AR · Tenant rights
Tenant Rights in Arkansas
A plain-English overview of residential renter protections under Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Law (Ark. Code § 18-16 / § 18-17). Use this as a checklist before you sign — then verify anything that looks off in your specific lease.
Key rules at a glance
- Security deposit return: 60 days after termination (common statutory outer limit)
- Landlord entry notice: Reasonable notice is expected; check your lease for specific hours
- Late fees: Late fees must be disclosed; watch for daily compounding that exceeds what is customary.
What to check in a Arkansas lease
- Deposit caps and return timing
- Repair and deduct options (limited)
- Notice to vacate requirements
- Pet deposit vs pet rent language
Frequently asked questions
Does Arkansas limit how long a landlord can keep a deposit?
Arkansas statutes generally give landlords a defined window (often up to 60 days) to return the deposit or account for deductions after the tenancy ends.
Before you sign
Statutes set the floor — your lease can still include junk fees, auto-renewals, one-sided indemnification, or deposit language that conflicts with Arkansas law. Comparing the document to Ark. Code § 18-16 / § 18-17 is the fastest way to spot problems early.
LeaseGuard.ai provides educational information only and is not a law firm. This page is not legal advice. For disputes or case-specific interpretation, contact a licensed Arkansas attorney or your local legal aid office.
Also see our lease guides for clause-by-clause renter tips.