LogFAQs > #951852703

got out of committee

https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2021/03/17/arkansas-committee-passes-basic-habitability-standards-for-renters-but-more-battles-ahead

Arkansas is the only state in the country that doesnt provide these minimal protections for renters. But landlords tanked a similar bill during the 2019 session, and theyre pushing hard against the 2021 version, arguing that the costs to keep their rental properties in compliance with the new requirements are too high.

For landlords who have argued that somehow this is going to be the end to all landlords: Every other state in the country has this already and the sky is not falling yet, Rep. Jimmy Gazaway (R-Paragould) said as he made closing arguments for the bill hes sponsoring. I predict that if we pass this piece of legislation, for good landlords they wont even know it passed. It wouldnt affect them in the least.

Specifically, the bill requires only that properties are waterproof and protect occupants from the elements and that they have plumbing, heat and ventilation in good working order; hot and cold running water; electricity with wiring and equipment maintained in good working order; functioning smoke and carbon dioxide detectors and locks on the doors. Landlords would also have to keep rental properties free of dangerous mold and vermin infestations and provide floors, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, stairways, and railings that are in good repair so as not to materially affect the health and safety of the occupants.

The powerful Arkansas Realtors Association killed the 2019 version of this bill, and Gazaway and other sponsors have worked hard to create a meaningful measure that wont get shot down by the supermajority Republican legislature that tends to favor business interests.

its gonna die on the house floor monday, but... progress ??

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Trying to dunk since July 2020