Tenant Rights in Texarkana, Arkansas

Last updated: April 2026

Texarkana, Arkansas renters are governed by Arkansas landlord-tenant law. There is no rent control, and Arkansas has no implied warranty of habitability — making your lease terms and local code enforcement especially important.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Arkansas has no rent control law and no city has enacted one
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with itemized statement; double damages for wrongful withholding (Ark. Code § 18-16-305)
  • Notice to Vacate: One full rental period written notice required to end a month-to-month tenancy — typically 30 days (Ark. Code § 18-16-101)
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required — Arkansas does not mandate just cause for non-renewal; formal unlawful detainer process required for all evictions
  • Local Resources: Center for Arkansas Legal Services (arlegal.org), Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Texarkana

Texarkana, Arkansas is the Arkansas-side portion of the Texarkana metropolitan area, spanning the Arkansas-Texas state line in Miller County. The city has a population of roughly 29,000 on the Arkansas side and a substantial renter population in its residential neighborhoods. Tenant rights in Texarkana, AR are governed entirely by Arkansas state law — primarily Ark. Code §§ 18-16-101 through 18-16-306. The city has not enacted any local tenant protection ordinances.

Arkansas provides fewer statutory tenant protections than most states. Notably, Arkansas has no statutory implied warranty of habitability for residential rentals — your rights regarding repair and habitability depend largely on what your lease says and whether your city has an enforceable housing code. Renters in Texarkana most commonly seek information on security deposit recovery, required notice periods, and the eviction process.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing urgent housing issues should contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services or a licensed Arkansas attorney.

2. Does Texarkana Have Rent Control?

Texarkana, AR has no rent control, and Arkansas state law does not limit rent increases. Arkansas has never enacted a statewide rent control or stabilization law, and no Arkansas municipality has done so. There is no cap on rent increases, no required justification, and no mandatory advance notice period for increases beyond what your lease provides.

For month-to-month tenants, Arkansas law requires at least one full rental period of written notice (typically 30 days) before the tenancy can be terminated (Ark. Code § 18-16-101). This same notice standard applies to rent increases that would effectively terminate your month-to-month arrangement if refused. Review your lease for any additional notice requirements your landlord must follow.

3. Arkansas State Tenant Protections That Apply in Texarkana

Arkansas landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by Ark. Code §§ 18-16-101 through 18-16-306. Arkansas provides fewer statutory protections than most states — most notably, there is no implied warranty of habitability in Arkansas statute for residential rentals. Your rights depend heavily on your lease and local housing codes. Key rules include:

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

Notice to Terminate (Ark. Code § 18-16-101): Either party must give at least one full rental period of written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy — typically 30 days if you pay monthly.

No Implied Warranty of Habitability: Arkansas statute does not create an implied habitability warranty. If your city has a housing code, filing a code enforcement complaint is often the most effective tool for substandard conditions.

Self-Help Eviction Prohibited: Landlords must use the court unlawful detainer process to remove a tenant. Changing locks or removing belongings without a court order is prohibited.

Limited Retaliation Protections: Arkansas has limited statutory retaliation protections. Document all landlord communications in writing.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Texarkana

Security deposit rules in Texarkana, AR are governed by Ark. Code § 18-16-305:

No Statutory Cap: Arkansas does not limit the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit. Negotiate the amount before signing.

30-Day Return Deadline: Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return your deposit with an itemized written statement of deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Double Damages: If the landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to twice the amount improperly held.

Best Practices: Provide your forwarding address in writing, photograph the unit's condition at move-out, and retain your move-in checklist.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Texarkana

Evictions in Texarkana, AR must follow Arkansas's formal unlawful detainer process. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings without a court order — is prohibited.

Nonpayment of Rent: The landlord must give written notice and file an unlawful detainer action in Miller County Circuit or District Court if you do not pay or vacate.

Other Violations: For lease violations, the landlord must provide written notice before filing for eviction.

Month-to-Month Termination: At least one full rental period's written notice (typically 30 days) is required to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Ark. Code § 18-16-101).

Court Process: You have the right to appear in court and present a defense. Only a court judgment and writ of possession enforced by the sheriff can result in your physical removal.

6. Resources for Texarkana Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texarkana, AR have rent control?

No. Texarkana, AR has no rent control ordinance, and Arkansas has no statewide rent stabilization law. No Arkansas city has enacted rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount — there is no cap and no required justification. Month-to-month tenants are entitled to at least one full rental period of written notice (typically 30 days) before a tenancy change takes effect (Ark. Code § 18-16-101).

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Texarkana, AR?

There is no legal limit on rent increases in Texarkana, AR or anywhere in Arkansas. Your landlord may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must give at least one full rental period of written notice — typically 30 days (Ark. Code § 18-16-101). Fixed-term lease tenants are protected from increases until the lease expires. If you cannot afford the new rent, give proper written notice and vacate, or negotiate with your landlord.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Texarkana, AR?

Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return your security deposit along with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Ark. Code § 18-16-305). If the landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to double the amount improperly held. Provide your forwarding address in writing at move-out and document the unit's condition with dated photos.

What notice does my landlord need to give before evicting me in Texarkana, AR?

For nonpayment of rent or other lease violations, the landlord must provide written notice before filing an unlawful detainer action in Miller County court. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least one full rental period of written notice — typically 30 days (Ark. Code § 18-16-101). You have the right to appear in court and present a defense before a writ of possession can be issued.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Texarkana, AR?

No. Self-help eviction is prohibited in Arkansas. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order. If this happens, document the incident immediately and contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (arlegalservices.org). You may be entitled to damages and emergency relief through the court.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Texarkana, AR?

Arkansas has no statutory implied warranty of habitability for residential rentals, so your rights depend on your lease and local housing codes. Send a written repair request and keep a copy. If your city has a housing code, file a complaint with Texarkana, AR code enforcement — a code violation notice to the landlord is often the most effective pressure. Consult the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (arlegalservices.org) for advice on whether your lease gives you additional remedies.

This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects Arkansas law as of April 2026. Arkansas landlord-tenant law is less tenant-protective than most states — notably, Arkansas has no statutory implied warranty of habitability for residential rentals. If you are facing eviction, a deposit dispute, or a habitability issue, contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (arlegalservices.org) or a licensed Arkansas attorney before taking action.

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Other Cities in Arkansas

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