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Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law: 2026 Guide

The plain-English breakdown of Arkansas rental law that landlords and property managers of all sizes need. Security deposit limits, late fee rules, notice periods, eviction process, and the official statute link, all in one place.

Arkansas at a glance

Security deposit
Max 2 Months
Late fees
Per lease
Notice period
30 Days
Deposit return
60 Days

Source: official Arkansas statute. Verified against 2026 text.

Arkansas landlord-tenant law in plain English

Navigating landlord-tenant law in Arkansas requires careful attention to state regulations and the specifics of each lease agreement. For landlords and property managers on Rentari.ai, understanding these foundational rules is key to compliant and effective property management. In Arkansas, security deposits are capped at a maximum of two months' rent, providing a clear limit for landlords to adhere to when collecting funds from new tenants. This ensures fairness and predictability in the rental market. Regarding late fees, Arkansas law defers to the lease agreement, meaning any charges for overdue rent must be explicitly stated and agreed upon in the written contract between the landlord and tenant. Clear communication and documentation in the lease are therefore paramount for enforcing late payment policies. When it comes to ending a month-to-month tenancy, landlords are required to provide tenants with a 30-day notice. This notice period allows both parties sufficient time to make arrangements for the transition. After a tenancy concludes, landlords have a specific window of 60 days to return the security deposit to the tenant, ensuring a timely resolution of financial matters. While these are some core aspects, the full scope of landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities is detailed in the state's statutes. Always verify information with the linked statute or a local attorney before acting.

Common Arkansas landlord questions

Answered against the verified facts above and the linked statute. Not legal advice.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, landlords are legally permitted to charge a security deposit that does not exceed two months' rent. This cap applies to all residential rental agreements. Landlords should ensure their deposit amounts comply with this state-mandated limit.
What are the rules regarding late fees for rent in Arkansas?
Arkansas law specifies that rules for late fees are determined 'Per lease.' This means landlords must clearly outline any late fee policies, including the amount and when they apply, within the written lease agreement. Without a specific clause in the lease, late fees may not be enforceable.
What is the general process for evicting a tenant in Arkansas?
The provided facts do not specify the detailed eviction process, such as notice periods for non-payment or lease violations. Generally, landlords must provide proper written notice to the tenant before filing an eviction lawsuit in court. The specific steps and timelines for eviction are governed by Arkansas statutes, which are not fully detailed in the provided facts.
What are the standard notice periods landlords must provide tenants in Arkansas?
The provided facts specifically mention a 30-day notice period for terminating a month-to-month tenancy. Other notice periods, such as for non-payment of rent or lease violations, are not specified in the provided information. Landlords should consult the full statute for comprehensive details on all required notice periods.
What are a landlord's repair obligations in Arkansas?
The provided facts do not specify a landlord's repair obligations or maintenance responsibilities. Generally, landlords are expected to maintain a habitable living environment and address essential repairs. Tenants also have responsibilities to keep the premises clean and safe.
How much notice is required to terminate a month-to-month lease in Arkansas?
To terminate a month-to-month tenancy in Arkansas, landlords must provide tenants with a 30-day written notice. This notice period ensures both parties have adequate time to prepare for the end of the tenancy. It is crucial to adhere to this notice period to legally end the agreement.

Arkansas rental forms & templates

Lease, notice, and disclosure forms built to Arkansas law. Preview free; fill and download with Prime.

Built on this law

Draft a Arkansas lease in minutes

Rentari.ai's lease builder bakes every Arkansas requirement into the document automatically. Deposit cap, late-fee language, notice clauses, all of it. You approve the draft, send to e-sign, and store it in Online Documents.

Information here is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with the linked statute or a licensed attorney before acting. Arkansas statute: https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-17/