Arkansas Landlord Required Disclosures: What You Must Tell Tenants
Learn about the mandatory disclosures Arkansas landlords must provide to tenants, including lead paint, move-in defect forms, and domestic violence rights.
Legal Disclaimer
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.
Effective July 1, 2007, the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act governs rental disclosures, with significant updates regarding habitability and move-in forms effective November 1, 2021 (Act 1052). Compared to many other states, Arkansas requires relatively few mandatory disclosures from landlords. However, the disclosures that are required are critical, and failure to provide them can expose landlords to liability or the loss of legal protections.
1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal Law)
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under 42 U.S.C. § 4852d and the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to these statutes.
For any residential rental property built before 1978, federal law (Title X, Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) requires landlords to:
- Disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling.
- Provide tenants with any available records or reports pertaining to lead hazards.
- Provide an EPA-approved informational pamphlet: "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
- Include a standard lead warning statement in the lease agreement.
- Allow the tenant a 10-day period to conduct an independent lead inspection before signing the lease (unless the tenant waives this right).
This is a federal requirement and applies in all 50 states, including Arkansas.
2. Move-In Inspection & Defect Form
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-502, for any lease entered into or renewed after November 1, 2021, landlords must provide tenants with a written form at the time of move-in to list any defects.
- Purpose: This form is required for the landlord to be "considered in compliance" with the implied warranty of habitability standards.
- Tenant Deadline: The tenant has two business days to return the form.
- Consequence: If the tenant fails to list a defect or does not return the form, the landlord is generally presumed to be in compliance with habitability requirements at the start of the lease.
3. Domestic Violence Protections
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-112, landlords have specific obligations regarding tenants who are victims of domestic violence:
- Lock Changes: Landlords must change or re-key locks within 24 hours of receiving a request (and appropriate documentation) from a victim of domestic violence, at the tenant's expense.
- Termination Protection: Landlords are prohibited from terminating a lease or refusing renewal based solely on the tenant's status as a victim of domestic violence.
4. Flood Zone Disclosure (Caveat Emptor)
Unlike many states, Arkansas has no specific state statute requiring landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone. Arkansas remains a "Caveat Emptor" (Buyer/Tenant Beware) jurisdiction regarding property conditions that are not related to the specific habitability standards in § 18-17-502. However, disclosing known flood risks is recommended to avoid claims of fraudulent concealment or negligence.
Recommended Additional Disclosures
While not strictly mandated by Arkansas state statute, the following disclosures are strongly recommended for risk management:
Mold Disclosure
Arkansas does not have a specific state statute requiring mold disclosure. However, under the habitability principles of Act 1052, landlords aware of mold conditions that affect the "building envelope" or "sanitary sewer" (as defined in § 18-17-502) should disclose them to prevent litigation.
Security Deposit Terms
While not a standalone "disclosure" requirement, it is best practice to clearly spell out in the lease agreement:
- The exact amount of the security deposit.
- The conditions under which the deposit may be withheld.
- The 60-day return timeline for the security deposit and any itemized list of deductions (§ 18-16-305).
Landlord and Property Manager Identification
While not explicitly mandated by a disclosure statute, identifying the parties is essential for a valid contract. Always include:
- The name and address of the property owner for service of process.
- The contact information for the person authorized to manage the property.
How Landager Helps
Landager's customizable lease templates include built-in disclosure sections, ensuring that lead paint notices, mandatory move-in defect forms (§ 18-17-502), and domestic violence rights are automatically included in every lease you generate - reducing legal risk with zero extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶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.
▶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 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.
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 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.
Read the complete guide📬 Get notified when these laws change
We'll email you when landlord-tenant laws update in No spam — only law changes.
