Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Arkansas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sharing your rental home can offer social and financial benefits, but in Arkansas, you must follow your lease terms and state law if you want to add a roommate officially. This guide explains the steps to safely add a new tenant to your lease, outlines legal considerations, and directs you to official forms and resources.

Understanding Lease Agreements and Arkansas Law

In Arkansas, most standard leases do not allow you to add a roommate without your landlord’s written approval. Both your current lease and Arkansas landlord-tenant law govern what is allowed in your specific situation.¹

What the Law Says

• Landlords can require that all adult occupants be named on the lease.
• Taking in a roommate without permission may violate your agreement and risk eviction.

Always review your lease and Arkansas law before making changes.

How to Add a Roommate to Your Lease

Adding a roommate is a multi-step process. Following the proper steps protects you, your roommate, and your rental rights in Arkansas.

• Review your lease: Check for any rules regarding additional occupants or changes.
• Talk to your landlord: Request their approval in writing before your roommate moves in.
• Complete a rental application: Most landlords will require your roommate to fill out a Rental Application Form and pass a background and credit check. This is typically the same form you completed before moving in. (Check with your property manager or landlord for their exact process.)
• Sign a lease addendum: After approval, you and your landlord must sign a Lease Addendum (Change in Occupants). This document officially adds your roommate to the lease and holds both tenants responsible.
• Keep copies: Always retain copies of new agreements and signed addenda for your records.

Required Forms: Names and Links

• Rental Application Form
  No statewide standard form. Use the one your landlord provides, or request their preferred document.
  Example: If your landlord uses the Arkansas REALTORS® Application, ask for their latest version. Ensure both you and your roommate provide required documentation. See Arkansas REALTORS® for more.
• Lease Addendum (Change in Occupants)
  No required state form; your landlord should draft or provide this addendum. It should name the new roommate, their move-in date, and updated rent responsibility.
  Tip: Request a copy for your records once all signatures are complete.

Currently, Arkansas does not provide official tenant forms for these situations. Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Housing page for general resources.

Who Oversees Rental Issues in Arkansas?

Disputes over lease changes, roommates, or shared housing are overseen by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and, in many cases, Arkansas courts (local district courts for landlord-tenant disputes). There is no state-specific tribunal dedicated to residential tenancies in Arkansas.²

After Adding a Roommate: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Once your roommate is added to the lease:

• They are legally responsible for rent and lease compliance.
• Your landlord can hold both or either of you responsible for any damages or unpaid rent.
• Any future changes (removing a roommate, etc.) must also be approved in writing.

Summary

Adding a roommate in Arkansas is straightforward if you follow proper steps, use official forms, and keep all communications in writing. This protects your rights and minimizes disputes.

FAQs About Adding a Roommate in Arkansas

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a roommate?
   Yes, Arkansas law and most leases require landlord approval before adding a new occupant.
2. What happens if I add a roommate without approval?
   You risk violating your lease, which may lead to eviction or legal action.
3. What form do I use to add a roommate?
   There is no standard Arkansas form. Use your landlord’s rental application and have them prepare a lease addendum for the new occupant.
4. Are roommates jointly responsible for rent?
   Yes, once the new roommate is added to the lease, both tenants share responsibility for rent and damages.
5. Can my landlord increase my rent if I add a roommate?
   Your landlord may negotiate new rental terms when the lease is changed. Always clarify and agree in writing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 — Full state legislation
• Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration — Housing/Rental Issues
• Legal Aid of Arkansas — Free legal assistance for renters
• Arkansas REALTORS® — Forms and rental guidance

---

1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007
2. Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration – Housing

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations