Landlord Rules in Arkansas: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Arkansas · Last updated 2026-05-18

In Arkansas, every step of the landlord life-cycle is controlled by Arkansas statute: registration, disclosure, deposit handling, entry, termination, eviction, and fair-housing exposure. Two anchors orient the rest: deposit timing (60 days) and month-to-month termination notice (30 days). This guide details each step in the Arkansas sequence.

Key Considerations

The day-to-day rules in a Arkansas tenancy revolve around notice. To enter the unit, No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. To end a month-to-month, 30 days

Renting out residential property in Arkansas starts with the registration question. (consult the state code) On the deposit side, two (2) months' rent Funds must be returned within the statutory window: 60 days

If cause to terminate arises, Arkansas channels the dispute through a specific court track. Failure to pay rent or to pay rent on time, for any reason, is grounds for eviction. In Arkansas, a landlord may pursue a tenant in a civil action for an “unlawful detainer.” Unlawful detainer actions require a landlord to provide you with a three days' written notice to vacate. If you do not leave, the landlord can sue by filing a complaint against you in court. After you receive a summons to appear in court, you have five days to object in writing to the eviction. Discrimination claims travel a different pipeline. Tenants file via the state agency

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

The Arkansas landlord toolkit centers on a state-specific lease (with statutory disclosures), a compliant entry-notice template, a deposit-itemization form keyed to the state's return deadline, and the pre-suit eviction notice format the state requires before filing.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007

This is the primary law governing residential rental agreements in Arkansas. It covers security deposits (limited to two months' rent), lease requirements, and landlord access to property. Unlike most states, Arkansas does not impose an implied warranty of habitability, giving landlords fewer maintenance obligations.

Arkansas Code § 18-16-101 - Failure to Pay Rent

Arkansas is unique as the only state where failure to pay rent can be a criminal offense. This law allows landlords to pursue criminal charges against tenants who fail to pay rent and refuse to vacate the property, which can result in fines and even jail time for tenants.

Arkansas Code § 18-17-701 - Eviction Procedures

This statute outlines the legal process for evicting tenants in Arkansas. Landlords must provide at least 3 days' written notice before filing an unlawful detainer action. Arkansas offers landlords some of the fastest eviction procedures in the country.

Arkansas Code § 18-17-501 - Security Deposit Requirements

This law regulates how landlords must handle security deposits, including the maximum amount (two months' rent) and the timeframe for returning deposits (within 60 days of lease termination). Landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions if not returning the full amount.

Arkansas Fair Housing Law

This law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Landlords must ensure their tenant selection process and rental policies comply with these fair housing requirements.

Arkansas Code § 18-17-602 - Landlord's Access to Dwelling Unit

This statute defines when and how landlords may legally enter a tenant's rental unit. Generally, landlords must provide reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) before entering except in emergencies. Understanding these rules helps prevent privacy violation claims.

Regional Variances

Northwest Arkansas

Fayetteville has additional rental property registration requirements. Landlords must register their rental properties with the city and pay an annual fee. The city also conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.

Bentonville has stricter short-term rental regulations due to tourism around the Crystal Bridges Museum and Walmart headquarters. Property owners must obtain a specific short-term rental permit and may face occupancy restrictions.

Central Arkansas

Little Rock has enacted more tenant-friendly ordinances than state law requires. The city has additional requirements for security deposit handling, including mandatory itemized deductions and faster return timelines (14 days versus the state's 30 days).

North Little Rock has implemented a rental inspection program that requires landlords to have their properties inspected before renting to new tenants. The city also has specific requirements for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Northeast Arkansas

Jonesboro has additional requirements for rental properties located near Arkansas State University. These include noise ordinances, occupancy limits, and parking restrictions that are more stringent than in other parts of the city.

South Arkansas

Pine Bluff has implemented a rental property registry program to combat blight. Landlords must register their properties and submit to regular inspections. Failure to maintain properties to code can result in significant fines.

Hot Springs has special zoning regulations for vacation rentals due to its status as a tourist destination. Property owners in certain areas must obtain specific permits for short-term rentals and comply with additional tax collection requirements.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Resolve the registration question before advertising the unit

Before listing days after starting

(consult the state code)

Set the security deposit within the statutory cap and hold the funds correctly

Before signing days after starting

two (2) months' rent

Attach the required disclosures to the lease and have the tenant initial each

At lease signing days after starting

§ 18-17-501

Give the legally required notice before ending a month-to-month

Ongoing days after starting

30 days

Send written entry notice for every routine visit to the unit

As needed days after starting

No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.

Treat eviction as a strict statutory process, not a self-help action

At move-out days after starting

Failure to pay rent or to pay rent on time, for any reason, is grounds for eviction. In Arkansas, a landlord may pursue a tenant in a civil action for an “unlawful detainer.” Unlawful detainer actions require a landlord to provide you with a three days' written notice to vacate. If you do not leave, the landlord can sue by filing a complaint against you in court. After you receive a summons to appear in court, you have five days to object in writing to the eviction.

Refund or itemize the deposit before the statutory cut-off

If eviction needed days after starting

60 days

Keep written records of screening, denial, and renewal decisions for fair-housing review