Little Rock, AR Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 8-579, Rental Inspections
- Requirement
- Certificate of compliance per unit
- Also required
- Current business license on file
- Out-of-state owners
- Must name a Pulaski County agent
- Life-safety fix deadline
- 7 days to correct
Summary
Every rental housing unit in Little Rock must hold a valid certificate of compliance before it can be leased or occupied.
It is unlawful to rent, let, or allow the occupancy of any rental housing unit without a certificate of compliance for each unit. ... In order to obtain and maintain a certificate of compliance, the owner or agent of owner shall maintain a current business license and shall comply with the provisions of this Code...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 8-579 of the Little Rock Code, landlords cannot rent, let, or allow occupancy of any rental housing unit without a certificate of compliance for that unit, issued through the systematic rental inspection program run by the department of housing and neighborhood programs (Sec. 8-576, 8-577). To get and keep the certificate, the owner or agent must hold a current business license and keep a current name, address, phone number, and email on file with the department, consent to administrative inspection, and accept notices and legal process. Out-of-state owners must designate a local agent inside Pulaski County.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a unit without a valid certificate triggers mandatory inspection; uncorrected violations can suspend or revoke the certificate, and the unit can be declared a public nuisance, condemned, or closed and boarded. Each violation is punishable under Sec. 1-9, and each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out a unit in Little Rock without inspection?
What happens if my Little Rock rental fails inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas rental property rules overview
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