Arkansas has some of the most landlord-friendly rent increase laws in the United States. Here’s what tenants should know about rent increases in Arkansas for 2024:
No Statewide Rent Control
Arkansas does not have any statewide rent control laws. This means:
- There is no cap on how much landlords can raise rent
- Landlords can increase rent by any amount they choose
- Cities and counties in Arkansas are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances
Notice Requirements
While landlords have significant freedom in raising rents, they must adhere to certain notice requirements:
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before implementing a rent increase
- For week-to-week tenancies, landlords must give at least 7 days’ notice
- The notice must be in writing and specify the new rent amount and effective date
Timing of Rent Increases
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless specified in the lease agreement
- Once a fixed-term lease expires and becomes month-to-month, landlords can raise rent with proper notice
- There is no limit on how often rent can be increased, but typically it’s done annually
Tenant Protections
While Arkansas favors landlords, there are some protections for tenants:
- Rent increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory
- Landlords cannot raise rent based on factors like race, religion, gender, or familial status
- Retaliatory rent increases (e.g., in response to a tenant complaint) are illegal
What Tenants Can Do
- Review your lease agreement carefully for any clauses about rent increases
- If you receive a rent increase notice, ensure it complies with the 30-day written notice requirement
- Consider negotiating with your landlord if you feel the increase is too high
- Be prepared to move if you cannot afford the new rent, as there are no limits on increases
Understanding these laws can help Arkansas tenants navigate rent increases and make informed decisions about their housing situations in 2024.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-arkansas
- https://www.weekendermanagement.com/arkansas-rent-increase-law/
- https://www.littlerockproperty.management/blog/rent-increase-laws-in-little-rock-arkansas
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/arkansas-rent-control-laws/