Arkansas · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Arkansas tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Arkansas must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

Since November 1, 2021, every residential lease (signed or renewed after that date) requires the home to have, at move-in and throughout the lease: hot and cold running water, electricity, safe drinking water, sewer and plumbing that met code when installed, a functioning roof and building envelope, and working heating and air-conditioning if the home had them when you signed.

Repair and deduct
Not allowed
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
No statute

We could not confirm all of Arkansas's rules yet. Some facts on this page rest on limited sources. Check the official sources below, or ask legal aid, before you rely on them.

Repairs in Arkansas

The landlord's duty
Since November 1, 2021, every residential lease (signed or renewed after that date) requires the home to have, at move-in and throughout the lease: hot and cold running water, electricity, safe drinking water, sewer and plumbing that met code when installed, a functioning roof and building envelope, and working heating and air-conditioning if the home had them when you signed. Beyond these minimums, Arkansas has no general warranty of habitability; local housing codes may require more. Ark. Code § 18-17-502.
How to ask for repairs
Send the landlord written notice of the problem by certified mail (or another method your lease allows), describing what is wrong. If your rent is current and the landlord does not fix it within 30 calendar days, your only remedy under the statute is to end the lease without penalty and get back your deposit. You can also call your city code enforcement office. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d).
Repair and deduct
Not allowed. You may not offset rent for violations of the minimum standards. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d)(3).
Withholding rent
Not allowed. The law says you may not withhold rent for violations of the minimum standards. Keep paying rent. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d)(3).
Law
Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-502 (Act 1052 of 2021)

Landlord entry in Arkansas

No statute found that sets a notice period for landlord entry. Check your lease and ask that entry terms be written in it.

Retaliation in Arkansas

No statute found protecting tenants from retaliation. Arkansas law lets a landlord end a month-to-month tenancy for any reason with proper notice. Retaliation based on fair housing complaints is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Arkansas: Send the landlord written notice of the problem by certified mail (or another method your lease allows), describing what is wrong.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Arkansas

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Arkansas's rule on asking for repairs:Send the landlord written notice of the problem by certified mail (or another method your lease allows), describing what is wrong. If your rent is current and the landlord does not fix it within 30 calendar days, your only remedy under the statute is to end the lease without penalty and get back your deposit. You can also call your city code enforcement office. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d).

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Arkansas

Questions about repairs in Arkansas

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Arkansas?

Send the landlord written notice of the problem by certified mail (or another method your lease allows), describing what is wrong. If your rent is current and the landlord does not fix it within 30 calendar days, your only remedy under the statute is to end the lease without penalty and get back your deposit. You can also call your city code enforcement office. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d).

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Arkansas?

Not allowed. You may not offset rent for violations of the minimum standards. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d)(3).

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Arkansas?

Not allowed. The law says you may not withhold rent for violations of the minimum standards. Keep paying rent. Ark. Code § 18-17-502(d)(3).

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Arkansas?

No statute found that sets a notice period for landlord entry. Check your lease and ask that entry terms be written in it.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Arkansas?

No statute found protecting tenants from retaliation. Arkansas law lets a landlord end a month-to-month tenancy for any reason with proper notice. Retaliation based on fair housing complaints is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act.

More for Arkansas renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.