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.
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. In 2025, Arkansas enacted Act 459, which bars local governments from regulating the amount of any rental application fee or rental deposit on private residential or commercial property, reinforcing the state's existing preemption of local rent and rental-cost controls.
What Protections Arkansas Tenants Do Have
Even without rent control, Arkansas law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security Deposit
For landlords who rent six or more dwelling units, the security deposit may not exceed two months' rent (Ark. Code § 18-16-304), and the landlord must return it within 60 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). Landlords who own five or fewer dwelling units that they manage themselves are exempt from both the cap and the 60-day return rule (Ark. Code § 18-16-303).
Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenancies require at least one full rental period of written notice to terminate from either party (Ark. Code § 18-17-704).
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.