In Arkansas in 2025, tenants should understand that the state does not have rent control laws that limit how much a landlord can increase rent. This means landlords have broad freedom to raise rent by any amount once the initial lease expires or during month-to-month tenancies, provided they follow the law’s notice requirements. Unlike some states with rent caps or regulations, Arkansas landlords can raise rent to market rates without restrictions on the increase size, but proper procedural rules must be observed to make the increase valid.
One of the key protections for tenants is the requirement for landlords to give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing the rent for month-to-month leases. That notice must clearly specify the new rental amount and the effective date. For week-to-week tenancies, the notice period shortens to seven days. Verbal notices are not considered valid under Arkansas law, so tenants should insist on written communication for any rent changes. If a landlord fails to provide proper notice, tenants may legally disregard the rent hike until correct notice is delivered.
During a fixed-term lease, landlords generally cannot increase rent unless the lease contract explicitly allows this. Rent increases most commonly happen at the end of the lease term, when landlords can offer new lease terms with adjusted rental amounts. Sudden rent increases during an ongoing fixed lease without such provisions can be challenged by tenants.
While Arkansas laws provide flexibility for landlords in raising rent, there are legal boundaries that protect tenants from abuse. Landlords cannot raise rent for discriminatory reasons, such as based on race, religion, sex, or familial status, as prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act. Similarly, rent increases cannot be retaliatory—for example, landlords cannot raise rent as punishment if a tenant complains about unsafe living conditions or asserts their legal rights. Such acts of retaliation are illegal and can be contested in court.
Tenants facing rent increases should carefully review their lease agreements to understand their terms and communicate promptly with landlords about concerns. Negotiations may be possible if the increase is perceived as too steep or sudden. Since there is no statewide cap on rent increases, tenants must stay vigilant about notices and prepare to explore alternative housing options if they cannot afford the new rent.
Arkansas tenants in 2025 face a landlord-friendly regulatory environment on rent increases, with no caps on amount but required written notice periods and protections against discriminatory or retaliatory rent hikes. Knowing these rules helps renters make informed decisions and assert their rights effectively when confronted with rent increases. Tenants should always ensure they receive proper written notice in advance and understand their lease terms to navigate rent changes legally and fairly.
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.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRlWi82s5w
[4] https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/
[5] https://thompsonandhowle.com/arkansas-landlord-tenant-laws-rental-rights-2025/
