Arkansas Fire Escape and Sprinkler Laws: What Renters Need to Know

Fire safety is a top concern for renters in Arkansas. Understanding the requirements for fire escapes and sprinkler systems can help you protect yourself and your family. Arkansas law sets specific standards for rental buildings to help prevent fires and make sure tenants have safe exits if emergencies happen. Below, we break down these requirements, how they apply to different homes, and what steps you can take if you have concerns.

Fire Escape Requirements in Arkansas Rentals

In Arkansas, most modern fire safety rules are based on national codes adopted locally. Residential rental properties, including apartments and multi-family dwellings, must meet minimum Arkansas Fire Prevention Code regulations. These standards specify:

• Exit doors and escape routes: Every sleeping room must have at least two ways to escape (such as a door and a window).
• Clear exits: Hallways, stairways, and exits must not be blocked. Landlords must keep these areas accessible.
• Fire escapes: Older buildings (built before 1970) with three or more stories may require dedicated exterior fire escapes if other exits are not available.
• Smoke alarms: Landlords must install working smoke alarms in all sleeping areas and each level of the unit.

If you live in a high-rise or multi-unit apartment building, ask your landlord to show you where the fire escapes and exits are located. For single-family homes, windows in bedrooms must be large enough for an adult to climb out if needed.

Sprinkler System Laws for Rental Properties

Sprinkler requirements depend on the type and age of the building. According to the Arkansas State Fire Marshal and the adopted building codes:

• Most new apartment buildings (built or renovated since 2012) with four or more stories are required to have automatic fire sprinkler systems.
• Older buildings may not be required to retrofit sprinklers, unless undergoing major renovations.
• Single-family rental homes and duplexes generally do not require sprinklers unless specifically mandated by local city ordinances.

For more details on Arkansas' fire code and exceptions, see the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Section 903 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems).

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

Landlords are responsible under Arkansas law and local fire codes for ensuring that fire safety features – exits, alarms, and sprinkler systems (as required) – are functioning and accessible. Arkansas does not have a single detailed state law focused on fire safety for all rentals, but relies on a mix of building codes, municipal ordinances, and the Arkansas Code for general landlord-tenant responsibilities.

• Landlords must comply with local fire inspection requirements.
• If a safety violation is discovered, the landlord must fix the problem within the timeline given by inspectors.
• Failure to maintain safe escape routes or alarms could be considered a breach of the lease or state habitability law.

How to Request Fire Safety Repairs or Inspections

If you believe your building doesn’t meet Arkansas fire code or your landlord isn’t making needed fire safety repairs:

• Start by notifying your landlord in writing (email or letter), clearly stating the issue and requesting repairs or inspections.
• If the issue remains unresolved, you can contact your local fire department or code enforcement office. Most cities have a dedicated complaint form or report process.
• If needed, file a complaint with your local housing authority or city office. Include photographs and copies of your communication.

Relevant Forms

• City of Little Rock Code Enforcement Complaint Form
  Used by renters in Little Rock to report safety code violations, including blocked exits or lack of alarms. File a Code Complaint (Little Rock)
• City of Fayetteville Online Code Violation Form
  Fayetteville renters can report missing fire safety features or improper exits with this form. Report a Code Violation (Fayetteville)

Not all Arkansas cities have online forms. If your area does not, call your city code enforcement office or fire marshal directly for instructions.

The Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes in Arkansas

Arkansas does not have a state-level residential tenancy tribunal. Instead, landlord-tenant disputes, including those involving unresolved fire safety issues, are handled by the Arkansas District Court System. You can review the process for filing a civil complaint if your landlord fails to address code violations affecting your safety.

Relevant Arkansas Tenancy Legislation

General renter and landlord responsibilities (including habitability) are governed by the Arkansas Code Annotated §18-16-110. For full fire safety requirements, see the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all Arkansas rental apartments need fire escapes?
   Not all. Only older multi-story buildings without alternative exits must have dedicated fire escapes. Most apartments are required to offer at least two means of exit, but the form (such as doors or windows) varies by building age and code.
2. Is my landlord required to have a sprinkler system?
   Only some buildings—mainly new or recently renovated apartments with more than four stories—require automatic sprinkler systems by law. Older or smaller properties may not.
3. What are my options if my smoke alarms don't work?
   Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, requesting immediate repairs. If they do not act, contact your local code enforcement or fire department.
4. Who do I contact if my rental is not fire safe?
   You can contact your city code enforcement office, local fire department, or file a complaint using your city’s online portal or form. For unresolved issues, consider discussing your case with the District Court.
5. What law covers fire safety for renters in Arkansas?
   The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, along with Arkansas Code Annotated §18-16-110, outline basic landlord responsibilities for safe housing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Arkansas law requires working fire escapes and exits; sprinklers are mandated in some, but not all, apartment buildings.
• Landlords must maintain fire safety equipment and provide clear escape routes for renters.
• If you have fire safety concerns, start by notifying your landlord in writing—then contact your local code enforcement office or District Court if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas State Fire Marshal – Questions about fire safety laws and reporting issues
• Little Rock Code Enforcement – Report housing safety violations in Little Rock
• Fayetteville Code Compliance – Report rental housing code complaints in Fayetteville
• Arkansas District Court System – For formal disputes and unresolved code issues
• Arkansas Code Annotated §18-16-110 – Main landlord-tenant responsibilities law

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1. Arkansas Fire Prevention Code: Read full text here
2. Arkansas Code Annotated §18-16-110 – Landlord’s responsibilities: See statute
3. Arkansas State Fire Marshal Office: Official Fire Safety Authority
4. Arkansas District Court, for landlord-tenant cases: Arkansas Judicial Branch

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