HB 1563 Summary

• Clarifies that the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act applies only to residential relationships and does not create tort duties or tort causes of action.

• Prohibits rental agreements from requiring tenants to waive rights, authorize judgment confessions, perform landlord duties, or limit landlord liability.

• Establishes habitability standards for landlords owning more than 4 dwelling units, including requirements for waterproofing, plumbing, electricity, heating/cooling, pest control, mold prevention, working smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, and functional locks.

• Allows tenants to terminate leases or pursue remedies (restitution, injunctive relief) if landlords fail to remedy material habitability violations within 14 days of written notice; tenants may receive one month's rent and security deposit if repairs exceed 3 months' rent value.

• Prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants who complain about code violations or noncompliance, providing tenants with a defense against eviction and the right to recover possession or terminate the rental agreement.