Arkansas Lead Paint Disclosure Laws for Renters

Moving into a new rental in Arkansas is an exciting milestone—but if the property was built before 1978, it brings extra legal protections for your health. Both state and federal law require landlords to inform renters of potential lead paint hazards through specific disclosures and forms, protecting tenants and families from dangerous exposure.

What Is a Lead Paint Disclosure and Why Does It Matter?

Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in residential paint before 1978. Exposure can be especially harmful to children and pregnant women. That’s why federal law requires landlords to inform tenants about any known lead-based paint hazards before they sign a lease for most properties built before 1978.

Your Rights as a Renter in Arkansas

As a renter, you have the right to know about any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in your rental unit. This is mandated by the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule and supported by Arkansas tenant law. This rule protects your health and ensures transparency during the moving-in process.

Lead Disclosure Requirements for Arkansas Rentals

• Applies to most properties built before 1978.
• Landlords must provide renters with:
• The EPA's "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" pamphlet (Form EPA-747-K-99-001).
• A signed Lead Disclosure Form for Rental Properties before lease signing.
• Any known information or reports about lead-based paint or hazards in the building.

If these steps are skipped, your landlord could face penalties, and you may have rights to take further action.

Arkansas Lead Paint Disclosure Forms Explained

• EPA Lead Disclosure Form for Rental Properties
  (No specific state form number, but federal law applies):
  
  • When used: Before the rental agreement is signed and before the tenant is obligated under any lease.
  • How to use: Landlord fills out and signs with information about known lead hazards, and both landlord and tenant keep copies. For example, if you're moving into a 1960s Little Rock apartment, your landlord must provide this form identifying any known lead-based paint.
  • View the Lead Disclosure Form (EPA)
• EPA Pamphlet: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (EPA-747-K-99-001):
  
  • When used: Must be given to each new tenant before lease signing.
  • How to use: Landlord must provide a copy; as a tenant, review key safety tips and learn what to watch for in the home. For example, before signing a lease, you should be handed this pamphlet and encouraged to read it closely.
  • Read the official EPA Lead Safety Pamphlet (PDF)

What If Disclosures Aren’t Made?

If your landlord fails to provide the required forms or pamphlet, federal law gives you strong protection:

• You can report the issue to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Lead Programs.
• You may have the right to cancel or break your lease without penalty in some situations if lead hazards are found and not disclosed.¹
• Court penalties or fines may apply to landlords who break the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule.

Who Oversees Rental Issues in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the Arkansas Judiciary (state court system) handles most rental disputes, including issues about property disclosures or safety. Local code enforcement or the Arkansas Department of Health may help with lead issues in some cases.²

Arkansas Tenancy Laws at a Glance

The main legislation covering landlord and tenant rights in Arkansas is the Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 2 - Property Rights and Interests. These laws include rules about disclosures, property conditions, and more.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Lead Paint Issues

• Politely ask your landlord for the required lead disclosure form and EPA pamphlet before moving in.
• If you’re already living there and didn’t receive disclosure, request it in writing as soon as possible.
• If problems continue, you may file a complaint with the EPA or consult the Arkansas Judiciary for legal guidance on next steps.

FAQ: Arkansas Lead Paint Disclosures

1. When do landlords in Arkansas have to give lead paint disclosures?
   Landlords must provide lead paint disclosures and the EPA pamphlet before a lease is signed for most rental homes built before 1978.
2. What should I do if I didn’t get a lead paint disclosure before moving in?
   Ask for it in writing from your landlord. If refused, report to the EPA and consider seeking legal advice or approaching your local court.
3. Are apartments and single-family homes both covered under the law?
   Yes, both are covered if built before 1978, unless exempt (such as short-term rentals under 100 days or certain student housing).
4. Can I break my lease if there’s hidden lead paint in my apartment?
   Federal rules may allow you to pursue legal remedies, including cancellation, if hazards are not disclosed, especially if your health is at risk.
5. Where can I find the required lead disclosure forms?
   The official EPA forms and pamphlet are available on the EPA's disclosures page and from your landlord.

Conclusion: Key Points for Arkansas Renters

• Always receive and review the lead disclosure form and EPA pamphlet before signing a lease on an older property.
• Federal and Arkansas law protect your right to know about potential lead hazards in your home.
• If in doubt or denied, reach out to the EPA or consult the Arkansas Judiciary for legal help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Lead Program): Call 1-800-424-LEAD
• Arkansas Department of Health – Lead Poisoning Prevention
• Arkansas Judiciary (State Courts): Handles rental disputes and legal claims
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Lead Resources

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1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (EPA)
2. Arkansas Judiciary – Rental Dispute Information
3. Arkansas Code Title 18 – Property Rights and Interests

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