Is my landlord required to fix appliances or plumbing in Arkansas?

Landlords are only required to make repairs if your written lease stipulates so or if a local city ordinance exists requiring repairs. Arkansas state law does not have a statewide repair requirement.

Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t make repairs?

No, Arkansas law does not allow renters to withhold rent for unaddressed repairs unless this right is clearly stated in your lease agreement.

What should I do if my home is unsafe to live in?

Contact your local city’s housing, health, or code enforcement office for an inspection and possible remedy, especially for urgent health or safety issues.

Where do I file a complaint about landlord neglect in Arkansas?

There is no state agency for landlord complaints. Contact your local housing/code inspector or file a claim in county small claims court for certain disputes.

Are there tenant repair protections in Arkansas?

Tenant protections for repairs are limited in Arkansas; most obligations rely on your lease or local codes. State law does not guarantee habitability.

Arkansas Landlord Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Arkansas published: June 21, 2025

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Arkansas is key, especially when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Unlike many other states, Arkansas has unique rules about landlord obligations for maintaining rental properties, which can leave renters unsure about what to expect or how to act if something needs fixing in their home.

Arkansas Law on Landlord Maintenance Duties

Arkansas is one of the only states in the U.S. that does not have a statewide legal requirement for landlords to maintain habitable premises (meaning, housing that meets basic health and safety standards) for most residential tenancies.^[1] However, some local city or county ordinances may outline specific requirements that landlords must follow regarding property maintenance. Renters should check with their local city government or housing office to see if additional rules apply in their area.

What Maintenance Is Required?

In most of Arkansas, landlords are only required to uphold what is stated in the written lease agreement for repairs and maintenance.
No state law mandates the landlord to keep a rental unit safe, sanitary, or in good repair. (Check your local government for possible exceptions.)
Arkansas law does require landlords to comply with any explicit terms in the lease and applicable local health, building, or safety codes where enforced.
Some cities (such as Little Rock or Fayetteville) have their own property maintenance or rental ordinances—always check with your city’s housing department for local standards.

Tip: Always review your lease agreement for any specific repair and maintenance obligations that your landlord has accepted.

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

If repairs are necessary and your lease includes repair obligations for the landlord, always notify your landlord in writing. Include the date, the problem, and keep a copy for your records.

Describe the issue clearly and request a reasonable timeline for repair.
If possible, provide photos.
Written communication (letter or email) is recommended because it creates a record.

There is no official Arkansas repair request form, but you may use a simple letter or email. If the situation creates an immediate health or safety hazard and the landlord does not respond, contact your local city code enforcement or health department.

When Can Renters Take Action?

Because Arkansas has limited statewide tenant protections for repairs, renters generally cannot legally withhold rent or make "repair and deduct" claims unless your lease specifically allows it (few do). Local codes may give you some options—check with your local government agency if your safety is at risk.

If repair needs concern health, safety, or housing code violations, your local housing or code office is often your best point of contact. Always document everything.

Important Tribunals and Contact Points

Arkansas does not have a specialized residential tenancy tribunal or dedicated state agency handling landlord-tenant disputes. Instead,:

For code and health violations, contact your local city or county code enforcement office.
Legal disputes generally go through your local county district court (small claims for monetary issues up to $5,000).

Relevant Arkansas Laws

Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 17: Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007

This law primarily outlines lease requirements and eviction processes, but does not provide a state-level warranty of habitability. Review your lease closely for maintenance language.

Official Forms and How Renters Use Them

No statewide maintenance or repair request form. Renters should use written letters or emails.
If filing a dispute in small claims court (for example, for damages or withheld rent), use the Small Claims Complaint Form available from the local county court. This is used if you seek reimbursement for unaddressed repairs that cost you money or for damages resulting from landlord inaction. Always consult your lease and gather evidence before filing.

FAQs for Arkansas Renters

Is my landlord required to fix appliances or plumbing in Arkansas?
Only if your written lease specifically says so or your city has a local ordinance that requires it. Otherwise, Arkansas state law does not require landlords to fix these items.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t make repairs?
No. Arkansas law does not grant renters the legal right to withhold rent for repairs unless this right is spelled out in your lease.
What should I do if my home is unsafe?
Contact your local city code enforcement, housing, or health department. They can inspect and enforce safety codes if they apply to your area.
Where do I file a complaint about landlord neglect?
There is no state complaint board. Contact your local government first, or file a claim in county small claims court for certain disputes.
Are there any tenant protections in Arkansas?
Some, but they are mostly outlined in local law or your lease. Arkansas provides much fewer tenant protections than most other states, especially around repairs and habitability.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

There is no statewide requirement for landlords to maintain habitable housing—check your lease and local ordinances.
Always make repair requests in writing and keep records.
Contact local code enforcement for urgent health or safety concerns.

Remaining proactive with documentation is essential, given Arkansas’s limited renter protections for maintenance issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arkansas Department of Health – Environmental Health: Assistance with housing code or health complaints.
Arkansas County Courts Directory: Find your county’s small claims court for legal disputes.
Legal Aid of Arkansas: Free or low-cost legal support for eligible renters.
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services: Housing Programs

See: Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007, Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 17.
For county court listings: Arkansas County Courts Directory
Local ordinances: Contact your city’s housing/code enforcement office