diff --git a/cmd/felhom-agent/main.go b/cmd/felhom-agent/main.go
index ce4127b..6ddbfb7 100644
--- a/cmd/felhom-agent/main.go
+++ b/cmd/felhom-agent/main.go
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import (
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/desired"
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/dr"
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/escrow"
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/felhomsshd"
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/guesthook"
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/hub"
 	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/lanresolver"
@@ -706,6 +707,28 @@ func runDaemon(cfg config.Config, logger *slog.Logger) int {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// OOB operator access (H1): the dedicated felhom-sshd instance + port-adaptive belt + health.
+	// DEFAULT OFF (oob.enabled) until the operator endpoint + static belt table exist. Consumes the
+	// SAME wireguard desired-state block (oob_peer_ip → belt, oob_operator_ssh_key → authorized_keys).
+	oobServers := 0
+	var oobLoop *felhomsshd.Loop
+	{
+		oc := cfg.OOB.WithDefaults()
+		if oc.Enabled {
+			oobMode := proxmox.RunnerMode(cfg.Privileged.Mode)
+			if oobMode == "" {
+				oobMode = proxmox.RunnerSudo
+			}
+			oobRunner := &proxmox.ExecRunner{Mode: oobMode, SudoPath: cfg.Privileged.SudoPath}
+			oobMgr := felhomsshd.NewManager(oobRunner, oc.StateDir, logger)
+			oobBelt := felhomsshd.NewBelt(oobRunner, logger)
+			oobLoop = felhomsshd.NewLoop(oobMgr, oobBelt, time.Duration(oc.IntervalSeconds)*time.Second, logger)
+			desiredSyncer.AddConsumer(oobLoop) // raw desired-state → oob_peer_ip + operator key
+			collector.SetOOBReporter(oobLoop)  // heartbeat oob health stanza
+			logger.Info("felhomsshd (OOB): enabled", "interval_s", oc.IntervalSeconds, "state_dir", oc.StateDir)
+		}
+	}
+
 	// Run reconcile, the hub loop, the storage watchdog, the restore-test scheduler, the PBS
 	// verify loop, (optionally) the local-API server, and (optionally) the LAN resolver loop
 	// concurrently; any one returning ends the daemon (ctx cancel tears down the rest).
@@ -768,6 +791,10 @@ func runDaemon(cfg config.Config, logger *slog.Logger) int {
 		wgServers = 1
 		go func() { errc <- wgLoop.Run(ctx) }()
 	}
+	if oobLoop != nil {
+		oobServers = 1
+		go func() { errc <- oobLoop.Run(ctx) }()
+	}
 
 	// TASK D1 Scenario D: if this process is a JUST-FLIPPED self-update (a pending marker names THIS
 	// version), commit it after a clean dwell — but only now that core init is done (config parsed,
@@ -777,8 +804,8 @@ func runDaemon(cfg config.Config, logger *slog.Logger) int {
 	go selfUpdateMgr.MaybeCommit(ctx)
 
 	err = <-errc
-	stop()                                                     // tear down the siblings on the first exit
-	for i := 0; i < 4+localServers+lanServers+wgServers; i++ { // wait for the other goroutines
+	stop()                                                                // tear down the siblings on the first exit
+	for i := 0; i < 4+localServers+lanServers+wgServers+oobServers; i++ { // wait for the other goroutines
 		<-errc
 	}
 	if err != nil && err != context.Canceled {
diff --git a/configs/felhom-agent.sudoers b/configs/felhom-agent.sudoers
index 9119640..f6b7fb3 100644
--- a/configs/felhom-agent.sudoers
+++ b/configs/felhom-agent.sudoers
@@ -178,4 +178,35 @@ Cmnd_Alias FELHOM_SELFUPDATE = \
   /usr/local/sbin/felhom-selfupdate-guarded commit, \
   /usr/local/sbin/felhom-selfupdate-guarded rollback
 
-felhom-agent ALL=(root) NOPASSWD: FELHOM_MOUNT, FELHOM_DISK, FELHOM_PROVISION, FELHOM_FORMAT, FELHOM_DNSMASQ, FELHOM_GUESTHOOK, FELHOM_INTERMEDIARY, FELHOM_CONTROLLERSWAP, FELHOM_STALELOCK, FELHOM_NETMOUNT, FELHOM_WG, FELHOM_SELFUPDATE
+# Dedicated OOB sshd (TASK H1). The agent manages felhom-sshd like wg-felhom/dnsmasq: it RENDERS the
+# config (Port from its claim) + the operator's authorized_keys, validates with `sshd -t`, and reloads
+# (never restart-on-change [SF-2]). Both install SOURCES are the agent-owned staged files under
+# StateDir; both DESTINATIONS are FIXED. `sshd -t/-T` are the validate/discover reads. The
+# systemctl verbs are SCOPED to felhom-sshd only. reset-failed precedes a deliberate restart [SF-5].
+# NOTHING here can touch the stock sshd, :22, or /etc/ssh.
+Cmnd_Alias FELHOM_SSHD = \
+  /usr/bin/install -o root -g root -m 0644 -- /var/lib/felhom-agent/felhom-sshd/sshd_config /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config, \
+  /usr/bin/install -o root -g root -m 0644 -- /var/lib/felhom-agent/felhom-sshd/authorized_keys.felhom-op /etc/felhom-sshd/authorized_keys/felhom-op, \
+  /usr/sbin/sshd -t -f /var/lib/felhom-agent/felhom-sshd/sshd_config, \
+  /usr/sbin/sshd -t -f /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config, \
+  /usr/sbin/sshd -T -f /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config, \
+  /usr/bin/systemctl enable --now felhom-sshd, \
+  /usr/bin/systemctl reload felhom-sshd, \
+  /usr/bin/systemctl restart felhom-sshd, \
+  /usr/bin/systemctl reset-failed felhom-sshd, \
+  /usr/bin/wg show wg-felhom latest-handshakes
+
+# OOB nft belt (TASK H1). The STATIC table `inet felhom_oob` is installed once by host-install; the
+# agent mutates ONLY its two SETS — @operator_ips (the operator /32) + @ssh_port (the claimed port).
+# SET ELEMENTS ONLY [trap 4]: NO `nft add rule`, NO `nft -f`, NO `flush ruleset/table` — a rule grant
+# would let the agent firewall anything. The agent fine-validates every element (netip / int range)
+# before exec; the trailing wildcards are the coarse allowlist (values only).
+Cmnd_Alias FELHOM_OOB = \
+  /usr/sbin/nft list set inet felhom_oob operator_ips, \
+  /usr/sbin/nft list set inet felhom_oob ssh_port, \
+  /usr/sbin/nft flush set inet felhom_oob operator_ips, \
+  /usr/sbin/nft flush set inet felhom_oob ssh_port, \
+  /usr/sbin/nft add element inet felhom_oob operator_ips *, \
+  /usr/sbin/nft add element inet felhom_oob ssh_port *
+
+felhom-agent ALL=(root) NOPASSWD: FELHOM_MOUNT, FELHOM_DISK, FELHOM_PROVISION, FELHOM_FORMAT, FELHOM_DNSMASQ, FELHOM_GUESTHOOK, FELHOM_INTERMEDIARY, FELHOM_CONTROLLERSWAP, FELHOM_STALELOCK, FELHOM_NETMOUNT, FELHOM_WG, FELHOM_SELFUPDATE, FELHOM_SSHD, FELHOM_OOB
diff --git a/configs/felhom-sshd.service b/configs/felhom-sshd.service
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf28b8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/configs/felhom-sshd.service
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+# felhom-sshd.service (TASK H1) — install as /etc/systemd/system/felhom-sshd.service.
