Arkansas Rental Health Standards: Housing Codes Explained

Understanding health and safety standards is crucial for renters in Arkansas. While the state is known for its unique approach to housing codes, it’s important to know what minimum protections you have as a tenant, what to expect from your landlord, and the steps to take if your rental doesn’t meet basic standards.

What Are Minimum Health Standards for Rentals in Arkansas?

Unlike many states, Arkansas does not have a statewide minimum housing code for rental properties. This means there is no blanket law making landlords responsible for basic repairs or health standards in every part of the state. Instead, health and safety requirements are set locally—typically by cities or counties. Some areas have adopted their own minimum standards, often based on the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

• Check with your local city or county code enforcement office for specific rules that may apply to your rental.
• Common minimum standards in cities that have adopted codes may include requirements around adequate plumbing, heating, electricity, and protection from pests.
• If no local code exists, the lease agreement controls most maintenance obligations, except in extreme cases affecting safety or habitability.

Key Health and Safety Issues Often Covered Locally

Housing codes (when adopted) usually address concerns like:

• Functioning plumbing and sanitation
• Safe electrical wiring
• Protection against severe leaks or weather exposure
• Provision of heat (in cold months)
• Pest control (rats, insects)
• Safe drinking water

City of Little Rock, for example, enforces a Property Maintenance Code that requires landlords to maintain basic safety and health standards.

Your Rights as a Renter

Because Arkansas does not mandate a statewide warranty of habitability, your rights mainly come from Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law and your written lease. If you live in a city with a housing code, you gain some extra protection from those local rules.

• Landlords still must provide rentals that don’t pose immediate threats to health or life (such as extreme mold, unsafe wiring, or lack of running water).
• Some city codes allow you to file complaints with a local department if the landlord ignores critical repairs.

What to Do if Your Rental Is Unsafe

If you encounter unsafe conditions:

• Contact your landlord in writing and describe the issue.
• Check your city or county website for local maintenance standards and complaint processes.
• If your city has a code enforcement or housing department, file a complaint using their official form.

Official Form Example: Code Enforcement Complaint (City of Little Rock)

• Form Name: Code Enforcement Complaint Form
• When to Use: If your rental is in Little Rock and you face unsafe conditions (such as lack of heat, broken plumbing, unsafe wiring), use this form to alert city authorities when your landlord won’t act.
• How to Use: Complete the form as soon as you notice a serious problem that threatens health or safety, and after notifying your landlord. Include your address, a detailed description, and photos if possible. Submit online or to the local code enforcement office. Access the City of Little Rock Official Complaint Form

If you are outside a city with housing codes, enforcement options are limited. Renters in such areas may need to consult legal aid if the situation is urgent or dangerous.

Tip: Always keep written records of all repair requests and code complaints in case you need future evidence.

Relevant Legislation and Where to Go for Help

• State law that governs landlord-tenant relations: Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-101 et seq.)
• Tribunal handling landlord-tenant disputes: While Arkansas does not have a specialized residential tenancy board, disputes are handled by Arkansas District Court in your county.

What If My Landlord Won’t Make Necessary Repairs?

Under Arkansas law, if you’re outside a local code enforcement area, landlords do not have a broad legal obligation to repair. If you are in a city with a local code, you may get help through its code enforcement process. If conditions threaten health, you may seek a local court order for emergency situations, but there is currently no statewide remedy.

FAQ: Minimum Housing Health Codes in Arkansas

1. Does Arkansas have a statewide rental habitability law?
   No—Arkansas does not have a statewide minimum standard for rental housing habitability. Local city ordinances may set extra rules in some locations.
2. How do I report a dangerous rental condition?
   If you’re in a city with housing codes (like Little Rock), use their Code Enforcement Complaint Form. Otherwise, document issues and contact local authorities or legal aid.
3. Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Arkansas?
   Residential tenancy disputes are handled by the Arkansas District Courts.
4. If I withhold rent for repairs, am I protected?
   No—Arkansas law does not give tenants the right to withhold rent for repairs, and doing so could result in eviction. Use official complaint processes instead.
5. Where can I find my city’s rental health code?
   Visit your city’s website (like Little Rock Code Enforcement) or call their housing or code enforcement division for details.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Arkansas does not have a statewide minimum housing health code—local rules and your lease matter.
• Renters in cities with housing codes (e.g., Little Rock) can use official complaint forms for repairs.
• Serious, hazardous conditions should be documented and reported to local authorities or courts if necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Little Rock Code Enforcement: File complaints about unsafe rentals in Little Rock.
• Arkansas Attorney General – Tenant Assistance: Information on state landlord-tenant rights and resources.
• Arkansas District Courts: Handles tenant-landlord legal disputes.
• Arkansas Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for renters.
• Check with your city or county government for local rental housing codes and enforcement contacts.

---

1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-101 et seq.)
2. City of Little Rock Property Maintenance Code and Code Enforcement
3. Arkansas District Courts – Residential Landlord-Tenant Disputes
4. Arkansas Attorney General – Rental & Tenant Assistance

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations