Arkansas Renters’ Rights for Emergency Repairs

Facing an urgent repair issue in your Arkansas rental home can be stressful — especially if your landlord isn't responding quickly. Understanding your rights and responsibilities when dealing with emergency repairs can help you act decisively and legally. This guide breaks down what qualifies as an emergency, your options as a renter, and how Arkansas law protects you.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair in Arkansas?

Emergency repairs are issues that threaten your safety or make your home uninhabitable. In Arkansas, there is no statewide law requiring landlords to make repairs except for local building codes in some cities. However, if a repair is related to heat, electricity, water, or serious structural damage, it may be considered an emergency because it affects health and safety or makes the property unfit to live in.

• No heat or air during extreme temperatures
• Major plumbing leaks or flooding
• Electrical hazards
• Sewage backups
• Broken exterior doors or windows that compromise security
• Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms not working

What Does Arkansas Law Say About Landlord Repairs?

Unlike many states, Arkansas does not have an implied warranty of habitability at the state level. This means landlords are generally not legally required to make most repairs unless:

• Your rental is in a city with local habitability ordinances (like Little Rock or Fayetteville)
• The repair is required by the terms of your lease agreement

Check your lease and city housing codes to confirm your rights. Read the current Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act for more details.^[1]

Can You Call a Professional Yourself?

In general in Arkansas, renters cannot simply hire a professional for repairs and deduct the cost from their rent — unless:

• Your city ordinances allow for it
• Your written lease specifically gives you that right

For any emergency repair, always:

• Contact your landlord or property manager first. Document all attempts (phone, text, email, letter).
• In your message, clearly state the emergency and request immediate attention.
• Check your lease for any language about emergency repairs and costs.
• If your landlord does not respond and local codes are threatened (such as water, heat, or electrical outage), call your city housing or code enforcement office.

Some localities have forms or procedures to report housing code violations, which may result in an official inspection and an order to the landlord.

Example: Using a Local Emergency Repair Complaint Form

If you live in Little Rock, you can use the City of Little Rock Housing Code Complaint Form to report unsafe conditions to city officials. Your complaint triggers an inspection. If the property is declared hazardous, the city may order the landlord to fix the problem.

• Form Name: City of Little Rock Housing Code Complaint Form
• When to Use: When urgent health or safety issues are not addressed by your landlord
• How to Use: Complete the form online or via the provided contact details, including a description of the problem and your landlord’s contact information.

Your Action Steps for Emergency Repairs

If you’re facing an emergency maintenance issue, follow these guidelines:

• Step 1: Immediately notify your landlord in writing (keep a record).
• Step 2: Contact your city housing or code enforcement office if there is no prompt response for emergencies.
• Step 3: Ask whether you may hire a repair professional if the landlord cannot be reached, but be aware Arkansas law may not allow you to deduct costs from rent.
• Step 4: Document the emergency issue with photos and logs of all communication.
• Step 5: Follow any instructions from housing officials or code enforcement.

Which Tribunal Handles Disputes?

In Arkansas, most landlord-tenant disputes are handled by your local Arkansas District Court or Small Claims Court. The state does not have a dedicated housing tribunal for residential tenancies. For official rules, see Arkansas Court Rules.

FAQ: Emergency Repairs for Arkansas Renters

1. What qualifies as an emergency repair in Arkansas?
   Issues involving health and safety, such as no water, electricity, heat during extreme weather, broken windows or doors, or sewage backups are considered emergencies.
2. Can I deduct repair costs from my rent?
   In most Arkansas rentals, you cannot legally withhold rent or deduct repair costs unless your lease or local ordinance specifically allows it.
3. Who do I contact if my landlord ignores emergency repair requests?
   Contact your city or county code enforcement or housing office to report unsafe conditions. You can also file a complaint or request an inspection.
4. Do all Arkansas cities offer the same emergency repair protections?
   No. Some cities (like Little Rock or Fayetteville) may have additional local tenant protections and complaint processes.
5. Does Arkansas law guarantee a “warranty of habitability”?
   No, there’s no statewide law that requires rental property to be habitable, but local cities may have their own rules.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Arkansas law does not guarantee emergency repair rights at the state level, but your city and lease may provide extra protection.
• Always contact your landlord first and document everything in writing.
• If there’s no prompt response, reach out to local code enforcement or housing officials.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Government Housing Services – Links to local housing authorities, code enforcement, and tenant information
• Little Rock Code Enforcement Complaint Form – File code complaints or request inspections if in Little Rock
• Fayetteville Code Enforcement – Report maintenance issues in Fayetteville
• Arkansas Courts Directory – Find your local court for small claims or rental disputes
• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act – Full official law text

---

1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 2, Chapter 17) [Current as of 2023]
2. Arkansas Courts – Official Site
3. Little Rock Housing Code Complaint Form

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