Tenant Rights

All Little Rock residents deserve safe, livable housing. The City of Little Rock and its Board of Directors have implemented minimum housing standards within the City for privately-owned rental and leased properties. These implied habitability standards are part of Little Rock’s Tenant Rights ordinance.

All privately-owned or operated rented or leased housing units in Little Rock with two or more dwellings must have:

Functioning hot and cold water in the kitchen and bathroom (Sec. 8-403(c), Little Rock Housing Code)
An available source of electricity with all fixtures and receptacles in good repair (Sec. 8-405)
A properly installed and maintained kitchen sink, toilet, tub or shower, and bathroom sink (Sec. 8-403(a))
A safe, structurally sound roof that does not leak (Sec. 8-423)
Pest extermination (Sec. 8-407(c))
Safe and sanitary conditions (Sec. 8-433)
Functioning heating and air conditioning, if HVAC system is present at the time of lease or rental agreement (Ark. Code 18-17-502)

To report potential violations of the ordinance, contact the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs:

500 West Markham Street, Suite 120W
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 371-6825

Evictions

Here is an overview of Arkansas eviction laws and procedures for tenants who are facing evictions.

Civil – Civil proceedings are usually commenced through an action called "unlawful detainer." This process is outlined in Arkansas law beginning with A.C.A. §18-60-301. According to the Arkansas Attorney General, an unlawful detainer action requires:

The landlord to provide the renter with a three-day written notice to vacate.
After three days, if the renter fails to vacate, the landlord can sue by filing a complaint in court.
After a tenant receives a summons to appear in court, the tenant has five days to object in writing to the eviction. This objection must be filed with the clerk of the court in which the eviction was filed.
If a tenant does not file an objection, the tenant can be removed from the dwelling by the county sheriff.
If the tenant does file an objection, a hearing will be scheduled.

Criminal – Arkansas is the only state with a criminal eviction statute. This method is not as common as the civil unlawful detainer process. This process is outlined beginning with A.C.A. § 18-17-901. (Search Arkansas Code).

Legal Aid of Arkansas offers a comprehensive guide on Arkansas eviction procedures on its website. Click here for the guide.

Assistance for Renters Facing Eviction or Homelessness

The Department of Housing & Neighborhood Programs (HNP) can assist residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness when federal funding is available each year. Support may include short-term resources, referrals, and connections to community partners who specialize in housing stability.

Residents in need of assistance can call (501) 371-6825 for more information.

Additionally, resources and information may be available through the Little Rock Metropolitan Housing Alliance or by calling 211 or visiting the national 211 website.

Renters with questions about eviction rights, notices, or legal options should contact Legal Aid of Arkansas for free legal support.