Arkansas remains one of the most landlord-friendly states in the U.S., particularly when it comes to rent increase laws. As a tenant in 2025, understanding your rights and what to expect regarding rent hikes is crucial for making informed housing decisions.
No Rent Control or Caps on Rent Increases
- Arkansas does not have any statewide rent control laws. This means there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase rent, either annually or between lease terms.
- Local governments in Arkansas are also prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances, so this policy applies uniformly across the state.
- Landlords are free to set rental rates and raise them to match market conditions, giving them significant flexibility but leaving tenants vulnerable to large increases.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- The primary legal protection for tenants is the requirement that landlords provide advance written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising the rent.
- For week-to-week tenancies, the notice period is at least 7 days.
- For fixed-term leases (such as a one-year lease), rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it. Any increase would only apply after the lease expires, with proper notice given before the new lease term begins.
How and When Rent Can Be Increased
- Landlords can increase rent as often as they wish, but typically only at the end of a lease term or with proper notice in a month-to-month arrangement.
- There is no legal limit to the size of the increase. Landlords are not required to justify or explain the reason for a rent hike.
- Rent increases must always be communicated in writing. Verbal notices are not valid under Arkansas law.
Illegal Rent Increases
Certain circumstances make a rent increase unlawful:
- Discrimination: Landlords cannot raise rent based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status, as protected by the federal Fair Housing Act.
- Retaliation: It is illegal for a landlord to increase rent as retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights, such as reporting unsafe living conditions or joining a tenant union.
- During a Fixed-Term Lease: Unless the lease specifically allows for mid-term increases, rent cannot be raised during the active lease period.
Tenant Options and Protections
- If you receive a rent increase notice, you can try to negotiate with the landlord, accept the new rent, or choose to move out before the new rate takes effect.
- If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you may seek legal counsel and potentially challenge the increase in court.
- Tenants are entitled to live in units that meet basic habitability standards, and landlords must maintain safe and sanitary conditions.
Table: Arkansas Rent Increase Laws 2025
| Aspect | Rule/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Rent Control | None; no caps or limits |
| Local Rent Control Allowed? | No; statewide preemption |
| Notice Required (Month-to-Month) | 30 days written notice |
| Notice Required (Week-to-Week) | 7 days written notice |
| Notice Required (Fixed-Term Lease) | At lease renewal, per lease terms |
| Maximum Increase Amount | No limit |
| Illegal Increases | Discrimination, retaliation, during fixed lease |
| Written Notice Required | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas landlords can raise rent by any amount, with no state-imposed limit, as long as they provide proper written notice.
- Tenants should always review their lease agreements carefully and be aware of the notice periods required for rent increases.
- There are no protections against large rent hikes, so tenants should plan accordingly and seek legal advice if they suspect an illegal or retaliatory increase.
Understanding these laws empowers tenants to better navigate their housing choices and respond effectively to changes in rent. For further assistance, tenants may consult local legal aid organizations or tenant advocacy groups for guidance on Arkansas rental laws.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/arkansas-rent-control-laws/
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-arkansas
[3] https://www.weekendermanagement.com/arkansas-rent-increase-law/
[4] https://www.doorloop.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent
[5] https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/