+#
+# The dedicated OOB sshd instance: a SECOND sshd on a claimed non-22 port, COEXISTING with the
+# customer's/stock sshd on :22 (never touched). Config is AGENT-RENDERED at /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config
+# (Port from the agent's claim); the agent reloads on change (never restart-on-change [SF-2]).
+#
+# CRITICAL [SF-1]: this unit MUST NOT declare `RuntimeDirectory=` — that directive (value `sshd`)
+# removed the SHARED /run/sshd and broke the stock sshd live (SPIKE-felhom-sshd §8). /run/sshd is
+# guaranteed by G1 (tmpfiles + watchdog); the ExecStartPre mkdir is a harmless extra guarantee. The
+# host-install RuntimeDirectory guard will REJECT this unit if the directive is ever added.
+[Unit]
+Description=Felhom OOB sshd (dedicated instance, agent-managed; H1)
+After=network.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=notify
+ExecStartPre=-/usr/bin/mkdir -p /run/sshd
+ExecStartPre=/usr/sbin/sshd -t -f /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config
+ExecStart=/usr/sbin/sshd -D -f /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config
+# Config-change path: validate then HUP — a bad reload is REFUSED and the running daemon SURVIVES
+# [SF-2]. The agent always writes→sshd -t→reload; it never `restart`s on a config change.
+ExecReload=/usr/sbin/sshd -t -f /etc/felhom-sshd/sshd_config
+ExecReload=/bin/kill -HUP $MAINPID
+KillMode=process
+Restart=on-failure
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=multi-user.target
diff --git a/internal/config/config.go b/internal/config/config.go
index 90dd251..0f31095 100644
--- a/internal/config/config.go
+++ b/internal/config/config.go
@@ -32,10 +32,32 @@ type Config struct {
 	LocalAPI    LocalAPIConfig    `json:"local_api"`
 	LANResolver LANResolverConfig `json:"lan_resolver"`
 	WGTunnel    WGTunnelConfig    `json:"wg_tunnel"`
+	OOB         OOBConfig         `json:"oob"`
 	SelfUpdate  SelfUpdateConfig  `json:"selfupdate"`
 	LogLevel    string            `json:"log_level"` // debug|info|warn|error (default info)
 }
 
+// OOBConfig configures the dedicated felhom-sshd OOB access instance + belt (TASK H1). **Enabled
+// DEFAULTS TO FALSE** — a rollout to a box without explicit oob.enabled=true is a no-op (no port
+// claim, no config render, no belt mutation, no oob report stanza) until the operator endpoint +
+// static belt table exist.
+type OOBConfig struct {
+	Enabled         bool   `json:"enabled"`
+	IntervalSeconds int    `json:"interval_seconds"` // reconcile cadence; default 60
+	StateDir        string `json:"state_dir"`        // staged config/authkeys under <StateDir>/felhom-sshd/; default /var/lib/felhom-agent
+}
+
+// WithDefaults fills the OOB reconcile cadence + state dir.
+func (o OOBConfig) WithDefaults() OOBConfig {
+	if o.IntervalSeconds == 0 {
+		o.IntervalSeconds = 60
+	}
+	if o.StateDir == "" {
+		o.StateDir = "/var/lib/felhom-agent"
+	}
+	return o
+}
+
 // SelfUpdateConfig configures the operator-signed agent self-update (TASK D1). The artifact HOST
 // is operator-controlled config; the artifact INTEGRITY comes only from the sha256 pinned inside
 // the operator-signed op — the hub's Day-0 manifest plays no role here, and a compromised Gitea
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/belt.go b/internal/felhomsshd/belt.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c61f945
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/belt.go
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"log/slog"
+	"net/netip"
+	"regexp"
+	"sort"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/proxmox"
+)
+
+// Belt keeps the STATIC nft table `inet felhom_oob` (installed by host-install) converged on the
+// current OOB state by mutating only its SETS — @operator_ips (the operator /32 allowed to reach
+// felhom-sshd over wg-felhom) and @ssh_port (felhom-sshd's claimed port). The agent NEVER adds/removes
+// RULES [trap 4]: set-element mutation can't change rule semantics, so the narrow sudoers grant stays
+// safe. Idempotent: reads the current elements and mutates only on a difference (no churn).
+type Belt struct {
+	runner proxmox.Runner
+	logger *slog.Logger
+
+	table string // "felhom_oob"
+}
+
+// NewBelt builds a Belt over the narrow runner. table defaults to "felhom_oob".
+func NewBelt(runner proxmox.Runner, logger *slog.Logger) *Belt {
+	if logger == nil {
+		logger = slog.Default()
+	}
+	return &Belt{runner: runner, logger: logger, table: "felhom_oob"}
+}
+
+// Sync converges @operator_ips + @ssh_port on the desired values. operatorIP "" empties @operator_ips
+// (belt drops all tunnel SSH — OOB off). port 0 empties @ssh_port. Every value is validated before it
+// reaches nft (netip for the IP, int range for the port), so the coarse sudoers wildcard can never be
+// abused. A missing table (host-install not run / pre-H1 box) degrades to a single logged warning.
+func (b *Belt) Sync(ctx context.Context, port int, operatorIP string) {
+	// desired sets
+	wantOps := []string{}
+	if operatorIP != "" {
+		ip, err := netip.ParseAddr(operatorIP)
+		if err != nil || !ip.Is4() {
+			b.logger.Error("felhomsshd belt: operator ip invalid — refusing", "ip", operatorIP)
+			return
+		}
+		wantOps = []string{ip.String()}
+	}
+	wantPorts := []string{}
+	if port > 0 && port <= 65535 {
+		wantPorts = []string{strconv.Itoa(port)}
+	}
+
+	b.syncSet(ctx, "operator_ips", wantOps)
+	b.syncSet(ctx, "ssh_port", wantPorts)
+}
+
+var nftElemRe = regexp.MustCompile(`elements\s*=\s*\{([^}]*)\}`)
+
+// syncSet converges one named set on `want` (sorted, deduped). Reads current elements; if they match,
+// ZERO nft mutations (the idempotency the scenario asserts). Otherwise flush + add the desired
+// elements. A read failure (table/set absent) → one warning, no mutation.
