Renter's Rights in Arkansas
If leasing property in Arkansas, it is important to be aware of landlord-tenant laws. According to The Landlord Protection Agency, tenants actually have very limited rights under state law, as of December 2010. Therefore, being aware of those rights that you actually do have may help to ensure that they aren't infringed on by an overzealous landlord.
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Security Deposits
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Under Arkansas law, tenants have some additional protections when they hand over a security deposit. However, it should be noted that the security deposit law only applies to landlords that have six or more properties within his rental portfolio. Security deposits cannot equal more than two months rent. Upon vacating the premises, your landlord has just 30 days to give you back your deposit. However, your landlord may deduct charges---or keep the entire amount of the deposit---for unpaid rent and damages done to the residence, but only if he provides a written list of those charges.
Rental Rates
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According to The Landlord Protection Agency, your landlord cannot indiscriminately raise your rental rate. Arkansas landlord-tenant law states that he must provide notice of at least one rental period in writing if you have an verbal agreement. Moreover, he cannot raise the rates at all if you have a written lease. He must wait until the current terms of the lease have expired, then change the rental rate before you sign a new rental contract.
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No Surprise Evictions
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Your landlord cannot suddenly decide she wants her dwelling back in the state of Arkansas without notice. If you have a verbal lease agreement, then she must give you at least one month's notice. However, similar to the laws regarding rental rates, a written lease agreement is airtight. She cannot simply evict you---unless you have neglected to pay your rent, in which case she can file for eviction within the Arkansas court systems---if you have a written lease agreement.
No Discriminatory Practices
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Landlords may not engage in discrimination against tenants---or potential tenants---under the Fair Housing Act. Arkansas landlord-tenant law states that tenants may not be discriminated against based on the color of their skin, their gender, choice of religion or country of origin. Moreover, discrimination cannot be a factor in the leasing terms of a residence---such as making the rent higher for people of a different culture or race.
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