LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, the Little Rock Board of Directors discussed new stricter policies for landlords.
According to city reports, 45% of Little Rock's population rents their homes, which is why board members said more safeguards need to be in place for tenants like Norma Huffman.
Huffman was one of many Big Country Chateau tenants who experienced unlivable conditions and were forced to move elsewhere.
"When it comes to landlords doing what they are not supposed to, to fix the place, we are the ones who get hurt," Huffman said.
Little Rock Director Antwan Phillips is sponsoring the ordinances, which he hopes will give tenants more rights and landlords the responsibility to maintain their properties.
Little Rock is the first city in Arkansas to attempt stricter landlord policies. Arkansas does not have anything like this on the law books, but that isn't stopping Phillips from trying to create safer living conditions.
"I don't want to violate state law," Phillips said. "I don't want the city to get in a situation where we are crossing a line. Wherever that line is, we are walking right up to it."
The ordinance establishes quality standards for tenants, such as electricity, heating and air, and pest control, among other safe and sanitary conditions.
If landlords don't keep their properties up to standards, they will be served liens and, if not addressed, may face property foreclosure.
"That statute requires you to pay all the costs, and there's a 10% collection fee when we go through all that," Phillips said.
Little Rock directors are expected to vote on this at next week's meeting.