Arkansas Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Arkansas imposes a 2% state tourism tax on short-term accommodations in addition to the 6.5% state sales tax and local taxes. Popular vacation rental markets include Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, and the Buffalo River area. Some cities require business licenses and STR permits.
Required in tourist areas
STR license
2% state tourism tax + local taxes
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Arkansas Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Arkansas requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for AR short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Arkansas Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Arkansas can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Required in tourist areas — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Arkansas Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Arkansas Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Arkansas vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with AR requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Arkansas property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Arkansas occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Arkansas House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Arkansas under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Arkansas Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Arkansas imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for AR vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 2% state tourism tax + local taxes |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in AR |
Sample Arkansas Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Arkansas-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF ARKANSAS
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Arkansas Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Arkansas Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Arkansas vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Arkansas Resources
Use these official resources for Arkansas short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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