The task of overseeing employee housing is a neccesary job for employers. Housing is part of an employee's compensation and good living conditions are important for an individual's well-being.
When a new employee arrives at employee housing, it should be in the condition you expect the employee to maintain it during his/her employment. The level of cleanliness observed on arrival can set the precedent for their stay.
Regulations
Employee housing, like any rental unit, must comply with state rental housing codes. The landlord (in this case the employer) is required "to provide and maintain premises that are safe, clean and fit for human habitation and which are in compliance with applicable housing codes."
Two important Vermont-specific documents to review are the:
- Vermont Rental Housing Code - from the Vermont Department of Health
- Farm Housing Statute - from the State of Vermont - details specific farm housing statues; for example, the regulations related to the termination of housing benefits as a result of termination of employment
A useful guide to understanding landlord and tenant responsibilities is the Renting in Vermont Handbook written by Vermont Tenants.
House Upkeep and Maintenance
It is important that expectations for house upkeep and maintenance are explained carefully to each new employee. Latino employees are often accustomed to different living standards and cultural norms than those in the U.S. For example, young men in Mexico and Central America would not generally participate in cleaning or cooking at home.
Don't assume that an employee will be familiar with the appliances or cleaning supplies so make sure each employee knows and understands:
- Appliances
- Which appliances are included in the housing unit
- How to operate and maintain each appliance
Understanding how appliances are correctly used and maintained better enables an individual to care for an appliance and detect problems.
- Cleaning Supplies
- Which cleaning supplies are provided by the employer (if any)
- How and where to use cleaning products
The proper use of cleaning products and natural alternatives will improve house cleanliness as well as avoid contact with or poor use of products potentially harmful to an individual’s health.
If the purchase of cleaning products is the employee's responsibility, the employer may need to help identify which cleaning products to buy. List of Cleaning Products [English & Spanish]
- Safety Issues
- Review housing safety issues such as smoke detector, unblocked exits, safety hazards, leaving stove on, etc.
- Post and review emergency numbers in an obvious place near the phone.
- Explain who to call in case of an emergency or housing concern.
The following booklet was developed to serve as a conversation starter about house sanitation and upkeep, and provides a general overview of housing issues. The checklist may be used to evaluate house sanitation and upkeep in an initial visit and monitor any changes in subsequent visits:
House Inspections
When a new employee moves into employee housing, an initial house inspection should be done with them to identify any concerns with the housing unit and provided appliances.
To make sure housing is being maintained properly, schedule regular inspections (at least monthly). The inspections should be done together with the employee(s) and you should discuss maintenance and sanitation concerns as they are discovered.
Rodent and Insect Infestation
An increasingly common concern in farm employee housing in Vermont is the presence of cockroaches and bedbugs. When the problem first presents itself, there are avenues for pest control and elimination, some of which are detailed in these informational handouts. It is important to clarify responsibilities related to rodent and insect infestations with the tenants.
Occupant Responsibilities
"The occupant of each dwelling unit shall maintain that part of the dwelling he or she exclusively occupies free from rodent and insect infestation and shall be responsible for extermination when the infestation is caused by his or her failure to maintain the dwelling unit except as provided for in Section IV, A(3)." (Rental Housing Health Code, State of Vermont, Department of Health)
