Arkansas Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Arkansas has no rent control. The state's landlord-tenant law is among the most landlord-friendly in the country — there's no statutory warranty of habitability and few repair remedies. If you're renting in Arkansas, knowing your lease terms and local housing codes matters more than in most states.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Arkansas at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Arkansas has no rent control law and no city has enacted one. Arkansas's landlord-tenant law is less tenant-protective than most states — there is no implied warranty of habitability in statute.

What Protections Arkansas Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Arkansas law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions. Failure to do so entitles you to double the amount wrongfully withheld (Ark. Code § 18-16-305).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenancies require at least one full rental period of written notice to terminate from either party (Ark. Code § 18-16-101).

Habitability

Arkansas has no statutory implied warranty of habitability for residential rentals. Your rights depend heavily on what your lease says and whether your city has a housing code. If your city has code enforcement, filing a complaint is often the most effective tool.

Eviction Process

Landlords must go through the court unlawful detainer process to remove a tenant. Self-help eviction — changing locks or removing belongings without a court order — is prohibited.

Retaliation

Arkansas has limited statutory retaliation protections. Document all communications with your landlord in writing and keep copies of repair requests, especially if you contact city code enforcement.

Major Cities in Arkansas

Little Rock — No rent control; Arkansas state law applies.
Fort Smith — No rent control; Arkansas state law applies.
Fayetteville — No rent control; Arkansas state law applies.
Springdale — No rent control; Arkansas state law applies.

Arkansas Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Arkansas renters:

Center for Arkansas Legal Services — Free civil legal aid for low-income Arkansans in Central and Western Arkansas, including housing cases.
Legal Aid of Arkansas — Free legal help for low-income residents of Northern and Eastern Arkansas, including eviction defense.
Arkansas Attorney General – Consumer Protection — State resources for tenant complaints and landlord-tenant guidance.

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