Arkansas Fair Housing Protected Classes Explained

Understanding your rights under Arkansas fair housing laws can make a real difference if you're facing housing discrimination. Both federal and state protections help ensure all renters in Arkansas have equal access to housing, free from unlawful discrimination. This article explains which classes are protected, how to recognize discrimination, and what steps you can take if your rights are violated.

Who Is Protected Under Fair Housing Laws in Arkansas?

The primary fair housing protections in Arkansas come from the federal Fair Housing Act, as Arkansas does not have a more expansive state-specific fair housing law. Under these laws, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent, set different terms, or otherwise treat a renter unfairly based on certain protected characteristics.

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (having children under 18, pregnancy or custody)
• Disability

These protections apply to most housing situations, though a few exceptions exist (such as owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units).

What Housing Discrimination Looks Like

Discrimination can take many forms, some obvious (refusing to show or rent an apartment to someone of a certain background), and some more subtle. Examples include:

• Advertising a unit only to certain groups
• Setting higher rent or different terms for some renters
• Making housing unavailable or steering someone away because of a protected class
• Evicting or threatening to evict based on family makeup or disability
• Failing to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities (like service animals)

If you experience this type of treatment, you may have recourse under the law.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

In Arkansas, housing discrimination complaints are typically filed with federal agencies since the state lacks its own fair housing enforcement body. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees these matters. Complaints may also be submitted to the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO).

Official HUD Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1)
• How is it used? Submit this if you believe your rights were violated by a landlord, manager, or housing provider. For instance, if you were denied an apartment because of your race or family status, you would fill out this form and send it to HUD.
• File a fair housing complaint online or download the official HUD-903.1 form.

The Housing Tribunal and Legal Process in Arkansas

Arkansas does not have a state-level housing tribunal for complaints about fair housing. Federal complaints are handled by HUD. For other rental issues, such as evictions, renters or landlords may need to use the county district courts in Arkansas.

• Governing Legislation: Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
• Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law: Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007

Other organizations, such as the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, are not currently active in enforcement.

What to Do If You Experience Discrimination: Action Steps

If you believe your rights have been violated, these are recommended steps:

• Document the incident(s) in detail
• Contact HUD to file a complaint using the HUD-903.1 form
• Seek legal advice from organizations or legal aid specializing in tenant rights
• Consider sharing your experience with local advocacy groups

Act quickly—there are time limits for filing complaints, usually within one year of the alleged violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which groups are protected under Arkansas fair housing laws?
   In Arkansas, federal fair housing laws protect renters from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability.
2. Does Arkansas have additional state-protected classes?
   No, Arkansas follows the federal Fair Housing Act and does not add extra protected classes at the state level.
3. How do I file a housing discrimination complaint in Arkansas?
   File through HUD using the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1), available online.
4. Are landlords required to provide reasonable accommodations?
   Yes, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities, unless it causes significant hardship or expense.
5. Where are rental disputes unrelated to discrimination heard?
   General rental disputes like evictions in Arkansas are usually heard in district court. Learn more at Arkansas District Courts.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

To recap, here are the most important points:

• Federal law protects renters in Arkansas from discrimination based on seven main categories.
• If you suspect discrimination, keep records and file a complaint with HUD promptly.
• For other rental disputes, the district court system serves as the primary venue.

Fair housing laws exist to provide security and equal opportunity—if you feel something is wrong, trusted resources are available to help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing Information
• File a HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint
• Legal Aid of Arkansas – Free tenant legal support
• Arkansas District Courts – For rental and eviction cases

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1. Fair Housing Act, U.S. Department of Justice
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing Equal Opportunity
3. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007
4. Arkansas District Courts

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