Does Arkansas have rent control for apartments or single-family homes?

No, Arkansas does not have state or local rent control or rent stabilization laws for private rental housing.

How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?

For month-to-month rentals, at least 30 days’ written notice is usually required, but always check your lease.

What should I do if my rent is raised and I cannot afford it?

Try to negotiate with your landlord, seek financial help, or contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Are Section 8 or subsidized apartments subject to rent limits?

Yes, if you receive federal assistance such as Section 8, your rent is capped based on your income and program rules.

Is there a government agency that will review an unfair rent increase in Arkansas?

No, Arkansas has no agency that regulates rent levels, but the Attorney General’s Office may help with other rental issues.

Arkansas Rent Control Laws: 2025 Update for Renters

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Arkansas published June 21, 2025

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Arkansas, you may wonder if there are any state or local rent control laws that limit how much your landlord can increase your rent. This article explains the rent control situation in Arkansas for 2025, how state laws affect your rent, and what steps you can take if you’re concerned about rent increases or other tenant rights issues.

Is Rent Control Allowed in Arkansas?

Arkansas does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. In fact, state law actually prohibits local cities or counties from enacting their own rent control ordinances for private rental housing. This means that rent amounts are generally set by what is agreed to in your lease, and there is no state law enforcing limits on how much rent can go up when your lease is renewed.

No statewide or local rent control for private units
Landlords may generally raise rent after a lease ends or as specified in the lease
Rent increases cannot be made for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons

For official reference, Arkansas Code § 14-16-1201 prohibits local governments from adopting rent control. There are currently no exceptions in Arkansas law for special groups or types of housing.^[1]

What Controls Rent Increases in Arkansas?

Though Arkansas does not impose rent control, rent changes are still governed by your lease agreement and by standard notice requirements. Here are a few important considerations:

If you have a fixed-term lease (such as for one year), the landlord cannot raise the rent during the lease unless your lease explicitly allows it.
If you rent month-to-month, your landlord must give proper written notice before raising the rent.
- For most month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days’ written notice is standard. Always check your lease and county regulations to confirm notice periods.
Rent increase notices must be provided in writing. There is no Arkansas state form required, but written documentation is key.

What Is the Key Rental Housing Law in Arkansas?

All residential rental agreements in Arkansas are governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 3, Chapter 17). This law covers the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords—although it does not provide rent control or limits on how much rent can increase.^[2]

Are There Any Exceptions?

The only properties that may have federally-imposed rent limits in Arkansas are those that participate in federal assistance programs, such as HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartments. Tenants in these units should consult their program administrator for details. For most private rentals, state and local law offers no rent limit protections.

Eviction Protections and How Rent Increases Relate

If you are unable to pay rent after an increase, Arkansas law allows landlords to begin the eviction process. However, landlords must follow proper notice and eviction procedures. Rent cannot be increased mid-lease unless your agreement states otherwise.

Official Forms and Where to Get Help

Complaint Form: While Arkansas does not have a statewide residential rental complaint form, renters can contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division to file a general housing complaint against a landlord. This online portal guides you through the process.

When and how used: If you believe your landlord has violated state law (for example, through retaliation or discrimination), use the online complaint system to submit your case. You will provide written details and attach supporting documents like notices or the lease.

No Official Rent Increase Form: Arkansas law does not require a specific state form for rent increases, but all notices must be in writing. Keep any written communication for your records.

The Arkansas Judiciary is the official tribunal handling landlord-tenant disputes. Most cases are heard in local district courts. For more information on filing or responding to an eviction case, visit the Arkansas District Courts page.

If you receive a rent increase and have questions or concerns, you can always consult the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act for your rights and responsibilities as a renter.

FAQ: Arkansas Rent Increases and Rent Control

Does Arkansas have rent control for apartments or single-family homes?
No, Arkansas does not have state or local rent control or rent stabilization laws for private rental housing.
How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days’ written notice is usually required, but always check your lease.
What should I do if my rent is raised and I cannot afford it?
Try to negotiate with your landlord, seek assistance from local charities, or look into available rental assistance programs. If needed, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for help.
Are Section 8 or subsidized apartments subject to rent limits?
Yes, if you receive federal rental assistance (such as Section 8), your rent is usually capped based on your income and program guidelines.
Is there a government agency that will review an unfair rent increase in Arkansas?
There is no state agency that sets or reviews rent levels, but you may contact the Attorney General’s Office for possible assistance with other landlord-tenant issues.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

There are no rent control or rent stabilization laws in Arkansas for private rentals
Rents can be increased according to lease terms with proper written notice
Know your rights under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Be sure to keep all written records and know where to turn for assistance if you have concerns about a rent increase or other rental issue.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arkansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – File complaints or seek information about consumer and rental rights.
Arkansas Judiciary / District Courts – Find your local court if you have a landlord-tenant dispute.
Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) Housing Resources – Learn about emergency rental assistance and affordable housing programs.
Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act – Read the key law regulating rental housing rights in Arkansas.
HUD Arkansas Rental Assistance – Find information on federal rental help programs.

See Arkansas Code § 14-16-1201 – Rent Control Prohibited.
See Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 3, Chapter 17).