Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners
Comprehensive overview of Arkansas rental property laws including security deposits, eviction procedures, habitability standards, required disclosures, and late fees.
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.
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 landscape for rental properties first entering a lease after November 1, 2021.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.
Key Arkansas Rental Laws at a Glance
| Topic | Key Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 2 months' rent (unfurnished); 3 months' (furnished) | A.C.A. § 18-16-304 |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 60 days after tenant vacates | A.C.A. § 18-16-305 |
| Rent Increase Notice | One rental period's notice | A.C.A. § 18-17-901 |
| Eviction — Nonpayment | 3-day unconditional notice (civil); 10-day notice (criminal) | A.C.A. § 18-17-901 |
| Eviction — Lease Violation | 14-day notice to cure or vacate | A.C.A. § 18-17-701 |
| Habitability | Implied standards required (Act 1052) | A.C.A. § 18-17-601 |
| Entry Notice | No statutory requirement (24 hours recommended) | — |
Security Deposits
Arkansas limits security deposits for landlords who rent six or more dwellings or operate as a corporation to two months' rent for unfurnished units and three months' rent for furnished units. Smaller landlords (fewer than six units, not incorporated) are generally not subject to this cap.
Landlords must return the deposit within 60 days of the tenant vacating the property, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. No interest is required.
For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.
Rent Control and Increases
Arkansas has no statewide rent control. Landlords are free to set rental prices and raise them as they see fit. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least one full rental period's written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.
Eviction Procedures
Arkansas has a unique eviction framework that includes both civil and criminal pathways for nonpayment of rent — making it the only state in the U.S. that criminalizes failure to pay rent.
At-Fault Evictions
- 3-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit — for nonpayment of rent (civil path, after the 5-day period).
- 10-Day Notice to Quit — for nonpayment of rent (criminal path). Failure to vacate is a misdemeanor.
- 14-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate — for lease violations.
- Immediate Notice — for illegal activity on the premises.
No-Fault Evictions
- 30-Day Notice — for terminating a month-to-month tenancy.
- 7-Day Notice — for terminating a week-to-week tenancy.
For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.
Required Disclosures
Arkansas requires relatively few mandatory disclosures compared to other states:
- Lead-Based Paint — for properties built before 1978 (federal requirement).
- Landlord/Manager Identity — name and address of the landlord or property manager.
- Flood Zone Status — if the property is located in a designated flood zone.
For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.
Maintenance and Habitability
Before 2021, Arkansas was the only U.S. state without an implied warranty of habitability. Act 1052 changed this for all leases entered or renewed after November 1, 2021. Landlords must now ensure units have:
- Hot and cold running water
- Working electricity
- A functioning roof and building envelope
- A sanitary sewer system
- Working heating and air conditioning (if present at lease signing)
If a landlord fails to remedy habitability issues within 30 days of written notice, the tenant can terminate the lease without penalty. Tenants cannot withhold rent or use the "repair and deduct" remedy in Arkansas.
For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.
Late Fees
Arkansas has no statutory cap on late fees. Fees must be "reasonable" and clearly outlined in the lease agreement. There is no mandatory grace period for applying late fees, though landlords must wait five days after rent is due before they can begin eviction proceedings for nonpayment.
For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.
Getting Started with Compliance
Managing rental properties in Arkansas requires careful attention to the evolving habitability standards, the unique criminal eviction pathway, and strict deposit return timelines. Landager helps landlords track compliance, manage lease terms, and stay updated when regulations change.
Explore more Arkansas compliance topics:
Sources & Official References
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