How to File a Complaint Against a Landlord in Arkansas

If you’re a tenant in Arkansas facing challenges with your landlord—like unaddressed repairs, habitability concerns, or disputes over your lease—knowing how to file a formal complaint is vital. Arkansas has unique renter protections and processes for addressing problems with landlords, even though tenant law here is different from some states. Below, you’ll find a straightforward guide to your rights, the complaint process, key official resources, and where to get further support.

Understanding Your Rights Under Arkansas Law

Arkansas rental law is governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.^[1] It covers issues such as rent payments, security deposits, and notice requirements for both landlords and tenants. However, Arkansas is one of the few states that does not have an implied warranty of habitability, meaning landlords are not always legally required to maintain rental units unless specified in the lease or city code.

Common Reasons to File a Complaint

• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions (such as exposed wiring or plumbing leaks)
• Failure to return security deposit within 60 days of lease end
• Retaliation after a legitimate complaint
• Discrimination (such as violation of Fair Housing Act)
• Unauthorized entry into your unit

It’s important to document all issues and review your lease for maintenance clauses or landlord obligations before proceeding.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Arkansas?

Arkansas does not have a state-level housing tribunal or tenant-landlord board. Local city or county code enforcement offices may investigate property conditions, while some discrimination complaints go to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.^[2] Legal disputes, such as unpaid rent or eviction disagreements, usually proceed through your county’s District Court.

Key Steps: How to File a Complaint Against a Landlord in Arkansas

Here’s how to effectively make your complaint and seek resolution:

• Document the issue: Take photos, keep written records, and save any notices or correspondence.
• Send a formal written notice: Before filing a complaint, send your landlord a detailed letter outlining the problem and a reasonable deadline for resolution. Keep a copy for your records.
• Contact local code enforcement (for safety/sanitation issues):
  • File a complaint with your city code enforcement office (e.g., Little Rock Code Enforcement) if there are housing safety code violations.
• Discrimination concerns? Use HUD’s complaint system or call the Arkansas Fair Housing Office.
• Security deposit disputes: Write to your landlord first. If unresolved, consider small claims court in your county.

Official Forms for Arkansas Renters

• HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (903.1) – Use this for housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
  Download the HUD Form 903.1 and submit it as instructed.
  Example: If your landlord denies you housing because of disability, submit this form to HUD or the state office.
• Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form – For issues like scams or unfair practices by landlords (excluding personal legal disputes).
  Submit the AG’s online complaint form.
  Example: If a landlord threatens illegal eviction or fraud, this is a helpful reporting option.

For eviction, deposit, or breach of lease disputes, you will need standard court paperwork for your county’s District Court. See Arkansas Courts official forms for small claims actions.

What to Expect Next

Complaints to code enforcement or HUD may trigger an investigation. If findings support your claim, they can order repairs or take further action. Civil disputes may require you to file a formal case in District Court, where official procedures and hearings will apply.

FAQ: Filing a Tenant Complaint in Arkansas

1. Can I withhold rent if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
   In Arkansas, tenants generally cannot withhold rent unless the lease specifically allows it. Doing so may risk eviction.
2. Where do I go if my landlord keeps my security deposit unfairly?
   First, send a demand letter to your landlord. If unresolved, file a case in your county’s small claims (District) court.
3. What if I experience housing discrimination?
   File a complaint through HUD using Form 903.1 or call the Arkansas Fair Housing Office for help.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
   Not always. For simple code violations or discrimination complaints, you can usually handle the process yourself. For legal disputes, consult a local legal aid office if you need help.
5. What official resources handle landlord-tenant complaints in Arkansas?
   Depending on the issue, contact local code enforcement, HUD, the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, or your District Court.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Document all problems and attempts to resolve them with your landlord
• Use official government complaint channels and forms
• Reach out early—local code enforcement and state agencies can provide guidance or intervene

Arkansas law can be complex for renters, so don’t hesitate to seek further help if your complaint isn’t resolved quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Little Rock Code Enforcement: For habitability issues within Little Rock
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): For discrimination complaints and fair housing resources
• Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Complaint Online Form: For reporting scams, fraud, and related complaints
• Arkansas Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal services for renters needing help with disputes
• Arkansas Courts – Forms and Self-Help: For court forms and instructions on small claims, evictions, or other landlord-tenant disputes

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1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (as amended)
2. Arkansas Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Information

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