Arkansas Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

Renting a home should feel safe—especially in difficult circumstances. If you’re a tenant in Arkansas experiencing domestic violence, state law gives you important protections. Here’s what you need to know about your rights, how to stay secure, and what steps to take if you need to change your locks, break your lease, or request emergency protections.

Your Rights as a Tenant Experiencing Domestic Violence in Arkansas

Arkansas law recognizes the serious impact of domestic abuse and provides legal protections for affected renters. As a tenant, these rights help ensure your safety while minimizing the risk of housing instability.

Key Legal Protections for Tenants

• Right to Change Locks: If you provide your landlord with a copy of an order of protection, you can request that the locks be changed for your safety.
• Early Lease Termination: In some cases, you may have the right to end your lease early if you are a victim, by following specific legal steps.
• Protection from Discrimination: Landlords may not evict or refuse to rent to you solely because you are a survivor of domestic violence.

Arkansas law also specifies procedures for providing documentation, and your landlord must respect your rights when you follow them. For full details, see the Arkansas Code Annotated § 18-16-112 (Landlord-Tenant Domestic Abuse Protections).

How to Change Your Locks

To change your locks for safety, you need to provide certain documentation. This process helps ensure your security without violating your lease.

• Step 1: Obtain an active Order of Protection from an Arkansas court. This legal order is typically issued if a court finds there is a credible threat of harm.
• Step 2: Give a written request, along with a copy of the Order of Protection, to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records.
• Step 3: The landlord must change the locks within 72 hours. If they do not, you may change the locks yourself, but you must give the landlord a new key.

If unsure, contact your local court or seek advocate support for help with the legal process. Lock changes can provide immediate peace of mind, but must follow Arkansas guidelines.

Ending Your Lease Early Due to Domestic Violence

If continued residence puts you or your household at risk of further abuse, Arkansas law may allow you to end your lease early under specific conditions. Here’s how the process works:

• You must have a qualifying protective order (such as an Order of Protection).
• Provide your landlord with written notice of your intent to terminate the lease, along with a copy of the order.
• Pay rent owed up to the lease termination date (usually 30 days after notice, but refer to your lease and Arkansas Code § 18-16-112).

Doing so legally ends your tenancy while safeguarding your credit and future rental options.

Official Forms and Agencies

• Order of Protection Form (No. not specified): Used to request legal protection from abuse. Complete and submit at any Arkansas Circuit Court.
  Example: If you are threatened or harmed by a household member, file this form to gain legal protection and support your housing rights.
  Find the official Order of Protection form here.
• Written Notice of Lease Termination (No. not specified): There’s no standard state-wide form. You must write a letter stating your intent to end your lease early due to domestic violence, attach a copy of your order of protection, and deliver both to your landlord. Consider sending by certified mail for proof of delivery.
  Example: If you need to relocate for safety, submit this letter along with your protection order.

Where to Get Legal Assistance

For direct support, visit the website of the official Arkansas Judicial Branch for landlord-tenant information. Residential tenancy disputes or protections can be addressed in Arkansas state courts.

Key Arkansas Legislation

• Arkansas Code Annotated § 18-16-112 – Landlord-Tenant Domestic Abuse Protections
• Arkansas Code Title 9, Chapter 15 – Orders of Protection

These laws provide the foundation for your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities of landlords regarding domestic violence situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord evict me for being a victim of domestic violence in Arkansas?
   No, Arkansas law prohibits landlords from evicting you solely because you are a victim of domestic abuse.
2. What documents do I need to provide to change my locks?
   You must give your landlord a copy of your court-issued Order of Protection along with a written request to change the locks.
3. How soon must my landlord change my locks after I provide proper notice?
   The landlord is required to change your locks within 72 hours after receiving your request and protection order.
4. Can I break my lease early if I am a domestic violence survivor?
   Yes, Arkansas law allows early lease termination if you have a valid court order and follow the state’s written notice requirements.
5. Is there an official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in Arkansas?
   There is no separate tribunal—cases are handled by the Arkansas state courts.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Arkansas law gives renters protections for safety, including lock changes and early lease termination with proper orders.
• Always provide written notice and a court-issued Order of Protection to your landlord when requesting protections.
• If you need support, confidential resources and state forms are available to help you take action and stay safe.

Know your rights and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if you are facing domestic violence as a renter in Arkansas.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas State Courts – File for protections or resolve landlord-tenant disputes
• Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Advocacy, crisis services, and shelter information
• Arkansas Code § 18-16-112 – Complete text of the state’s domestic violence rental protections
• Order of Protection Forms – Apply for court protection

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1. Arkansas Code Annotated § 18-16-112 – Landlord-Tenant Domestic Abuse Protections
2. Arkansas Courts Order of Protection Forms
3. Arkansas State Courts
4. Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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