What Is an Arkansas Lease Agreement?
An Arkansas lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant. This document includes the terms for rent payments, deposits, and property maintenance. In Arkansas, the lease agreement must follow state laws and regulations.
Legal Templates’s free Arkansas lease templates include state-specific terms and considerations. Use our forms to create an effective lease and communicate with tenants.
Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law Overview
Arkansas has its own set of rules and regulations governing lease agreements. These laws include requirements for rent payments, late fees, security deposits, and the landlord’s right of entry. View the table below for an overview of Arkansas landlord-tenant laws.
| Topic | Regulations | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | No limits | None |
| Security Deposits | 2 months' rent | AR Code § 18-16-304 |
| Grace Periods | No limits, but should be in the lease. Landlords can terminate the lease if rent is unpaid after 5 days | AR Code § 18-17-701 |
| Landlord Entry | No notice required | None |
Arkansas Lease Agreement- By Type
The terms of your agreement may vary depending on its purpose and duration. Consider the various types of Arkansas lease agreements to find one that best suits your needs.
Arkansas Standard Lease Agreement
Enables a tenancy arrangement for residential property.
Arkansas Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Automatically renews on a monthly basis.
Arkansas Commercial Lease Agreement
Establishes rental terms for retail, office, or industrial properties in the state.
Arkansas Room Rental Agreement
Outlines the terms and responsibilities of each tenant sharing a living space in a rental unit.
Arkansas Sublease Agreement
Holds the original tenant (sublessor) responsible to the landlord.
Arkansas Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Provides a tenant the option to potentially purchase the leased property.
Arkansas Rent Payment Laws
Arkansas has no laws for rent control or limits. Landlords in the state can charge whatever rate they want. However, courts may reject or dispute prices deemed as unreasonable. In month-to-month lease agreements, the landlord must send a 30-day notice for rent increases.
Arkansas also lacks formal regulations for late fees and grace periods. The landlord should only charge late fees that reasonably reflect the costs resulting from late payments. The exact fees should be included in the original lease contract terms. Additionally, Arkansas landlords have the right to issue a three-day notice to quit for non-payment.
Security Deposit Regulations in Arkansas
According to Arkansas law, landlords cannot charge more than two months’ rent for security deposits. At the end of the lease term, the landlord must return the security deposit within 60 days of the termination date. The landlord can partially withhold a deposit to cover losses from unpaid rent or utility bills, severe damage to the premises, or lease violations.
Provide a security deposit receipt to create a written record that includes the amount and date of payment.
Rules for Landlord Entry and Repairs in Arkansas
Landlords in Arkansas have no legal obligation to perform any property repairs or maintenance for the tenant. The state also does not require any advanced notice for landlord entry.
Landlords can terminate a lease or charge tenants for repairs if they fail to address health or safety issues within 14 days of receiving a written notice. In emergencies, tenants are required to act immediately to ensure proper conditions and prevent damage.
Required Disclosures for Arkansas Lease Agreements
Lease disclosures ensure transparency and communication between tenants and landlords. In Arkansas, landlords must provide a disclosure of lead-based hazards for properties built before 1978. Other optional disclosures, such as landlord identification or shared utility notices, may be applicable in specific situations.
Arkansas Lease Agreement Termination Laws
When either party wishes to terminate their Arkansas lease agreement, they should follow the procedures outlined in the original contract and comply with applicable state laws. In month-to-month leases, the landlord must provide a 30-day notice of termination.
Arkansas law also leaves abandoned personal property to the discretion of the landlord. If tenants leave behind any personal belongings, the landlord holds the right to dispose of the items as they see fit.
Arkansas Lease Agreement Sample
View Legal Templates’s free Arkansas lease agreement sample below. Our customizable sample includes state-compliant terms and is available for download in PDF and Word format.