural worker renter?
   Visit the official Migrant Labor Camp Program page and review the Wisconsin Statutes on Migrant Labor (103.90-103.97).

Key Takeaways for Agricultural Worker Tenants

• All agricultural worker housing in Wisconsin must be licensed and inspected
• You are entitled to safe, hygienic living conditions, and legal protections under state law
• If you experience unsafe or unlicensed conditions, file a complaint using the official form and contact state authorities

Stay informed and use official resources to protect your rights as a renter working in agriculture.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Migrant Labor Camp Program: Licensing, complaints, and information
• Migrant Labor Camp Complaint Form (F-44501): Download and instructions
• Wisconsin Court System: Landlord-Tenant Self-Help: Court procedures, rights, and dispute resolution
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – Tenant Resources: General renter guidance and complaint process

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1. Wisconsin Statutes §103.90–103.97 (Migrant Labor Regulations)
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord & Tenant
3. Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 134 – Residential Rental Practices

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