Arkansas Apartment Lease Agreement

Use our professional downloadable Arkansas apartment lease agreement template to ensure you adhere to state laws.

Legal Aspects 

As part of the Arkansas apartment lease agreement process, the landlord will conduct a credit check and validate the tenant’s income through their employer or by examining previous tax returns. If the tenant meets the landlord’s criteria, a lease will be drawn up for both parties to sign.

Security Deposit 

The security deposit law for Arkansas apartment lease agreements offers additional safeguards for tenants. 

• The maximum security deposit is two months’ rent. E.g., if rent is $500/month, the deposit cannot exceed $1,000.
• Landlords must refund security deposits within 60 days of departure but can subtract repair costs or overdue rent from the deposit.
• If the landlord makes deductions from your security deposit, they must provide you with a written, detailed list of the charges within 60 days from the date you vacate the property.
• The landlord can withhold the entire amount if the damages or unpaid rent cost surpasses the security deposit.

Entry and Access 

In Arkansas, no specific laws mandate landlords to provide prior notice before accessing the property.

• Landlords in Arkansas have the right to access their property for inspections, repairs, decorations, alterations, improvements, and property showings. 
• They can also enter the property to deliver necessary services, investigate potential lease agreement violations, or any suspected illegal activities.
• In emergencies, Arkansas law has no specific provisions about landlords entering without notice. However, it’s generally accepted that landlords can access the property during emergencies without providing prior notice.

Pets Policy 

A Pet Lease Addendum is a crucial document for tenants intending to keep pets in a rental property where the landlord’s standard lease doesn’t cover pet-related conditions. Here are the key scenarios where you’d need this Lease Addendum:

• No Pets in Standard Lease: If the original lease forbids pets or doesn’t mention them, you should request this Addendum to get the landlord’s consent to have a pet.
• Lease Modification: If you’re an existing tenant whose lease doesn’t permit pets, but you’ve agreed with your landlord to keep a pet, you should use this Addendum to formalize this agreement.
• Specifying Pet Terms: Even if your lease allows pets, you might still want this Addendum to detail pet-related conditions, like the type and number of pets, deposits or fees, and pet ownership rules and responsibilities.
• Pet-Friendly Rentals: In rental communities or properties that generally permit pets but lack specific pet terms in their standard leases, tenants can use this Addendum to set the terms of pet ownership.
• Local Law Compliance: This Addendum can help comply with local regulations requiring pet ownership in rental properties.

Remember, a Pet Lease Addendum is legally binding. Both tenants and landlords should understand its terms before signing. It should outline the rules, responsibilities, and any additional costs or liabilities related to pet ownership. 

Disclosures 

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

While not mandated for Arkansas apartment lease agreements, certain disclosures and addenda can be beneficial. They aid in managing tenant relationships and can also help to minimize the landlord’s liability.

• Landlord details (Name and Address)
• Bed bugs
• Asbestos
• Returned/Late Check Fees
• Non-Refundable Fees
• Mold disclosure
• Medical Marijuana Use
• Smoking
• Shared Utility Arrangements 
• Move-in checklist