Rent Increases and Accessibility Upgrades: Arkansas Rules Explained

If you live in Arkansas and need an accessibility upgrade to your rental home—such as a wheelchair ramp or accessible bathroom—it's important to know your rights regarding rent changes. Understanding when and how a landlord can increase rent after these improvements ensures you can make informed decisions to protect your housing and budget.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades in Arkansas Rentals

Accessibility upgrades refer to modifications made for a renter with a disability, helping them use and enjoy their home. Common upgrades include:

• Wheelchair ramps or widened doorways
• Bathroom grab bars
• Accessible appliances or controls
• Visual or auditory alert systems

These changes are often requested under the federal Fair Housing Act, which requires landlords to allow "reasonable accommodations" for renters with disabilities. In Arkansas, landlords must comply with these federal requirements¹, but state law gives them some flexibility regarding who pays for the upgrades and how rent may be affected.

Can Landlords Increase Rent After Accessibility Upgrades?

Under state and federal law, landlords in Arkansas generally cannot increase rent solely because a tenant requests a reasonable accommodation or makes a disability-related modification. However, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Landlords may ask renters to pay for modifications, but they cannot charge a higher regular rent because of your disability or the upgrade.
• They may require you to return the unit to its original condition at the end of your tenancy (reasonable wear and tear excepted).
• If the upgrade adds substantial value (like a permanent elevator installation), some agreements may differ—seek advice from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)–Arkansas office.

Overall, these protections ensure accessibility needs are not a reason for rent hikes, keeping Arkansas renters on equal footing with others.

Rent Increases: Timing and Notice Requirements

If your landlord is considering any rent increase (not related to a disability upgrade), they must comply with Arkansas's general rent laws. This means:

• For month-to-month leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before any increase.
• For fixed-term leases: Rent cannot increase until the end of the term unless agreed to in the lease.

You can find these rules in the Arkansas Attorney General Tenant Rights resource and the Arkansas residential tenancy laws.²

What Forms Should Arkansas Renters Use?

• Reasonable Accommodation Request (No official state form)
  There is no specific Arkansas government form; written requests are valid. Clearly state your disability-related need, the requested upgrade, and keep a dated copy for your records. For examples and guidance, use HUD’s reasonable accommodation guidance.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  If you believe your landlord unfairly increased rent because of a disability, file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD using HUD Form 903 Online.
  Example: If your landlord raises your rent only after you request a wheelchair ramp, submit this form online with details of your situation.

If Issues Arise: Who Handles Disputes?

Arkansas does not have a centralized housing tribunal or board for residential tenancy disputes. Most legal matters go through local courts. However, renters can contact:

• Arkansas Attorney General’s Office—Consumer Protection Division
• HUD—Arkansas Fair Housing Office

For formal disputes, small claims or district courts may have jurisdiction depending on your case. See Arkansas Courts Directory for local contact information.

What Arkansas Law Says: Key Legislation

• Federal Fair Housing Act—42 U.S. Code § 3604
• Arkansas State Landlord-Tenant Laws

While Arkansas does not have a comprehensive state-level landlord-tenant act, renters are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act against disability-related discrimination, including unjust rent increases.

FAQs for Arkansas Renters Facing Disability-Related Rent Issues

1. Can my landlord increase rent because I requested an accessibility upgrade?
   No. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot raise your rent specifically because you requested or received a disability-related upgrade.
2. Who pays for accessibility upgrades in Arkansas?
   Usually, renters cover the cost, but you may be able to negotiate or find funding assistance. Landlords cannot force you to use specific contractors.
3. Can a landlord charge a separate “modification fee” monthly with rent?
   No. Arkansas law and federal rules do not allow separate monthly surcharges for disability-related modifications.
4. How do I report if my landlord increases rent unfairly after a disability request?
   You can file a complaint online with HUD using HUD Form 903.
5. Do I have to restore the apartment to its original condition when I move out?
   Yes, if specified in writing and if it is reasonable, but only modifications made for your own benefit must be restored (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

Key Takeaways for Arkansas Renters

• Landlords cannot increase rent because of an accessibility or disability-related upgrade.
• Written notice is required for any regular rent increase (at least 30 days for month-to-month).
• If your rights are violated, use the official HUD online housing discrimination complaint process or contact the Arkansas Attorney General.

Protecting your rights helps ensure accessible and fair housing for all Arkansas renters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Protection—Tenant & Landlord Rights: State guidance and contact options
• HUD Fair Housing–Arkansas: File complaints or get information on housing discrimination
• Arkansas District Courts Directory: Find your county court for legal disputes
• Arkansas Legal Aid: Free legal services for qualified renters

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1. See HUD’s summary of reasonable accommodations and modifications.
2. Find details on Arkansas rent rules in the Arkansas Attorney General’s Tenant Rights guide.

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