Arkansas Smoke Alarm Laws: Tenant Rights & Obligations

As a renter in Arkansas, knowing your responsibilities around smoke alarms is essential for your safety and for complying with state law. Both landlords and tenants play important roles in fire prevention in rental properties. This guide outlines what you need to know about Arkansas smoke alarm laws, your rights as a tenant, and the steps you should follow to ensure your rental unit meets safety requirements.

Landlord Requirements for Smoke Alarms in Arkansas

In Arkansas, landlords have the primary responsibility to provide and install working smoke alarms in all rental properties at the time a tenant moves in. State law is based on the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) and International Residential Code (IRC) standards for smoke alarm installation and maintenance.^[1]

• Smoke alarms must be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the unit, including basements but excluding uninhabited attics or crawl spaces.
• Landlords are required to make sure each smoke alarm is operational at the start of a tenancy.
• Replacing batteries or the alarm itself at move-in is the landlord’s responsibility.

Tenant Duties Regarding Smoke Alarms

Once you move in, you, as the tenant, must maintain the smoke alarms in good working order. This includes:

• Regularly testing smoke alarms (monthly is recommended)
• Replacing batteries as needed (unless your rental uses hardwired or tamper-proof, sealed battery alarms)
• Not disabling or removing smoke alarms
• Immediately notifying your landlord in writing if a smoke alarm is malfunctioning, missing, or damaged

What If a Smoke Alarm Is Missing or Not Working?

If you find a smoke alarm is not working and replacing the battery doesn’t help, contact your landlord in writing. Arkansas law does not have a specific statewide tenant-landlord tribunal, but locally, fire marshals or building code enforcement may help if the landlord does not respond to repair requests.^[2]

How to Notify Your Landlord

Arkansas does not have a mandatory state form for reporting maintenance issues, but you should follow these steps:

• Send a dated, written notice to your landlord describing the smoke alarm issue and requesting repair or replacement
• Keep a copy of all communications for your records

Relevant Forms for Arkansas Renters

• Sample Maintenance Request Letter: (No official state form) – Use a dated written letter or email to request smoke alarm repairs. Example: “I am a tenant at [address]. The smoke alarm in [room] is not working. Please repair or replace it as soon as possible.” There is no official download; create your own and keep a copy for your records.

Arkansas Law and Enforcement

The primary legislation covering smoke alarms in rentals is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (adopted statewide by the Arkansas Fire Marshal’s Office). Arkansas does not have one statewide residential housing tribunal, but you can report unresolved safety issues to your local fire department or fire marshal. Some city governments may also enforce Arkansas landlord-tenant regulations locally.

FAQ: Arkansas Smoke Alarm Rules & Tenant Duties

1. Are landlords required to provide smoke alarms in rental properties in Arkansas?
   Yes, landlords must install working smoke alarms in every rental unit before a new tenant moves in according to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
2. Who is responsible for changing smoke alarm batteries in Arkansas rentals?
   Tenants are generally responsible for replacing batteries during their tenancy, unless the alarm uses a tamper-proof battery or is hardwired.
3. What should I do if my landlord will not fix a broken smoke alarm?
   Send a written notice to your landlord. If they do not respond, you can contact your local fire marshal or code enforcement office for help.
4. Can I remove my smoke alarm if it is beeping or malfunctioning?
   No. Disabling or removing a smoke alarm is a violation of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and puts your safety at risk.
5. Is there a state tribunal for rental disputes in Arkansas?
   Arkansas does not have a statewide landlord-tenant tribunal. Contact your local government housing office or fire authority for safety disputes.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Landlords must supply and install working smoke alarms before move-in.
• Tenants are responsible for maintenance, like changing batteries and reporting problems.
• Promptly notify your landlord—and document all communications—if a smoke alarm stops working or is missing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Fire Marshal Contact Directory – Find your local fire department for safety inspections or questions
• U.S. Fire Administration: Smoke Alarm Information – Federal guidance on smoke detectors and renter safety
• Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (full text)
• HUD Arkansas Renting Resources

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1. Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (2021/2022 Edition).
2. Arkansas Fire Chiefs Association - Find Your Local Fire Marshal.

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