Arkansas Rent Increase Laws: Rules and Notice Requirements
Understand Arkansas's rent increase rules for landlords. Learn about the absence of rent control, required notice periods, and restrictions on retalia...
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (A.C.A. §§ 18-17-101 et seq.), Arkansas is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. Arkansas law does not have a specific statute for rent increase notice; instead, rent increases are legally achieved by terminating the existing tenancy and offering a new agreement at the increased rate. There is no cap on the amount of the increase and no restriction on frequency.
No Statewide Rent Control
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are configured under the official Arkansas Code § 18-17-704 - Termination of Periodic Tenancy and the rent control preemption statute A.C.A. § 14-54-1409. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to this state code.
Arkansas has no statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. Additionally, under A.C.A. § 14-54-1409, local jurisdictions in Arkansas are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. The statute states that a local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property.
This means landlords have complete discretion over:
- How much rent to charge initially.
- How much to increase rent by.
- How often to increase rent (subject to the termination notice requirements for periodic tenancies).
When Rent Can Be Raised
Fixed-Term Leases
A landlord cannot raise the rent during the active term of a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement itself contains a specific clause permitting mid-term increases. Once the lease expires, the landlord can propose a new lease at any rental rate.
Month-to-Month Tenancies
For month-to-month tenancies, landlords can raise the rent by providing notice to terminate the existing tenancy and offering a new agreement at the higher rate. This requires at least 30 days' written notice.
Week-to-Week Tenancies
For week-to-week tenancies, landlords must provide at least seven days' written notice to terminate the current tenancy before the rent increase takes effect under a new agreement at the start of the next rental period.
Notice Requirements
Arkansas law does not explicitly regulate rent increase notice. Instead, landlords must follow the requirements for terminating a periodic tenancy under A.C.A. § 18-17-704 and offering a new agreement.
The notice must be delivered in writing. Because the increase is achieved by terminating the existing tenancy, the notice must be given at least the required number of days before the termination date specified in the notice.
Retaliatory Rent Increases
Arkansas law does not provide general statutory protection against retaliatory rent increases for residential tenants. Arkansas remains a "caveat lessee" (tenant beware) state.
While Act 1052 of 2021 (A.C.A. § 18-17-601) established minimum habitability standards, it explicitly limits tenant remedies. Under A.C.A. § 18-17-601(f), the statute does not create a cause of action for retaliation. Narrow statutory protections against retaliation exist only in specific cases involving:
- Lead paint hazards (A.C.A. § 20-27-608).
- Victims of domestic violence (A.C.A. § 18-16-112).
Outside of these narrow exceptions, there is no general statutory prohibition against a landlord raising rent in response to a tenant exercising their rights.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the Arkansas rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Arkansas has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Arkansas has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
▶What are the Arkansas landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Arkansas is widely considered one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. Its laws place significant responsibility on tenants and grant landlords broad discretion in setting lease terms. However, the landmark Act 1052 of 2021 introduced implied habitability standards, significantly updating the legal legal environment for rental properties first entering a lease after November 1, 2021. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Arkansas eviction process and how long does it take?
The Arkansas eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Arkansas. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Arkansas security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Arkansas has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Arkansas?
Arkansas has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Arkansas state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What disclosures must Arkansas landlords provide to tenants?
Arkansas landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Arkansas lease requirements for rental properties?
Arkansas recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Arkansas law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Arkansas landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Arkansas landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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