How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arkansas?

Security deposit may not exceed two months' rent. (Ark. Code § 18-16-304) The deposit must be accounted for within 60 days after the tenancy ends (Ark. Code § 18-16-305).

Is there a limit on late fees in Arkansas?

Arkansas sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Arkansas?

Arkansas has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Arkansas?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ark. Code § 18-17-704)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Arkansas?

Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may proceed. (Ark. Code § 18-17-701) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Arkansas?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Arkansas tenancies are governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Arkansas with the statutory citations printed in it.

Arkansas Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Arkansas has to respect the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act: a security deposit capped at two months' rent, accounted for within 60 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Arkansas tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Arkansas rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Arkansas lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Arkansas landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Arkansas	Citation
Security deposit limit	two months' rentSecurity deposit may not exceed two months' rent.	Ark. Code § 18-16-304
Deposit return deadline	60 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 60 days after termination.	Ark. Code § 18-16-305
Interest on deposits	Not requiredArkansas does not require interest on security deposits.	Ark. Code § 18-16-305
Late fee limit	No statutory limitArkansas sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	5 daysRent is not considered delinquent until 5 days after the due date for purposes of the eviction statute.	Ark. Code § 18-17-701
Notice to pay or quit	3 daysTenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may proceed.	Ark. Code § 18-17-701
Time to cure a lease violation	14 daysTenant generally has 14 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Ark. Code § 18-17-701
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Ark. Code § 18-17-704
Notice before landlord entry	No statute — Landy's lease sets 24 hours by agreementArkansas has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement.	No statute on point

Disclosures a Arkansas lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Arkansas

Where eviction is filed

Circuit Court, as an unlawful detainer.

Governing law

Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, cited from the Arkansas Code.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Arkansas lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arkansas?: Security deposit may not exceed two months' rent. (Ark. Code § 18-16-304) The deposit must be accounted for within 60 days after the tenancy ends (Ark. Code § 18-16-305).
Is there a limit on late fees in Arkansas?: Arkansas sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Arkansas?: Arkansas has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Arkansas?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ark. Code § 18-17-704)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Arkansas?: Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may proceed. (Ark. Code § 18-17-701) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Arkansas?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Arkansas tenancies are governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Arkansas with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Arkansas lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Arkansas lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Arkansas law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Arkansas attorney review your lease before you rely on it.