Arkansas Lease Termination Overview
Lease termination in Arkansas is governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007, codified at A.C.A. 18-17-101 through 18-17-913. Arkansas is considered one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. Until 2021, Arkansas was one of the few states allowing criminal prosecution of tenants for failure to vacate after notice — this provision was struck down by the Arkansas Supreme Court in City of Little Rock v. Pfeifer, but the legal landscape remains heavily favorable to property owners.
Arkansas does not have rent control, just-cause eviction requirements, or mandatory grace periods for rent payments. The state has minimal tenant protections compared to coastal states. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies without stating a reason, provided they give 30 days written notice. For non-payment of rent, landlords can proceed after providing a 14-day notice to cure or vacate under A.C.A. 18-17-901.
The security deposit return timeline in Arkansas is 60 days after the tenant vacates, which is average nationally. The maximum deposit is typically two months' rent. Arkansas does not require deposits to be held in a separate account or earn interest. Both landlords and tenants should ensure termination notices are in writing and properly delivered, as Arkansas courts limit enforcement of oral modifications to written lease agreements.
30 Days
Notice period
60 Days
Deposit return
None
Rent control
No
Just cause required
Arkansas Notice Periods for Lease Termination
The notice period required to terminate a tenancy in Arkansas depends on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination.
| Tenancy Type | Notice Required | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | A.C.A. 18-17-704 |
| Week-to-Week | 7 days | A.C.A. 18-17-704 |
| Fixed-Term | Per lease terms | Contract law |
| Non-Payment of Rent | 14 days to cure | A.C.A. 18-17-901 |
| Material Lease Violation | 14 days | A.C.A. 18-17-901 |
Arkansas Landlord-Friendly Environment
Arkansas has historically been one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. While criminal eviction has been struck down, the civil eviction process remains fast and the state provides minimal tenant protections. Tenants who receive a termination notice should respond promptly within the required timeframe.
Arkansas Legal Requirements for Termination
A valid lease termination notice in Arkansas must comply with the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Defective notices may not support subsequent eviction actions in Arkansas courts.
Required Notice Contents
- Written form: Arkansas law requires written notice for lease termination; oral notice is generally insufficient
- Property identification: Complete street address and unit number of the rental property
- Termination date: Specific date on which the tenancy will end, at least 30 days from delivery for monthly tenancies
- Delivery method: Personal delivery or mail to the address specified in the lease under A.C.A. 18-17-301
- Lease reference: Reference the original lease agreement including date and property address
Early Termination Provisions in Arkansas
Arkansas has limited early termination protections compared to many other states. The state does not have a specific domestic violence early termination statute, though victims may have remedies under federal law including VAWA for subsidized housing. Military members can terminate under the federal SCRA. Tenants may terminate if the landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions after written notice under A.C.A. 18-17-601, though Arkansas's habitability standard is narrower than in many other states.
How to Terminate a Lease in Arkansas
Follow these steps to ensure your Arkansas lease termination is legally effective.
Review Your Lease Agreement
Check for early termination clauses, notice requirements, or penalty provisions. Arkansas leases often contain specific termination procedures that may exceed the statutory minimum.
Draft a Written Termination Notice
Prepare a letter identifying the property, stating the intended termination date, and referencing the lease. For month-to-month tenancies, provide at least 30 days notice per A.C.A. 18-17-704.
Deliver the Notice Properly
Deliver by personal service or mail to the address specified in the lease. Certified mail with return receipt is recommended for proof of delivery.
Complete Move-Out and Request Deposit
Vacate by the termination date, return all keys, and provide a written forwarding address. The landlord has 60 days to return the security deposit with an itemized statement.
Security Deposit After Lease Termination in Arkansas
Under Arkansas law (A.C.A. 18-16-304), the landlord must return the security deposit within 60 days after the tenant vacates. The landlord may deduct unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges authorized by the lease. An itemized written statement must accompany any deductions.
Arkansas does not impose a strict statutory cap on security deposits for all situations, though two months' rent is standard practice. The state does not require landlords to pay interest on deposits or hold them in separate escrow accounts. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 60 days, the tenant may pursue legal action to recover the deposit.
Sample Arkansas Lease Termination Letter
Below is a preview of a lease termination letter tailored for Arkansas.
LEASE TERMINATION LETTER
STATE OF ARKANSAS
Pursuant to A.C.A. 18-17-704
FROM
Name: [Sender Full Name]
Role: [Landlord/Tenant]
Address: [Current Address]
Phone: [Contact]
TO
Name: [Recipient Full Name]
Role: [Landlord/Tenant]
Address: [Property/Mailing Address]
TERMINATION DETAILS
Property: [Rental Address & Unit]
Lease Date: [Original Lease Date]
Termination Date: [Last Day of Tenancy]
Reason: [Non-Renewal / End of Term / Early Termination]
MOVE-OUT INSTRUCTIONS
Key Return: [Location/Method]
Inspection: [Date/Time]
Forwarding Address: [For Deposit Return]
Condition: [Move-Out Requirements]
Arkansas Lease Termination FAQ
Common questions about ending a lease in Arkansas.
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these resources to verify Arkansas landlord-tenant law and find legal assistance.
Related Arkansas Documents
You may need these documents alongside your Arkansas lease termination letter.
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