Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Laws: Key Rental Rules (2026)
Security deposits, notice periods, landlord entry, and other key rental rules in Arkansas, each linked to the state law it comes from.
By the ListMyHomes.com™ Editorial TeamPublished Last reviewed
This page summarizes the main landlord-tenant rules in Arkansas. Each rule in the table below links to the law it comes from.
Key rules at a glance
| Rule | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Where these laws apply | The Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Title 18, Chapter 17) applies to rental agreements, wherever made, for dwelling units located in Arkansas. It does not govern, among other arrangements, transient occupancy in a hotel, motel or other lodging subject to sales tax on lodging, occupancy by an employee whose right to occupy depends on employment in and about the premises, rentals used primarily for agricultural purposes, and residence at an institution or at a charitable or emergency shelter. The security-deposit rules (Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapter 3) do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. Ark. Code §§ 18-17-101, 18-17-201, 18-17-202, 18-16-303 |
| Security deposit limit | Two months' periodic rent. These deposit rules do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. Ark. Code §§ 18-16-304, 18-16-303 |
| Where deposits are held | No rule on where or how a deposit is held in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. Ark. Code Title 18, Ch. 16, Subchs. 1 and 3, and Ch. 17 (no provision) |
| Returning the deposit | Within 60 days after the tenancy ends. Mailing the written notice and any payment by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address counts as compliance; if the payment comes back and the tenant cannot be found after reasonable effort, it becomes the landlord's 180 days after it was mailed. A landlord who does not comply may owe the property and money due, damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld, costs and reasonable attorney's fees. These deposit rules do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. Ark. Code §§ 18-16-305, 18-16-306(a), 18-16-303 |
| Deposit deductions | The deposit may be applied to accrued unpaid rent and to damages the landlord suffered because the tenant did not comply with the rental agreement, itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant with the rest of the amount due within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives up possession. These deposit rules do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. Ark. Code §§ 18-16-305(a)(2), 18-16-303 |
| Interest on deposits | Not required by Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. Ark. Code Title 18, Ch. 16, Subchs. 1 and 3, and Ch. 17 (no provision) |
| Landlord entry notice | No general notice period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse the landlord entry to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs or improvements, supply services, investigate possible rule, lease or criminal violations, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, lenders, tenants, workers or contractors. If the tenant does not fix a health-and-safety problem that repair, replacement or cleaning can remedy within 14 days after the landlord's written notice (or as promptly as an emergency requires), the landlord may enter and have the work done. Ark. Code §§ 18-17-602(a), 18-17-702(a); Ark. Code Title 18, Ch. 16, Subchs. 1 and 3, and Ch. 17 (no provision) |
| Notice to end a month-to-month lease | Written notice at least 30 days before the termination date named in the notice, by either the landlord or the tenant (week-to-week: 7 days). Unless the rental agreement fixes a definite term, the tenancy is month to month (week to week for a roomer who pays weekly rent). Ark. Code §§ 18-17-704(a), (b), 18-17-401(c) |
| Rent-increase notice | No notice period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. Ark. Code Title 18, Ch. 16, Subchs. 1 and 3, and Ch. 17 (no provision) |
| Late fees | No limit or grace period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. Ark. Code Title 18, Ch. 16, Subchs. 1 and 3, and Ch. 17 (no provision) |
| Notice for unpaid rent | If rent is not paid within 5 days after the due date, the landlord may end the rental agreement. For residential rental agreements, nonpayment within 5 days of the due date is itself legal notice to the tenant that the landlord has the right to begin eviction proceedings. Under the unlawful detainer statute, a tenant who does not pay rent when due and refuses to leave after 3 days' notice to quit and a written demand for possession commits an unlawful detainer. Ark. Code §§ 18-17-701(b), 18-17-901(b), 18-60-304(3) |
| Rent control | Not allowed. As amended in 2025, local governments may not enact, maintain or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would control the amount charged for rent, rental application fees or rental deposits for leasing private residential or commercial property, except as provided in § 18-16-304. Ark. Code § 14-16-601 (as amended by 2025 Act 459, § 1) |
| Required landlord disclosures | Federal law: For housing built before 1978 (with limited exceptions): before the tenant is bound by the lease, the landlord must give the EPA lead-hazard pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards and any available reports. 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 40 CFR 745.107 |
| Fair housing protected classes | Race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Arkansas's list matches the federal list (federal law says handicap where Arkansas says disability). Ark. Code §§ 16-123-310(a), 16-123-314(a); 42 U.S.C. § 3604 |
What this means for renters
Before you sign, compare the lease's deposit amount, rent due date, and late-fee terms with the rules above. At move-in, record the unit's condition with dated photos. When you move out, give the written notice your lease and the rules above call for, leave a forwarding address, and keep copies of everything you send and receive.
What this means for landlords who manage their own rental
List the unit with its rent, deposit, and lease terms. Screen every applicant by the same written criteria, within fair-housing law. Collect the deposit and give notices following the rules above, and keep records of the unit's condition at move-in and move-out.
List your rental on ListMyHomes.com for one flat fee, or browse rentals in Arkansas listed directly by owners.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arkansas?
Two months' periodic rent. These deposit rules do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. See the source in the table above.
How long does a Arkansas landlord have to return a security deposit?
Within 60 days after the tenancy ends. Mailing the written notice and any payment by first-class mail to the tenant's last known address counts as compliance; if the payment comes back and the tenant cannot be found after reasonable effort, it becomes the landlord's 180 days after it was mailed. A landlord who does not comply may owe the property and money due, damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld, costs and reasonable attorney's fees. These deposit rules do not apply to an individual who, together with a spouse, minor children and their rental entities, owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages the units for a fee. See the source in the table above.
How much notice must a Arkansas landlord give before entering?
No general notice period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse the landlord entry to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs or improvements, supply services, investigate possible rule, lease or criminal violations, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, lenders, tenants, workers or contractors. If the tenant does not fix a health-and-safety problem that repair, replacement or cleaning can remedy within 14 days after the landlord's written notice (or as promptly as an emergency requires), the landlord may enter and have the work done. See the source in the table above.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Arkansas?
Written notice at least 30 days before the termination date named in the notice, by either the landlord or the tenant (week-to-week: 7 days). Unless the rental agreement fixes a definite term, the tenancy is month to month (week to week for a roomer who pays weekly rent). See the source in the table above.
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Arkansas?
No notice period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. See the source in the table above.
How much can a Arkansas landlord charge for late rent?
No limit or grace period in Arkansas Code Title 18, Chapter 16, Subchapters 1 and 3, and Chapter 17. See the source in the table above.
How much notice must a Arkansas landlord give when rent is unpaid?
If rent is not paid within 5 days after the due date, the landlord may end the rental agreement. For residential rental agreements, nonpayment within 5 days of the due date is itself legal notice to the tenant that the landlord has the right to begin eviction proceedings. Under the unlawful detainer statute, a tenant who does not pay rent when due and refuses to leave after 3 days' notice to quit and a written demand for possession commits an unlawful detainer. See the source in the table above.
Does Arkansas have rent control?
Not allowed. As amended in 2025, local governments may not enact, maintain or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would control the amount charged for rent, rental application fees or rental deposits for leasing private residential or commercial property, except as provided in § 18-16-304. See the source in the table above.
Rentals in Arkansas listed by owners
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