CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

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                                 RESOLUTION / ORDINANCE DECLARING A HOUSING CRISIS AND ESTABLISHING TENANT PROTECTIONS

   A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE A HOUSING CRISIS IN THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK AND TO SUPPORT ACTIONS TO IMPROVE HOUSING ACCESS, STABILITY, AND TENANT PROTECTIONS

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WHEREAS, the City of North Little Rock recognizes the fundamental importance of adequate housing as essential to the health, safety, and welfare of residents; and

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WHEREAS, housing stability and access to safe and affordable housing are critical to maintaining strong communities, economic stability, and public well-being; and

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WHEREAS, recent housing trends across Arkansas and within the City indicate increasing housing costs, shortages of affordable rental housing, and increased housing insecurity for residents; and

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WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that renters represent a significant portion of the population and that fair and transparent rental practices contribute to community stability and economic vitality; and

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WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of ensuring that rental housing is safe, habitable, and maintained in accordance with applicable building and safety standards; and

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WHEREAS, the City Council desires to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in rental housing practices while encouraging collaboration between tenants, landlords, community organizations, and city officials; and

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WHEREAS, protecting tenants from unsafe housing conditions, unreasonable fees, and retaliatory practices supports the overall health and welfare of the community; and

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WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges the need to evaluate policies and programs that support housing stability, protect renters’ rights, and encourage responsible property management within the City.

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS:

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Section 1: Declaration of Housing Concern

The City Council hereby recognizes that housing affordability, housing stability, and rental housing conditions are significant issues affecting residents of North Little Rock and that addressing these issues is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

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Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of this ordinance is to:

1. Promote safe and habitable rental housing conditions

2. Encourage fair and transparent rental practices

3. Support responsible landlord-tenant relationships

4. Protect tenants from retaliation or unfair treatment

5. Encourage collaboration between the City, tenants, landlords, and community organizations.

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Section 3: Tenant Housing Protections

A. Safe and Habitable Housing

Landlords shall maintain rental properties in compliance with applicable building codes and housing standards to ensure that rental units are safe and habitable.

Essential services include:

• Water

• Electricity

• Plumbing

• Heating and cooling systems

• Structural safety

• Mold-free living conditions.

 

Landlords shall address conditions affecting health or safety within a reasonable period after receiving written notice from the tenant.

B. Notice of Rent Increases

Landlords shall provide written notice prior to any increase in rent for residential units.

The City encourages landlords to provide reasonable advance notice to allow tenants adequate time to prepare for housing cost changes.

C. Protection from Retaliation

A landlord shall not retaliate against a tenant for:

• Reporting unsafe housing conditions

• Participating in tenant advocacy groups

• Exercising rights available under applicable law.

 

D. Transparency of Rental Fees

Rental application fees, background check fees, and other rental charges should be clearly disclosed to prospective tenants before payment is required.

The City encourages fair and reasonable fee structures that do not create unnecessary barriers to housing access.

Section 4: Collaboration and Community Engagement

The City encourages collaboration between:

• tenant organizations

• landlords

• housing advocates

• nonprofit organizations

• local housing authorities.

 

The purpose of this collaboration is to identify solutions that improve housing availability and stability for residents.

Section 5: Review and Future Policy Development

The City may review housing policies, rental practices, and housing data in order to develop additional policies or programs that support housing stability and rental fairness.

 

Section 6: Effective Date

 

    This ordinance shall take effect following its passage and approval.

     PASSED AND APPROVED this ___ day of __________, 2025.

     APPROVED:

     Mayor
     City of North Little Rock

     ATTEST:

     City Clerk