Arkansas Renters’ Guide to Internet Responsibilities in Apartments

Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or dealing with service issues, understanding who is responsible for internet service in Arkansas rentals is essential. This guide explains internet responsibilities, billing practices, and what action to take if you encounter problems—so you can stay connected and informed.

Who Handles Internet Service in Arkansas Apartments?

Arkansas state law does not require landlords to provide or pay for internet service. In most cases, internet is considered an optional utility rather than an essential service like water or electricity. That means:

• Landlords are not legally required to supply internet unless your lease specifically says so.
• Most often, tenants must set up and pay for their own internet.
• If internet is included in your rent or advertised as an amenity, the landlord must provide it as agreed in your lease.

Read your lease carefully. If the lease states internet is included, this becomes a landlord obligation under Arkansas law.

Internet Billing and Service Agreements

Depending on your situation, internet charges and installation may work differently:

• Landlord pays and manages service: The cost may be included in your rent, or you may pay a separate fee to your landlord.
• Tenant sets up private service: The tenant chooses a provider, signs up, and pays directly.

If you pay the landlord for internet, ask for details on speed, provider, and how repairs or outages are handled. If you set up your own service, make sure you follow any apartment policies regarding installation or equipment.

Official Forms: Utility Complaint Process

If you believe your landlord is not following the lease agreement about internet (for example, advertised or agreed ‘free internet’ is missing), you can file a formal complaint with the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) for related utility disputes. While APSC only regulates some telecom issues, they can address billing disputes involving bundled utilities or illegal landlord practices.

• Form: APSC Consumer Complaint Form
• When to use: If your landlord bills you for internet included under ‘utilities’ but fails to provide service, or if there are unfair charges.
• Example: Your lease says internet is supplied but months pass without activation or you are billed unreasonable ‘internet access’ fees.

Arkansas Tribunals and Housing Law

Disputes between landlords and tenants—including those over utilities or lease obligations—may be handled by your local court. Arkansas does not have a separate housing tribunal. Instead, the Arkansas Judiciary (state court system) hears residential landlord-tenant cases.

The core law for renters’ rights is the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007, which describes what landlords and tenants are responsible for, including clauses about amenities promised in your lease¹.

Steps to Take if There’s an Internet Service Issue

If you’re facing a dispute or lack of promised service, take these steps:

• First, document your lease and any evidence that internet was promised or included.
• Notify your landlord in writing about the missing service and request action.
• If there’s no resolution, consider filing the APSC Consumer Complaint Form or seeking legal aid.
• If you suffer significant financial harm or ongoing lease violations, you may bring a claim in your local Arkansas court.

FAQ: Arkansas Renters and Apartment Internet

1. Is my landlord required to provide internet?
   No, unless your lease says the landlord is responsible or advertises internet as an included service.
2. What if my lease says internet is included but I don’t have it?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint using the APSC Consumer Complaint Form and consider local court action.
3. Can my landlord restrict my choice of internet provider?
   Sometimes, due to building agreements or infrastructure. Check your lease or ask your landlord. However, any restriction should be clear and reasonable.
4. What if I am charged extra for internet I didn’t use?
   Dispute the charge in writing. If not resolved, submit documentation with the APSC or your local court.
5. Where can I find official rules on utilities and renter rights?
   Consult the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and your lease agreement for details.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Arkansas do not have to provide internet unless promised in writing.
• If your lease says internet is included, your landlord must deliver that service or you may have grounds for a complaint.
• Complaints about internet bundled in utilities can go to the Arkansas Public Service Commission or be addressed in Arkansas courts.

Check your lease carefully, document all requests, and know your rights as an Arkansas renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Public Service Commission Complaint Form: Report unfair utility billing or service issues.
• Arkansas Judiciary - Find Your Local Court: Resolve disputes or file a claim if landlord responsibilities are not met.
• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 Overview: Review state law for renter and landlord duties.
• Legal Aid of Arkansas – Tenant Rights: Get free legal help and understand your options if you have a dispute.
• For housing and utility assistance, visit Arkansas DHS Community Services.

---

1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 – State’s official summary and legislation.
2. Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) – Utilities complaint portal and resources.
3. Arkansas Judiciary – Information on residential landlord-tenant cases in state courts.

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