+func (b *Belt) syncSet(ctx context.Context, setName string, want []string) {
+	want = sortedUnique(want)
+	cur, ok := b.readSet(ctx, setName)
+	if !ok {
+		b.logger.Warn("felhomsshd belt: set unreadable (table not installed?) — skipping", "set", setName)
+		return
+	}
+	if equalStringSlices(cur, want) {
+		return // steady state: no mutation
+	}
+	if _, errOut, err := b.runner.Run(ctx, "nft", "flush", "set", "inet", b.table, setName); err != nil {
+		b.logger.Error("felhomsshd belt: flush failed", "set", setName, "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return
+	}
+	for _, e := range want {
+		if _, errOut, err := b.runner.Run(ctx, "nft", "add", "element", "inet", b.table, setName, "{ "+e+" }"); err != nil {
+			b.logger.Error("felhomsshd belt: add element failed", "set", setName, "elem", e, "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+			return
+		}
+	}
+	b.logger.Info("felhomsshd belt: set synced", "set", setName, "elements", strings.Join(want, ","))
+}
+
+// readSet returns the current elements of a named set (sorted), or ok=false if the set can't be read.
+func (b *Belt) readSet(ctx context.Context, setName string) ([]string, bool) {
+	out, _, err := b.runner.Run(ctx, "nft", "list", "set", "inet", b.table, setName)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, false
+	}
+	m := nftElemRe.FindSubmatch(out)
+	if m == nil {
+		return []string{}, true // set exists but empty (no "elements = {}" block)
+	}
+	var elems []string
+	for _, f := range strings.Split(string(m[1]), ",") {
+		f = strings.TrimSpace(f)
+		if f != "" {
+			elems = append(elems, f)
+		}
+	}
+	return sortedUnique(elems), true
+}
+
+func sortedUnique(in []string) []string {
+	seen := map[string]bool{}
+	out := make([]string, 0, len(in))
+	for _, s := range in {
+		if !seen[s] {
+			seen[s] = true
+			out = append(out, s)
+		}
+	}
+	sort.Strings(out)
+	return out
+}
+
+func equalStringSlices(a, b []string) bool {
+	if len(a) != len(b) {
+		return false
+	}
+	for i := range a {
+		if a[i] != b[i] {
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/belt_health_test.go b/internal/felhomsshd/belt_health_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..031b17d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/belt_health_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,178 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"io"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/hub"
+)
+
+// scriptRunner records every exec and returns scripted stdout per "name+first-arg" key; scripted
+// errors per the same key. Everything else returns empty success.
+type scriptRunner struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	calls  [][]string
+	stdout map[string]string
+	errs   map[string]error
+}
+
+func newScriptRunner() *scriptRunner {
+	return &scriptRunner{stdout: map[string]string{}, errs: map[string]error{}}
+}
+
+func key(name string, args ...string) string {
+	// `nft list set inet felhom_oob <setName>` → key by the set name (last arg), so the two set reads
+	// are distinguishable. Everything else keys by first arg.
+	if name == "nft" && len(args) > 0 && args[0] == "list" {
+		return "nft list " + args[len(args)-1]
+	}
+	if len(args) > 0 {
+		return name + " " + args[0]
+	}
+	return name
+}
+
+func (r *scriptRunner) Run(_ context.Context, name string, args ...string) ([]byte, []byte, error) {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	r.calls = append(r.calls, append([]string{name}, args...))
+	k := key(name, args...)
+	out := r.stdout[k]
+	err := r.errs[k]
+	r.mu.Unlock()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, []byte("scripted failure"), err
+	}
+	return []byte(out), nil, nil
+}
+
+func (r *scriptRunner) RunStdin(ctx context.Context, _ io.Reader, name string, args ...string) ([]byte, []byte, error) {
+	return r.Run(ctx, name, args...)
+}
+
+func (r *scriptRunner) count(name, firstArg string) int {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	n := 0
+	for _, c := range r.calls {
+		if c[0] == name && len(c) > 1 && c[1] == firstArg {
+			n++
+		}
+	}
+	return n
+}
+
+func (r *scriptRunner) sawRuleMutation() bool {
+	r.mu.Lock()
+	defer r.mu.Unlock()
+	for _, c := range r.calls {
+		// trap 4: the agent must NEVER run `nft add rule` / `nft -f` / `nft flush ruleset|table`.
+		if c[0] == "nft" && len(c) > 1 {
+			if c[1] == "-f" || (len(c) > 2 && c[1] == "add" && c[2] == "rule") {
+				return true
+			}
+			if c[1] == "flush" && len(c) > 2 && (c[2] == "ruleset" || c[2] == "table") {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func TestBelt_SyncMutatesThenIdempotent(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newScriptRunner()
+	// first read: both sets empty (no "elements" block)
+	r.stdout["nft list operator_ips"] = "set operator_ips {\n\ttype ipv4_addr\n}"
+	r.stdout["nft list ssh_port"] = "set ssh_port {\n\ttype inet_service\n}"
+	b := NewBelt(r, nil)
+	b.Sync(context.Background(), 8822, "10.77.0.250")
+
+	// mutations happened: flush + add for BOTH sets
+	if r.count("nft", "flush") < 2 || r.count("nft", "add") < 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("first sync must flush+add both sets; flushes=%d adds=%d", r.count("nft", "flush"), r.count("nft", "add"))
+	}
+	if r.sawRuleMutation() {
+		t.Fatal("belt must NEVER mutate rules — only set elements (trap 4)")
+	}
+
+	// second sync: the reads now return the desired elements → ZERO mutations (idempotent)
+	r2 := newScriptRunner()
+	r2.stdout["nft list operator_ips"] = "elements = { 10.77.0.250 }"
+	r2.stdout["nft list ssh_port"] = "elements = { 8822 }"
+	b2 := NewBelt(r2, nil)
+	b2.Sync(context.Background(), 8822, "10.77.0.250")
+	if r2.count("nft", "flush") != 0 || r2.count("nft", "add") != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("idempotent sync must do ZERO mutations; flushes=%d adds=%d", r2.count("nft", "flush"), r2.count("nft", "add"))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestBelt_OperatorEmptyEmptiesSet(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newScriptRunner()
+	r.stdout["nft list operator_ips"] = "elements = { 10.77.0.250 }" // currently has an operator IP
+	r.stdout["nft list ssh_port"] = "elements = { 8822 }"
+	b := NewBelt(r, nil)
+	b.Sync(context.Background(), 8822, "") // OOB off → operator set must be emptied
+	// operator_ips: current {250} != desired {} → flush, no add. ssh_port: {} vs {8822}...
+	if r.count("nft", "flush") < 1 {
+		t.Fatal("emptying the operator set must flush it")
+	}
+}
+
+// health: inactive + INVALID config → NO restart (the red-proof); inactive + valid → restart.
