Renters Rights

Arkansas consistently ranks low as a place to live in the United States, because of its lack of renter protections.

Arkansas rent relief deadline extended into next year

The Associated Press

Arkansas officials said Wednesday that they have extended into next year the deadline for applying for rental relief after little of the state's share of the federal funds for the program had been spent.

Rep. James Clyburn (D) of South Carolina, the chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, says states like Arkansas can do a better job of disbursing rent relief funding.

Arkansas Lagging Behind In Providing Relief To Renters, Could Lose Millions

David Monteith

Arkansas could lose over $100 million in federal aid for renters. On Monday, the state was identified as having one of the lowest disbursement rates for funding provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance program.

Rep. Spencer Hawks, R-Conway, presents Senate Bill 594 to the House Insurance and Commerce Committee

Arkansas House Committee Advances Bill Establishing Minimum Housing Standards

Sarah Kellogg

A bill that establishes statewide minimum housing standards for rented properties in Arkansas is one vote away from going to the governor’s desk.

State Rep. Nicole Clowney, D-Fayetteville.png

Bill Repealing Arkansas Criminal Eviction Statute Fails In Committee

Daniel Breen

A bill that would remove Arkansas’ unique statute allowing tenants to face criminal charges for not paying rent has failed in the state legislature.

Michael John Gray, chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, speaks during a news conference concerning renter's rights

Hotline To Assist Renters With Eviction Moratorium Established

Sarah Kellogg

During a news conference Thursday, the Democratic Party of Arkansas, alongside Young Democrats of Arkansas and Arkansas Renters United, announced a new hotline aimed at addressing evictions and providing information on the federal eviction moratorium that is still in effect.

The floor of the Arkansas Senate on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Arkansas lawmakers back to work after Spring Break, Governor signs medical conscience bill

KASU Newsroom

Arkansas lawmakers return back to work to finish out the legislative session. The will consider various bills, including an end to the public health emergency and establishing statewide standards of habitability for renters.

Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, R-Paragould (left) presents HB1563 along with Lynn Foster (right).

Bill That Would Establish Arkansas Habitability Standards Passes House Committee

Sarah Kellogg

A bill that would establish statewide housing standards for rented properties in Arkansas passed its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday.

Arkansas Lawmakers Consider Rental Housing Standards Bill

Nadia Ramlagan

State Rep. Jimmy Gazaway, R-Paragould, has introduced a bill that would create minimum housing standards for renters and clear up confusion on the state’s eviction process. Comments from Lynn Foster, professor emerita, University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law.

Portrait of young frustrated woman talking to debt collector visiting her at home and demanding to pay debts

Eviction Moratorium May Help Some, But Arkansas Remains Worst in Nation for Renters

Nadia Ramlagan

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a nationwide moratorium on evictions due to the COVID-19 crisis, but the protections aren't automatic. Comments from Neil Sealy, executive director, Arkansas Renters United and Arkansas Community Organizations; and Lynn Foster, professor of law emeritus, William H. Bowen School of Law, University of Arkansas at Little Rock.