Arkansas Residential Lease Agreement Overview
Arkansas is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. It is one of the few states that does not have an implied warranty of habitability — meaning landlords are not required by statute to maintain rental properties in a livable condition unless the lease specifically addresses repairs and maintenance. Arkansas has no rent control, no statutory requirement for landlord entry notice, and a 60-day security deposit return period.
Arkansas law does provide a 5-day grace period before late fees can be imposed, and security deposits are capped at two months' rent. The state's eviction process is relatively quick, with unlawful detainer actions proceeding on an expedited schedule.
2 Months
Security Deposit Limit
30 Days
Notice to Vacate
5 Days
Rent Grace Period
No Statute
Landlord Entry Notice
Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law Requirements
Eviction Process
Arkansas requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate for nonpayment. For lease violations, a 14-day notice is required. Arkansas is notable for having criminal penalties for tenants who fail to vacate after receiving a proper notice — this is unique among U.S. states.
Habitability Standards
Unlike most states, Arkansas does not have a statutory implied warranty of habitability. Landlord repair obligations must be specified in the lease agreement. However, landlords must comply with local building codes if applicable, and some courts have recognized limited habitability protections.
Arkansas Security Deposit Rules
Arkansas limits security deposits to two months' rent (Ark. Code § 18-16-304). Landlords must return the deposit within 60 days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 60 days, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion. Arkansas does not require interest payments on deposits or a separate holding account.
Security Deposit Best Practices
Always conduct a move-in and move-out inspection with the tenant, document the property's condition with photos, keep the deposit separate from personal funds, and provide an itemized deduction list when returning the deposit. In Arkansas, failure to properly handle security deposits can result in penalties.
Required Disclosures in Arkansas
Arkansas landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the start of the tenancy. Failure to provide required disclosures can result in penalties and may give tenants legal remedies.
- Lead paint (pre-1978)
Arkansas Lease Fees & Limits
Key financial limits and fees that apply to residential leases in Arkansas:
| Item | Arkansas Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 2 months' rent |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 60 days |
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory limit |
| Rent Grace Period | 5 days (by statute for late fees) |
| Notice to Vacate | 30 days |
| Landlord Entry Notice | No statute (reasonable notice recommended) |
| Deposit Interest Required | No |
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these official resources to verify Arkansas landlord-tenant law requirements and find legal assistance.
Other Arkansas Lease Agreement Types
Need a different type of lease agreement for Arkansas? We offer state-specific templates for every type of rental and lease arrangement.
Arkansas Month-to-Month Lease
Flexible periodic tenancy with 30-day termination notice
Arkansas Room Rental Agreement
Single room rental with shared common areas
Arkansas Vacation Rental Agreement
Short-term rental for vacation and holiday stays
Arkansas Commercial Lease
Lease agreement for retail, office, or industrial space
Arkansas Sublease Agreement
Agreement to sublet all or part of a rental unit
Arkansas Roommate Agreement
Agreement between co-tenants sharing a rental unit
Arkansas Rent-to-Own Agreement
Lease-option with rent credits toward purchase
Arkansas Equipment Lease
Lease agreement for business or personal equipment
Arkansas Land Lease
Ground lease for land use without purchasing the property
Arkansas Residential Lease FAQ
Answers to common questions about Arkansas residential lease agreements and landlord-tenant law.
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