+func TestHeal_NoRestartOnInvalidConfig(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newScriptRunner()
+	r.errs["sshd -t"] = context.DeadlineExceeded // sshd -t FAILS (config invalid)
+	m := newTestManager(r, false)                // inactive
+	m.HealAndCheck(context.Background(), 8822)
+	if r.count("systemctl", "restart") != 0 {
+		t.Fatal("a broken config must NOT trigger a restart (never degraded→dead)")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestHeal_RestartsWhenDownWithValidConfigThenCooldown(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newScriptRunner() // sshd -t passes (no error)
+	m := newTestManager(r, false)
+	m.HealAndCheck(context.Background(), 8822)
+	if r.count("systemctl", "restart") != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("down + valid config → exactly one restart, got %d", r.count("systemctl", "restart"))
+	}
+	// cooldown: a second call inside the window → still one restart
+	m.HealAndCheck(context.Background(), 8822)
+	if r.count("systemctl", "restart") != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("restart cooldown violated: %d restarts", r.count("systemctl", "restart"))
+	}
+}
+
+func TestStatus_ReflectsBlockAndPort(t *testing.T) {
+	r := newScriptRunner()
+	r.stdout["sshd -T"] = "port 8822\nsomethingelse yes\n"
+	m := newTestManager(r, true) // active
+	m.port = 8822
+	st := m.Status(context.Background(), &hub.WireWireguard{OOBPeerIP: "10.77.0.250", OOBOperatorSSHKey: "ssh-ed25519 AAAA op"})
+	if !st.FelhomSshdActive || st.FelhomSshdPort != 8822 {
+		t.Fatalf("status: %+v", st)
+	}
+	if !st.OperatorPeerConfigured || !st.OperatorKeyConfigured {
+		t.Fatalf("status must reflect operator peer + key configured: %+v", st)
+	}
+}
+
+// newTestManager builds a Manager with injected active-state + a now clock; sshd -T/-t go through the
+// runner. isFree unused here.
+func newTestManager(r *scriptRunner, active bool) *Manager {
+	m := NewManager(r, "/tmp/felhomsshd-test", nil)
+	m.isActive = func(context.Context) bool { return active }
+	m.isFailed = func(context.Context) bool { return false }
+	m.now = func() time.Time { return time.Unix(1783270000, 0) }
+	return m
+}
+
+func TestConfig_NoRuntimeDirectoryString(t *testing.T) {
+	c, _ := renderConfig(2222)
+	if strings.Contains(c, "RuntimeDirectory") {
+		t.Fatal("SF-1: config must never contain RuntimeDirectory")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/claim.go b/internal/felhomsshd/claim.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..844010e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/claim.go
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// Candidates is the ordered OOB-port candidate list (spike §2). First free wins; NEVER :22 or a
+// random port. Package-var (not const) so tests can shrink it.
+var Candidates = []int{8822, 2222, 8022, 62222}
+
+// ErrPortsExhausted is returned when every candidate is busy — a LOUD failure [SF-4/trap 6], never a
+// silent fallback to :22 or a random high port.
+var ErrPortsExhausted = fmt.Errorf("felhomsshd: all candidate OOB ports are busy — refusing to fall back to :22 or a random port")
+
+// portProbe reports whether a TCP port is free (nothing listening AND a real bind succeeds). Injected
+// for tests; production impl = probeFree (ss + net.Listen).
+type portProbe func(port int) bool
+
+// claimPort returns the OOB port, mirroring the spike's shell algorithm:
+//   - if a persisted port exists AND is still free → keep it (idempotent, no thrash),
+//   - else the FIRST free candidate → persist + return,
+//   - else ErrPortsExhausted (LOUD).
+//
+// persist writes PortFile; readPersisted reads it. isFree is the probe. All injected for tests.
+func claimPort(candidates []int, isFree portProbe, readPersisted func() (int, bool), persist func(int) error) (int, error) {
+	if cur, ok := readPersisted(); ok && cur != 22 && isFree(cur) {
+		return cur, nil
+	}
+	for _, p := range candidates {
+		if p == 22 {
+			continue // defensive: never :22
+		}
+		if isFree(p) {
+			if err := persist(p); err != nil {
+				return 0, fmt.Errorf("felhomsshd: persist claimed port %d: %w", p, err)
+			}
+			return p, nil
+		}
+	}
+	return 0, ErrPortsExhausted
+}
+
+// readPortFile parses PortFile → (port, ok). A missing/garbage file → (0,false).
+func readPortFile() (int, bool) {
+	raw, err := os.ReadFile(PortFile)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	p, err := strconv.Atoi(strings.TrimSpace(string(raw)))
+	if err != nil || p < 1 || p > 65535 {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	return p, true
+}
+
+// writePortFile persists the claimed port (0644 — a port is not a secret).
+func writePortFile(port int) error {
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(ConfDir, 0o755); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return os.WriteFile(PortFile, []byte(strconv.Itoa(port)+"\n"), 0o644)
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/config.go b/internal/felhomsshd/config.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ee1fe2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/config.go
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+// Package felhomsshd manages the dedicated OOB sshd instance (TASK H1). It is a SECOND sshd —
+// separate port, config, host keys, AuthorizedKeysFile, and systemd unit — that COEXISTS with the
+// customer's/stock sshd on :22 (never touched). Design + safety earned by
+// SPIKE-felhom-sshd-2026-07-05 (§2 claim, §3 SAFE unit, §5 reload-not-restart, §7 AuthorizedKeysFile
+// isolation) and SPIKE-oob-wg-operator-peer-2026-07-05 (the tunnel-only belt).
+//
+// The agent RENDERS the config (Port from the claim) and reloads on change — the wg-felhom pattern.
+// It NEVER declares RuntimeDirectory= (G1 [SF-1]) and NEVER restarts on a config change [SF-2].
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+const (
+	// ConfDir is the dedicated config tree (host-install creates it; the agent renders the config).
+	ConfDir = "/etc/felhom-sshd"
+	// ConfPath is the rendered sshd config (referenced by the static unit's ExecStart/ExecReload).
+	ConfPath = ConfDir + "/sshd_config"
+	// HostKeyPath is the dedicated ed25519 host key (host-install generates it; stable across reloads).
+	HostKeyPath = ConfDir + "/ssh_host_ed25519_key"
+	// AuthKeysDir holds per-user authorized_keys OUTSIDE ~/.ssh, so the customer's sshd (which reads
+	// ~/.ssh/authorized_keys) structurally cannot honour the operator key [SF-3/§7].
+	AuthKeysDir = ConfDir + "/authorized_keys"
+	// PortFile persists the claimed port (idempotent re-pick).
+	PortFile = ConfDir + "/port"
+	// PidFile is the instance pidfile (NOT a RuntimeDirectory — that is the G1 incident cause).
+	PidFile = "/run/felhom-sshd.pid"
+	// Unit is the systemd unit name.
+	Unit = "felhom-sshd"
+	// OperatorUser is the default operator login (scoped sudo; key in AuthKeysDir only).
+	OperatorUser = "felhom-op"
+)
+
+// renderConfig builds the felhom-sshd config for a claimed port. Pure + deterministic (byte-stable
+// for a given port → a stable conf-hash, no reload churn). The security posture is the SAFE template
+// from the spike §3: key-only, dedicated host key + AuthorizedKeysFile, AllowUsers scoped to
+// root+felhom-op, binds 0.0.0.0 (+ ::) so it never waits on a late interface, no RuntimeDirectory.
+func renderConfig(port int) (string, error) {
+	if port < 1 || port > 65535 {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("felhomsshd: port %d out of range", port)
+	}
+	if port == 22 {
+		// The whole point is coexistence — the dedicated instance must NEVER claim :22 [SF-4/trap 5].
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("felhomsshd: refusing to render on :22 (the stock/customer sshd port)")
+	}
+	var b strings.Builder
+	b.WriteString("# felhom OOB sshd — agent-managed (H1); DO NOT EDIT\n")
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "Port %d\n", port)
+	b.WriteString("ListenAddress 0.0.0.0\n")
+	b.WriteString("ListenAddress ::\n")
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "HostKey %s\n", HostKeyPath)
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "PidFile %s\n", PidFile)
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "AuthorizedKeysFile %s/%%u\n", AuthKeysDir)
+	b.WriteString("PasswordAuthentication no\n")
+	b.WriteString("PermitRootLogin prohibit-password\n")
+	b.WriteString("PubkeyAuthentication yes\n")
+	b.WriteString("KbdInteractiveAuthentication no\n")
+	b.WriteString("UsePAM yes\n")
+	fmt.Fprintf(&b, "AllowUsers root %s\n", OperatorUser)
+	b.WriteString("X11Forwarding no\n")
+	b.WriteString("Subsystem sftp internal-sftp\n")
+	return b.String(), nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/felhomsshd_test.go b/internal/felhomsshd/felhomsshd_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e0ac63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/felhomsshd_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func TestRenderConfig_SafeTemplateAndByteStable(t *testing.T) {
+	c, err := renderConfig(8822)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	for _, must := range []string{
+		"Port 8822\n",
+		"AuthorizedKeysFile /etc/felhom-sshd/authorized_keys/%u\n",
+		"HostKey /etc/felhom-sshd/ssh_host_ed25519_key\n",
+		"PasswordAuthentication no\n",
+		"PermitRootLogin prohibit-password\n",
+		"AllowUsers root felhom-op\n",
+		"PidFile /run/felhom-sshd.pid\n",
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(c, must) {
+			t.Errorf("config missing %q:\n%s", must, c)
+		}
+	}
+	// [SF-1] the incident cause must NEVER appear.
+	if strings.Contains(c, "RuntimeDirectory") {
+		t.Fatal("config/unit must never mention RuntimeDirectory")
+	}
+	// byte-stable for a given port (conf-hash stability → no reload churn).
+	c2, _ := renderConfig(8822)
+	if c != c2 {
+		t.Fatal("renderConfig not deterministic")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestRenderConfig_RefusesPort22AndOutOfRange(t *testing.T) {
+	if _, err := renderConfig(22); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("renderConfig(22) must be refused — never claim the stock/customer port")
+	}
+	if _, err := renderConfig(0); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("port 0 accepted")
+	}
+	if _, err := renderConfig(70000); err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("out-of-range port accepted")
+	}
+}
+
+// claim harness: a fake free-set + an in-memory persisted port.
+func claimHarness(free map[int]bool, persisted int) (portProbe, func() (int, bool), func(int) error, *int) {
+	stored := persisted
+	isFree := func(p int) bool { return free[p] }
+	read := func() (int, bool) {
+		if stored == 0 {
+			return 0, false
+		}
+		return stored, true
+	}
+	write := func(p int) error { stored = p; return nil }
+	return isFree, read, write, &stored
+}
+
+func TestClaimPort_CleanContentionIdempotentExhaustion(t *testing.T) {
+	cands := []int{8822, 2222, 8022, 62222}
+
+	// clean → first candidate
+	isFree, read, write, stored := claimHarness(map[int]bool{8822: true, 2222: true, 8022: true, 62222: true}, 0)
+	if p, err := claimPort(cands, isFree, read, write); err != nil || p != 8822 {
+		t.Fatalf("clean claim = %d / %v, want 8822", p, err)
+	}
+	if *stored != 8822 {
+		t.Fatalf("clean claim not persisted, stored=%d", *stored)
+	}
+
+	// contention: 8822 busy → 2222
+	isFree, read, write, _ = claimHarness(map[int]bool{8822: false, 2222: true, 8022: true, 62222: true}, 0)
+	if p, err := claimPort(cands, isFree, read, write); err != nil || p != 2222 {
+		t.Fatalf("contention claim = %d / %v, want 2222", p, err)
+	}
+
+	// idempotent: persisted 2222 still free (even though 8822 is now free) → keep 2222 (no thrash)
+	isFree, read, write, _ = claimHarness(map[int]bool{8822: true, 2222: true, 8022: true, 62222: true}, 2222)
+	if p, err := claimPort(cands, isFree, read, write); err != nil || p != 2222 {
+		t.Fatalf("idempotent claim = %d / %v, want 2222 (kept)", p, err)
+	}
+
+	// exhaustion: all busy → LOUD error, no fallback
+	isFree, read, write, stored = claimHarness(map[int]bool{8822: false, 2222: false, 8022: false, 62222: false}, 0)
+	p, err := claimPort(cands, isFree, read, write)
+	if err != ErrPortsExhausted {
+		t.Fatalf("exhaustion must return ErrPortsExhausted, got %d / %v", p, err)
+	}
+	if p == 22 || p != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("exhaustion must NOT yield a port (esp. :22), got %d", p)
+	}
+	if *stored != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("exhaustion must persist nothing, stored=%d", *stored)
+	}
+
+	// persisted port that is now BUSY → re-claim a fresh free one (not the stale persisted)
+	isFree, read, write, _ = claimHarness(map[int]bool{8822: false, 2222: true, 8022: true, 62222: true}, 8822)
+	if p, err := claimPort(cands, isFree, read, write); err != nil || p != 2222 {
+		t.Fatalf("stale-persisted re-claim = %d / %v, want 2222", p, err)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/health.go b/internal/felhomsshd/health.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..41d9e73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/health.go
@@ -0,0 +1,139 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/hub"
+)
+
+// HealMarkerPath records the last felhom-sshd auto-heal (RFC3339), so the heartbeat surfaces a
+// recurring failure to the operator (the mgmt_plane pattern, scoped to the OOB daemon).
+const HealMarkerPath = "/run/felhom-sshd.healed"
+
+// HealAndCheck restores felhom-sshd if it is down AND its config is valid — ONE restart per cooldown
+// [SF-5 / spike §6], so a persistently-broken instance is reported (Status), not restart-stormed. It
+// NEVER restarts onto a broken config [trap 8]: if `sshd -t` fails, it hands off (Status reports
+// config_invalid; the hub warns). A healthy/active instance is untouched.
+func (m *Manager) HealAndCheck(ctx context.Context, port int) {
+	if m.isActive(ctx) {
+		return // healthy — nothing to heal
+	}
+	// Down. Only restart if the config is VALID — never convert degraded into dead.
+	if _, errOut, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "sshd", "-t", "-f", ConfPath); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Warn("felhomsshd: down AND config invalid — NOT restarting (report-only)",
+			"stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return
+	}
+	// Cooldown: at most one deliberate restart per window.
+	now := m.now()
+	if !m.lastRestartAt.IsZero() && now.Sub(m.lastRestartAt) < restartCooldown {
+		return
+	}
+	m.lastRestartAt = now
+	// reset-failed BEFORE restart [SF-5]: a start-limit lockout otherwise refuses the restart.
