What are my legal rights if there is mold in my Arkansas rental?

Landlords must maintain rentals in a habitable condition, including addressing serious mold issues. Notify your landlord in writing and, if unresolved, contact your local health department.

Is my landlord required to provide ventilation or air conditioning?

Landlords must provide basic ventilation, but air conditioning is only required if agreed to in your lease.

Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix air quality problems?

No. Arkansas law does not allow tenants to withhold rent or repair and deduct. Consider seeking legal help or contacting your local health department.

How can I formally complain about unhealthy conditions in my rental?

You can file a complaint with your local health department if your landlord does not remedy unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

Which agency handles landlord-tenant disputes about air quality?

The Arkansas District Courts deal with landlord-tenant disputes, including those concerning habitability or air quality.

Arkansas Rental Air Quality and Ventilation Rules: A Renter's Guide

Health & Safety Standards Arkansas published: June 21, 2025

Good air quality and reliable ventilation are essential health and safety standards for all renters living in Arkansas. Knowing your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities under Arkansas law can help you keep your rental home healthy and safe. This guide explains state air quality and ventilation requirements for rental properties and what you should do if there’s a problem in your home.

Understanding Air Quality and Ventilation Standards in Arkansas Rentals

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not have highly specific state-wide laws dedicated to interior air quality or detailed minimum ventilation requirements in individual rental units. However, landlords must provide a property that is safe, habitable, and free from health hazards.

Minimum Habitability and the Implied Warranty of Habitability

Arkansas law generally requires landlords to keep homes reasonably safe by adhering to local building codes and health ordinances. Many cities and counties in Arkansas have adopted parts of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which sets standards for ventilation, window requirements, and mold prevention.

Properly functioning windows that open are often required for adequate natural ventilation.
Ventilation may also be required in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce moisture and mold risks.

Local health departments may issue orders if mold, mildew, or persistent dampness is present and poses a health risk.

Common Indoor Air Quality Concerns for Renters

Mold and Mildew: Can develop when leaks, poor ventilation, or high humidity are left unaddressed.
Pest Infestations: Cockroaches and rodents can negatively impact air quality.
Improper Ventilation: Can raise humidity and result in stale air or moisture buildup, harming tenant health.

Your Rights as a Renter

Under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, landlords must make repairs necessary to keep premises in a fit and habitable condition. While air quality specifics may not be listed, failing to resolve ventilation problems or health hazards might violate this legislation’s habitable standards.^[1]

If mold, defective windows, or broken ventilation make your unit unsafe, contact your landlord in writing and request repairs before taking further steps.

What To Do If You Have Air Quality or Ventilation Issues

If you’re concerned about mold, pests, or ventilation in your Arkansas rental unit, here’s how you can address the issue:

Document the problem with photos and written notes.
Provide written notice to your landlord describing the repair needed.
Allow a reasonable time for repairs or response unless it’s an emergency.
If there is no response, contact your local health department for guidance.
If unsafe conditions continue, you may seek help from the courts or mediation through renter resources.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

Request for Inspection (Local Health Department Forms):
When your rental poses a significant health hazard (such as mold or severe ventilation issues not addressed by your landlord), you may request an inspection by your County Health Unit. Each county may have its own request or complaint form (typically online or by phone). Example: If your rental develops visible black mold and your landlord does not respond, submit this form to initiate a health inspection.
Notice to Landlord Regarding Repairs:
There is no state-wide standardized form, but you should submit a written letter/email to your landlord describing the air quality or ventilation issue and requesting repairs, keeping a copy for your records (sample templates are available from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service).

Which Board or Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

In Arkansas, there is currently no state Housing Tribunal or board specifically for residential tenancies. Most disputes, including those about habitability, are handled by the Arkansas District Courts in the area where the property is located.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my legal rights if there is mold in my Arkansas rental?
Landlords must keep rentals habitable, which may include addressing serious mold problems. Notify your landlord in writing, keep records, and contact your local health department if the issue remains unresolved.
Is my landlord required to provide ventilation or air conditioning?
Landlords must provide basic ventilation (functional windows or vents) but are not required by Arkansas law to supply air conditioning unless stated in your lease agreement.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to fix air quality problems?
No. Arkansas law does not permit renters to withhold rent or make repairs and deduct the cost themselves. Seek legal advice or local resources before taking further action.
How can I formally complain about unhealthy conditions in my rental?
File a complaint with your local health department if your landlord isn’t addressing significant health issues like mold or poor air quality.
Which agency handles landlord-tenant disputes about air quality?
The Arkansas District Courts handle landlord-tenant disputes, including those about unsafe or uninhabitable conditions.

Key Takeaways

Arkansas landlords must keep rentals habitable, which generally includes safe air quality and ventilation.
No state-wide agency handles rental complaints, but District Courts and local health departments are key resources.
Always document issues, notify your landlord, and use local health units if necessary.

Reviewing your city or county’s building codes can offer further detail on air quality requirements in your area.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arkansas Department of Health - County Health Units: File complaints or request inspections for hazardous conditions.
Arkansas District Courts: Handles tenant-landlord disputes.
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Landlord-Tenant Laws
For legal aid: Arkansas Legal Services