Arkansas Renters’ Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detector Laws Explained

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Arkansas, making sure your living space is safe is a top priority. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are essential for preventing accidents and injuries caused by fire or undetectable gas leaks. Understanding what Arkansas law requires—and what you can do if your rental is missing these safety devices—can help you protect your health and your rights.

Understanding Detector Laws for Arkansas Renters

Arkansas state law covers certain safety standards for rental properties, including fire and carbon monoxide protection. However, the rules differ depending on whether you live in a multi-family or single-family building, and whether your city has passed additional safety ordinances. Here’s what Arkansas renters need to know.

Smoke Detector Requirements

• Arkansas law (see Arkansas Code § 20-27-701) requires that all rental dwellings have operable smoke detectors in line with local building codes.
• Landlords are generally responsible for installing and maintaining smoke detectors unless the lease states otherwise.
• Renters are typically responsible for notifying landlords when a unit’s detector does not function properly.

Some cities and counties within Arkansas may have more detailed ordinances, so check your local code enforcement website for extra requirements.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements

• Unlike smoke alarms, Arkansas does not have a statewide law explicitly requiring carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties.
• Some local governments (e.g., Little Rock, Fayetteville) may require carbon monoxide detectors if a rental unit contains fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Always check your local city or county code enforcement for details.
• Even if not legally required, renters are encouraged to ask landlords to provide carbon monoxide detectors, especially if there are gas stoves, furnaces, or fireplaces in the unit.

Who Ensures Landlord Compliance?

While state law gives broad requirements, local code enforcement agencies are usually responsible for inspecting properties and enforcing safety rules. The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s Building Codes Division handles state code matters, but city code enforcement is your direct contact for complaints about missing or non-working detectors.

What Should a Renter Do If Detectors Are Missing or Broken?

• Promptly notify your landlord or property manager in writing if a required smoke detector is missing or does not work.
• If the landlord does not respond or fix the issue, you may file a code complaint with your city’s building or code enforcement office.
• Keep a copy of any communication for your records.

Official Tribunal and Legislation

The official board handling residential landlord-tenant concerns in Arkansas is your local District Court. There is not a statewide Residential Tenancy Tribunal; disputes not solved through communication can be brought to court. The primary legislation for rental housing is the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007.¹

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Maintenance Request to Landlord (no official statewide form): Use a written letter or email to notify your landlord of needed repairs, such as non-functioning smoke alarms. State the problem clearly and ask for prompt action. Example: "I am requesting repair or replacement of the smoke detector in my unit, which is not working."
• City Code Enforcement Complaint Form: Each city or county will have its own code complaint process, usually available on their official website. For example, Little Rock Code Enforcement Complaint Form can be filed if your landlord does not provide or repair a detector.

FAQ: Arkansas Renters and Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Do Arkansas landlords have to install smoke detectors?
   Yes, landlords must provide and maintain smoke detectors in rental units as per state law and local codes.
2. Is a carbon monoxide detector required in Arkansas rental properties?
   There is no statewide law, but you may be required to have one if you live in a city with its own ordinance or if your lease specifies it.
3. Can I install my own detectors as a renter?
   You may add your own smoke or carbon monoxide detector for added peace of mind, but always inform your landlord.
4. What should I do if my landlord refuses to install detectors?
   Send a maintenance request in writing. If unresolved, file a code enforcement complaint with your local city or county.
5. Who pays for battery replacement or upkeep?
   Landlord duties and tenant responsibilities can vary by lease. Tenants often replace batteries, but landlords are responsible for making sure detectors work at move-in.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• State law requires smoke detectors in rentals; carbon monoxide detectors may be required by local rule or lease.
• Always notify your landlord about missing or broken detectors in writing.
• If issues are unresolved, contact local code enforcement or seek guidance from Arkansas courts.

By understanding these standards, you can help keep your home safe and ensure legal compliance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Building Codes Division – Building code & safety standards
• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 – Full legislation
• Little Rock Code Enforcement – File rental housing complaints in Little Rock
• Arkansas District Courts – Resolve formal rental disputes

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1. See Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 and Arkansas Code § 20-27-701 (Smoke Detectors).

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