+	if m.isFailed(ctx) {
+		_, _, _ = m.runner.Run(ctx, "systemctl", "reset-failed", Unit)
+	}
+	if err := m.systemctl(ctx, "restart"); err != nil {
+		return
+	}
+	// record the heal (best-effort; a failed marker write never fails the heal)
+	_ = os.WriteFile(HealMarkerPath, []byte(now.UTC().Format(time.RFC3339)+"\n"), 0o644)
+	m.logger.Warn("felhomsshd: was down with a valid config — restarted (heal)", "port", port)
+}
+
+// Status builds the OOB heartbeat stanza (Part 4). Read-only. Discovers the effective port(s) via
+// `sshd -T` (authoritative — catches a non-default/multi-Port config), dials the port locally to
+// prove reachability, reads the wg-felhom handshake age, and reflects operator-peer/key config from
+// the desired-state block. NEVER `wg show dump` (the S1 ban) — `latest-handshakes` only.
+func (m *Manager) Status(ctx context.Context, block *hub.WireWireguard) *hub.OOBStatus {
+	st := &hub.OOBStatus{
+		FelhomSshdActive: m.isActive(ctx),
+		FelhomSshdPort:   m.port,
+	}
+	// Authoritative port(s) from `sshd -T` (may differ from m.port if the config was hand-edited).
+	if ports := m.sshdEffectivePorts(ctx); len(ports) > 0 {
+		st.FelhomSshdPort = ports[0]
+	}
+	// config validity
+	if _, _, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "sshd", "-t", "-f", ConfPath); err != nil {
+		st.ConfigInvalid = true
+	}
+	// local reachability (a TCP dial to the OOB port)
+	if st.FelhomSshdPort > 0 {
+		st.Reachable = dialLocal(ctx, st.FelhomSshdPort)
+	}
+	// wg-felhom handshake age (the OOB path rides the tunnel)
+	if age, ok := m.wgHandshakeAge(ctx); ok {
+		st.WGHandshakeAgeS = &age
+	}
+	// desired-state config reflection
+	if block != nil {
+		st.OperatorPeerConfigured = block.OOBPeerIP != ""
+		st.OperatorKeyConfigured = strings.TrimSpace(block.OOBOperatorSSHKey) != ""
+	}
+	// last auto-heal
+	if raw, err := os.ReadFile(HealMarkerPath); err == nil {
+		st.HealedAt = strings.TrimSpace(string(raw))
+	}
+	return st
+}
+
+// sshdEffectivePorts parses `sshd -T -f <conf>` for the effective Port line(s) (handles multi-Port).
+func (m *Manager) sshdEffectivePorts(ctx context.Context) []int {
+	out, _, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "sshd", "-T", "-f", ConfPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	var ports []int
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(string(out), "\n") {
+		f := strings.Fields(strings.ToLower(line))
+		if len(f) == 2 && f[0] == "port" {
+			if p, err := strconv.Atoi(f[1]); err == nil && p > 0 && p <= 65535 {
+				ports = append(ports, p)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ports
+}
+
+// wgHandshakeAge reads wg-felhom's latest-handshake age in seconds (latest-handshakes ONLY — the
+// dump ban). ok=false when the tunnel is down or unreadable.
+func (m *Manager) wgHandshakeAge(ctx context.Context) (int64, bool) {
+	out, _, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "wg", "show", "wg-felhom", "latest-handshakes")
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(strings.TrimSpace(string(out)), "\n") {
+		f := strings.Fields(line)
+		if len(f) != 2 {
+			continue
+		}
+		epoch, err := strconv.ParseInt(f[1], 10, 64)
+		if err != nil || epoch <= 0 {
+			continue
+		}
+		age := m.now().Unix() - epoch
+		if age < 0 {
+			age = 0
+		}
+		return age, true
+	}
+	return 0, false
+}
+
+// dialLocal reports whether a TCP connect to 127.0.0.1:port succeeds within a short timeout.
+func dialLocal(ctx context.Context, port int) bool {
+	d := net.Dialer{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	conn, err := d.DialContext(ctx, "tcp", net.JoinHostPort("127.0.0.1", strconv.Itoa(port)))
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	_ = conn.Close()
+	return true
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/loop.go b/internal/felhomsshd/loop.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ec3bb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/loop.go
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"log/slog"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/hub"
+)
+
+// Loop drives the felhom-sshd Manager on its own cadence (the wgtunnel/lanresolver shape) and
+// consumes the hub desired-state's wireguard block via the desired.Syncer raw-consumer seam (for
+// oob_peer_ip → the belt, and oob_operator_ssh_key → authorized_keys). Each tick: claim/render/reload
+// the instance, sync the belt sets, and run the health/heal check.
+type Loop struct {
+	mgr      *Manager
+	belt     *Belt // Part 3 (nil-safe: no belt sync when unset)
+	interval time.Duration
+	logger   *slog.Logger
+
+	mu    sync.Mutex
+	block *hub.WireWireguard
+
+	nudge chan struct{}
+}
+
+// NewLoop builds the loop. interval defaults to 60s. belt may be nil (belt sync skipped).
+func NewLoop(mgr *Manager, belt *Belt, interval time.Duration, logger *slog.Logger) *Loop {
+	if interval <= 0 {
+		interval = 60 * time.Second
+	}
+	if logger == nil {
+		logger = slog.Default()
+	}
+	return &Loop{mgr: mgr, belt: belt, interval: interval, logger: logger, nudge: make(chan struct{}, 1)}
+}
+
+// OnDesiredState implements desired.RawConsumer: store the latest wireguard block and nudge.
+func (l *Loop) OnDesiredState(_ context.Context, resp *hub.DesiredStateResponse) {
+	if resp == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	l.mu.Lock()
+	l.block = resp.DesiredState.Wireguard
+	l.mu.Unlock()
+	select {
+	case l.nudge <- struct{}{}:
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+func (l *Loop) snapshot() *hub.WireWireguard {
+	l.mu.Lock()
+	defer l.mu.Unlock()
+	return l.block
+}
+
+// Run reconciles immediately, then on every tick or desired-state nudge, until ctx is cancelled.
+func (l *Loop) Run(ctx context.Context) error {
+	l.reconcile(ctx)
+	t := time.NewTicker(l.interval)
+	defer t.Stop()
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-ctx.Done():
+			return ctx.Err()
+		case <-t.C:
+		case <-l.nudge:
+		}
+		l.reconcile(ctx)
+	}
+}
+
+// reconcile runs one full pass: instance apply → belt sync → health/heal.
+func (l *Loop) reconcile(ctx context.Context) {
+	block := l.snapshot()
+	port, err := l.mgr.Apply(ctx, block)
+	if err != nil {
+		return // Apply logged; a claim/exhaustion or install error — retry next tick
+	}
+	if l.belt != nil {
+		l.belt.Sync(ctx, port, oobPeerIP(block))
+	}
+	l.mgr.HealAndCheck(ctx, port)
+}
+
+// oobPeerIP extracts the operator /32 source (bare IP) from the block, or "" when OOB is off.
+func oobPeerIP(block *hub.WireWireguard) string {
+	if block == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return block.OOBPeerIP
+}
+
+// OOBStatus implements the hub collector's reporter seam (Part 4).
