Arkansas Tenant Rights for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Are you renting a property in Arkansas for a short-term vacation stay? Understanding your rights as a tenant can be confusing—especially if you’re unsure how Arkansas law applies to short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. This guide covers what renters need to know, explains key legal terms, and helps you protect yourself when issues like early eviction, deposits, or maintenance disputes arise during your stay in a short-term rental.

Understanding Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Arkansas

Short-term vacation rentals refer to stays of 30 days or less, often arranged through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or directly with a property owner. Arkansas law treats these rentals differently from long-term leases, and the rights and obligations can vary depending on your agreement with the property owner.

What Laws Apply to Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

In Arkansas, most tenancy matters are governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007^[1]. However, this Act typically covers rental agreements of more than 30 days. For short-term vacation rentals, your rights will usually depend on the rental contract.

• You still have the right to a safe, habitable property, even for short stays.
• Many consumer protections apply regardless of rental length, such as laws against discrimination.

If your stay is longer than 30 days or you renew your agreement, you may have additional legal protections as a traditional tenant under Arkansas law.

Deposits, Fees, and the Security Deposit Return Process

If your short-term vacation rental requires a security deposit, Arkansas statute requires the landlord or host to return your deposit within 60 days of your move-out, minus any lawful deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Get a receipt for any deposit you pay, and take photos of the property at check-in and check-out to document its condition.

• Use the Security Deposit Return Request Letter if you’ve left and have not received your deposit within the legal timeframe.
  • When to use: After 60 days of vacating the property with no deposit returned.
  • How to use: Mail the letter to the host/owner requesting the deposit return.
  • Download the Security Deposit Return Request Letter sample (PDF)

Eviction and Early Termination

Unlike long-term leases, short-term vacation rental agreements often allow the host or guest to cancel before the stay ends. However, a host must follow the terms of your written agreement. If you are asked to leave before your reservation ends and believe it is unfair, you can contact the Arkansas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division for help.

• You are not required to receive a formal eviction notice for a short-term stay, but you cannot be locked out illegally.
• If you face a lockout, document the situation and contact the authorities if necessary.
• For longer stays (more than 30 days), formal eviction processes apply. Eviction forms and details can be found with the court system listed below.

How Maintenance, Repairs, and Safety are Handled

Hosts must keep properties safe and habitable for guests. This means functioning smoke detectors, plumbing, locks, and compliance with local health ordinances. If you’re facing urgent safety or maintenance issues:

• Notify your host in writing immediately. Use messaging through the booking platform when possible for a record.
• If issues are not resolved and your stay is unsafe, you may be able to cancel and seek a refund through the platform’s or provider's dispute process.

Discrimination and Guest Rights

Even on short-term rentals, you are protected by federal anti-discrimination law—the Fair Housing Act—and Arkansas state law. Hosts cannot refuse to rent or treat guests differently based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.

Where to File a Complaint or Get Help

If your rights are violated, you can:

• Contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for assistance with short-term rental problems.
• For formal eviction disputes (for longer-term stays), you may need to engage with your local Arkansas District Court, which handles landlord-tenant and eviction issues.

FAQ: Arkansas Short-Term Vacation Rental Tenant Rights

1. Do I have tenant rights during an Airbnb or short-term stay in Arkansas?
   Yes, you have basic rights to safety and non-discrimination. However, most Arkansas landlord-tenant laws apply to leases of more than 30 days. Always review your written agreement for additional protections.
2. What can I do if a host refuses to return my security deposit?
   If it has been over 60 days since you left and your security deposit was not returned, you can send a written request letter and contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
3. Is a host allowed to lock me out of a short-term rental without warning?
   No. Arkansas law prohibits lockouts without due process, even for short-term stays. Contact local authorities if this happens to you.
4. How do I file a complaint about a short-term rental problem?
   You can contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division online or by phone for help with disputes.
5. Where can I find official forms for disputes or eviction?
   Sample forms such as security deposit request letters are available through the Attorney General’s website. For formal eviction procedures (for stays over 30 days), consult your local District Court’s resources.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Short-term renters in Arkansas have rights to safety, refunds for unused rent under certain conditions, and protection from unlawful eviction or discrimination.
• Always get agreements in writing and keep documentation of all communications.
• Return of security deposits and handling of disputes often require written requests and, in some cases, help from state agencies.

In summary, your main protections for short-term vacation rentals in Arkansas come from the terms of your rental agreement and general safety and anti-discrimination laws. If you run into a problem, state resources are available to help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – File consumer complaints, request security deposit help, and get free guidance.
• Arkansas District Courts – Handle formal landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction for longer-term stays.
• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 – Read the state’s official landlord-tenant laws.
• U.S. Department of Justice: Fair Housing Act – Learn about your rights to fair, non-discriminatory housing.

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1. Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (AR Code Ann. § 18-17-101 et seq.)
2. Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
3. Arkansas Judicial Branch: District Courts
4. U.S. Department of Justice: Fair Housing Act
5. Sample Security Deposit Return Letter – Arkansas AG

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