+func (l *Loop) OOBStatus(ctx context.Context) *hub.OOBStatus {
+	return l.mgr.Status(ctx, l.snapshot())
+}
diff --git a/internal/felhomsshd/manager.go b/internal/felhomsshd/manager.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f7268a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/felhomsshd/manager.go
@@ -0,0 +1,203 @@
+package felhomsshd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"log/slog"
+	"net"
+	"os"
+	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/hub"
+	"gitea.dooplex.hu/admin/felhom-agent/internal/proxmox"
+)
+
+// AuthKeysUserPath is felhom-op's authorized_keys (the default operator identity — key OUTSIDE
+// ~/.ssh so the customer's sshd never honours it [SF-3]). FIXED (sudoers install target).
+const AuthKeysUserPath = AuthKeysDir + "/" + OperatorUser
+
+const stagedConfName = "sshd_config"
+
+// Manager renders + applies the felhom-sshd config and drives the unit through the narrow-sudoers
+// runner. Config changes go write→`sshd -t`→`reload` (NEVER restart-on-change [SF-2]); a deliberate
+// restart is `reset-failed`-then-`restart` [SF-5], rate-limited by a cooldown (no flap).
+type Manager struct {
+	runner   proxmox.Runner
+	stateDir string
+	logger   *slog.Logger
+
+	// injectable seams (tests)
+	isActive func(ctx context.Context) bool
+	isFailed func(ctx context.Context) bool
+	isFree   portProbe
+	now      func() time.Time
+
+	port          int       // the claimed port (0 until Apply claims it)
+	hash          string    // sha256 of the last-applied config (steady-state zero-exec gate)
+	akHash        string    // sha256 of the last-applied felhom-op authorized_keys
+	lastRestartAt time.Time // heal cooldown (Part 4)
+}
+
+// restartCooldown bounds deliberate felhom-sshd restarts (heal path) — one attempt per window, so a
+// persistently-broken instance is reported, not restart-stormed (spike §6 / notification-cooldown shape).
+const restartCooldown = 10 * time.Minute
+
+// NewManager builds a Manager. stateDir is the agent state dir (staged config lives under it).
+func NewManager(runner proxmox.Runner, stateDir string, logger *slog.Logger) *Manager {
+	if logger == nil {
+		logger = slog.Default()
+	}
+	return &Manager{
+		runner:   runner,
+		stateDir: stateDir,
+		logger:   logger,
+		isActive: func(ctx context.Context) bool {
+			out, _ := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "systemctl", "is-active", Unit).Output()
+			return strings.TrimSpace(string(out)) == "active"
+		},
+		isFailed: func(ctx context.Context) bool {
+			out, _ := exec.CommandContext(ctx, "systemctl", "is-failed", Unit).Output()
+			return strings.TrimSpace(string(out)) == "failed"
+		},
+		isFree: probeFree,
+		now:    time.Now,
+	}
+}
+
+// Port returns the claimed port (0 before the first successful Apply).
+func (m *Manager) Port() int { return m.port }
+
+func (m *Manager) sshdDir() string        { return filepath.Join(m.stateDir, "felhom-sshd") }
+func (m *Manager) stagedConfPath() string { return filepath.Join(m.sshdDir(), stagedConfName) }
+
+// Apply claims the port, renders the config, reconciles the running unit, and (when the desired-state
+// block carries it) installs the operator's authorized_keys. Idempotent: no change → at most an
+// is-active check. block may be nil (no desired-state yet) — the instance still runs; only the
+// operator login/belt inputs are skipped. Returns the claimed port (0 on a claim/exhaustion error) —
+// the caller (belt sync) needs it.
+func (m *Manager) Apply(ctx context.Context, block *hub.WireWireguard) (int, error) {
+	port, err := claimPort(Candidates, m.isFree, readPortFile, writePortFile)
+	if err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: port claim failed", "err", err)
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	m.port = port
+
+	// Operator authorized_keys (from the hub-driven block) — written to felhom-op's dedicated file,
+	// outside ~/.ssh [SF-3]. Independent of the config-reload path (a key change never reloads sshd).
+	if block != nil {
+		m.applyAuthorizedKeys(ctx, block.OOBOperatorSSHKey)
+	}
+
+	conf, err := renderConfig(port)
+	if err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: refusing to apply invalid config", "err", err)
+		return port, err
+	}
+	sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte(conf))
+	hash := hex.EncodeToString(sum[:])
+	active := m.isActive(ctx)
+
+	if m.hash == hash && active {
+		return port, nil // steady state: zero execs
+	}
+
+	// Stage → validate → install → reload/enable. Never restart on a config change [SF-2].
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(m.sshdDir(), 0o700); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: state dir", "err", err)
+		return port, err
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(m.stagedConfPath(), []byte(conf), 0o600); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: staging config", "err", err)
+		return port, err
+	}
+	// Validate the STAGED config before it is installed — a bad render never reaches the live path.
+	if _, errOut, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "sshd", "-t", "-f", m.stagedConfPath()); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: staged config failed sshd -t — NOT installing", "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return port, err
+	}
+	if _, errOut, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "install", "-o", "root", "-g", "root", "-m", "0644", "--", m.stagedConfPath(), ConfPath); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: config install failed", "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return port, err
+	}
+	verb := "reload"
+	if !active {
+		verb = "enable" // first apply / down → enable --now brings it up
+	}
+	if err := m.systemctl(ctx, verb); err != nil {
+		return port, err
+	}
+	m.hash = hash
+	m.logger.Info("felhomsshd: config applied", "port", port, "action", verb)
+	return port, nil
+}
+
+// applyAuthorizedKeys installs (or clears) felhom-op's authorized_keys from the hub-delivered
+// operator SSH key. Hash-gated (no churn); the key is public, never a secret. A write failure is
+// logged, not fatal — the instance keeps running. NO sshd reload needed (sshd reads the file per-auth).
+func (m *Manager) applyAuthorizedKeys(ctx context.Context, sshKey string) {
+	content := ""
+	if k := strings.TrimSpace(sshKey); k != "" {
+		content = k + "\n"
+	}
+	sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte(content))
+	h := hex.EncodeToString(sum[:])
+	if h == m.akHash {
+		return // unchanged
+	}
+	staged := filepath.Join(m.sshdDir(), "authorized_keys."+OperatorUser)
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(m.sshdDir(), 0o700); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: state dir for authorized_keys", "err", err)
+		return
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(staged, []byte(content), 0o600); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: staging authorized_keys", "err", err)
+		return
+	}
+	if _, errOut, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "install", "-o", "root", "-g", "root", "-m", "0644", "--", staged, AuthKeysUserPath); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: authorized_keys install failed", "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return
+	}
+	m.akHash = h
+	m.logger.Info("felhomsshd: operator authorized_keys updated", "user", OperatorUser, "present", content != "")
+}
+
+// systemctl runs the reconcile verbs through the narrow runner. `enable` = `enable --now`; `reload`
+// HUPs (config change, running instance survives a bad reload via the unit's ExecReload sshd -t gate).
+func (m *Manager) systemctl(ctx context.Context, verb string) error {
+	var args []string
+	switch verb {
+	case "enable":
+		args = []string{"enable", "--now", Unit}
+	case "reload", "restart":
+		args = []string{verb, Unit}
+	default:
+		return nil
+	}
+	if _, errOut, err := m.runner.Run(ctx, "systemctl", args...); err != nil {
+		m.logger.Error("felhomsshd: systemctl "+verb+" failed", "err", err, "stderr", strings.TrimSpace(string(errOut)))
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// probeFree is the production port probe: nothing LISTENing (ss) AND a real bind succeeds (a bind
+// that succeeds-then-closes proves the port is actually claimable, not just ss-silent).
+func probeFree(port int) bool {
+	p := strconv.Itoa(port)
+	out, err := exec.Command("ss", "-Htln", "sport = :"+p).Output()
+	if err == nil && strings.TrimSpace(string(out)) != "" {
+		return false // something is listening
+	}
+	ln, err := net.Listen("tcp", "0.0.0.0:"+p)
+	if err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	_ = ln.Close()
+	return true
+}
diff --git a/internal/hub/collect.go b/internal/hub/collect.go
index 58a2ad4..c09a82a 100644
--- a/internal/hub/collect.go
+++ b/internal/hub/collect.go
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@ type Collector struct {
 	wg           WireguardReporter                             // S3: offsite-tunnel status (nil → stanza omitted)
 	selfUpdate   SelfUpdateReporter                            // D1: agent self-update pending status (nil → false)
 	mgmtPlane    MgmtPlaneReporter                             // G1: management-plane health (nil → stanza omitted)
+	oob          OOBReporter                                   // H1: operator-access health (nil → stanza omitted)
 	hostID       string
 	agentVersion string
 	logger       *slog.Logger
@@ -154,6 +155,17 @@ func (c *Collector) SetMgmtPlaneReporter(m MgmtPlaneReporter) *Collector {
 	return c
 }
 
+// OOBReporter is the H1 seam the felhom-sshd loop plugs into (nil → no oob stanza).
+type OOBReporter interface {
+	OOBStatus(ctx context.Context) *OOBStatus
+}
+
+// SetOOBReporter wires the operator-access health source (H1; nil-safe → stanza omitted).
+func (c *Collector) SetOOBReporter(o OOBReporter) *Collector {
+	c.oob = o
+	return c
+}
+
 // Collect builds the report. Best-effort liveness: a failed NodeStatus is a hard
 // error (no useful report — the cycle skips the POST); a failed per-guest
 // GuestConfig degrades that guest to status="unknown" without spec but still sends;
@@ -200,6 +212,10 @@ func (c *Collector) Collect(ctx context.Context) (*HostReport, error) {
 	if c.mgmtPlane != nil {
 		report.MgmtPlane = c.mgmtPlane.MgmtPlaneStatus(ctx)
 	}
+	// H1: operator-access (OOB) health (nil reporter = feature not wired → stanza omitted).
+	if c.oob != nil {
+		report.OOB = c.oob.OOBStatus(ctx)
+	}
 	return report, nil
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/hub/report.go b/internal/hub/report.go
index 4d957fe..22deeae 100644
--- a/internal/hub/report.go
+++ b/internal/hub/report.go
@@ -76,6 +76,26 @@ type HostReport struct {
 	// SelfUpdatePending precedent): stored opaquely hub-side, so these additive fields need no
 	// hub-schema change and are absent when the reporter is not wired.
 	MgmtPlane *MgmtPlaneStatus `json:"mgmt_plane,omitempty"`
+
+	// OOB is the operator-access health stanza (TASK H1). It answers the operator's question — "can I
+	// get into this box right now, and if not, why" — from the hub: felhom-sshd up + on which port,
+	// locally reachable, the tunnel handshake age (the OOB path rides wg-felhom), whether the operator
+	// peer/key is configured, and whether the config is invalid. The heartbeat reaches the hub over
+	// HTTPS even when felhom-sshd or the tunnel is DOWN (channel independence). `omitempty`: absent
+	// when the feature is not wired (pre-H1) — additive, no hub-schema change.
+	OOB *OOBStatus `json:"oob,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// OOBStatus is the per-heartbeat operator-access health (TASK H1). Carries no secret.
+type OOBStatus struct {
+	FelhomSshdActive       bool   `json:"felhom_sshd_active"`           // the felhom-sshd unit is active
+	FelhomSshdPort         int    `json:"felhom_sshd_port"`             // the claimed OOB port (0 = unclaimed)
+	Reachable              bool   `json:"reachable"`                    // a local TCP dial to the OOB port succeeds
+	ConfigInvalid          bool   `json:"config_invalid"`               // `sshd -t` on the OOB config fails
+	OperatorPeerConfigured bool   `json:"operator_peer_configured"`     // oob_peer_ip present in desired-state
+	OperatorKeyConfigured  bool   `json:"operator_key_configured"`      // operator authorized_key installed
+	WGHandshakeAgeS        *int64 `json:"wg_handshake_age_s,omitempty"` // wg-felhom last handshake age (nil = unknown)
+	HealedAt               string `json:"healed_at,omitempty"`          // last felhom-sshd auto-heal (RFC3339)
 }
 
 // MgmtPlaneStatus is the per-heartbeat management-plane health (TASK G1). Carries no secret.
@@ -84,9 +104,9 @@ type HostReport struct {
 // hub raises a warning event on a PrivsepHealedAt it has not alerted on — a recurring auto-heal means
 // a persistent clobber cause worth investigating before the box locks out.
 type MgmtPlaneStatus struct {
-	PrivsepDirOK    bool   `json:"privsep_dir_ok"`             // /run/sshd exists (the KEXINIT-reset detector)
-	SshdReachable   bool   `json:"sshd_reachable"`            // the stock sshd listener accepts TCP
-	HealedRecently  bool   `json:"healed_recently"`           // the watchdog heal-marker is present (this boot)
+	PrivsepDirOK    bool   `json:"privsep_dir_ok"`              // /run/sshd exists (the KEXINIT-reset detector)
+	SshdReachable   bool   `json:"sshd_reachable"`              // the stock sshd listener accepts TCP
+	HealedRecently  bool   `json:"healed_recently"`             // the watchdog heal-marker is present (this boot)
 	PrivsepHealedAt string `json:"privsep_healed_at,omitempty"` // marker timestamp; hub warns on a NEW value
 }
 
@@ -364,6 +384,12 @@ type WireWireguard struct {
 	// set`) so it survives self-heal/restart/reboot ([OF-1]: a runtime widening was wiped by the
 	// agent's own self-heal). `omitempty`: absent = OOB off, byte-identical conf for pre-H1 hosts.
 	OOBPeerIP string `json:"oob_peer_ip,omitempty"`
+
+	// OOBOperatorSSHKey is the operator's SSH PUBLIC key (an authorized_keys line, TASK H1). The agent
+	// writes it to felhom-sshd's dedicated AuthorizedKeysFile (/etc/felhom-sshd/authorized_keys/{root,
+	// felhom-op}) — OUTSIDE ~/.ssh, so the customer's sshd never honours it [SF-3]. Hub-driven so it
+	// rotates fleet-wide. `omitempty`: absent = no operator login installed. NOT a secret (public key).
+	OOBOperatorSSHKey string `json:"oob_operator_ssh_key,omitempty"`
 }
 
 // WireWireguardEndpoint is the endpoint half of the wireguard block.