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Housing assistance in Arkansas

Arkansas gives renters fewer protections than most states. Since November 1, 2021, leases include basic quality standards (water, electricity, sewer, a working roof and existing heat and air), but a tenant's only remedy is to end the lease if repairs are not made within 30 days, and rent may not be withheld. Energy assistance (LIHEAP) is run by the Arkansas Energy Office through community-based organizations that cover all 75 counties. Starting in 2026, Legal Aid of Arkansas is the state's only Legal Services Corporation-funded provider of free civil legal help.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Fort Smith Housing AuthorityFort SmithPublic housing agencyFayetteville Housing AuthorityFayettevillePublic housing agencyNorthbridge (formerly North Little Rock Housing Authority)North Little RockPublic housing agency Arkansas Development Finance AuthorityStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in ArkansasHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Arkansas

Energy and utility bills

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Arkansas Energy Office (Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment)

    Helps eligible households with heating bills in winter and cooling bills in summer. Apply through the community-based organization (community action agency) that serves your county, not the Energy Office. The Energy Office's service-territory map lists every county's local agency.

Free legal help

  • Legal Aid of Arkansas Legal Aid of Arkansas

    Free civil legal services for low-income Arkansans, including evictions, landlord-tenant disputes and housing discrimination. Apply by phone (1-800-9-LAW-AID) or online. Starting in 2026 it is the state's only Legal Services Corporation-funded legal aid organization.

    Call 1-800-952-9243
  • Arkansas Law Help Legal Aid of Arkansas and Arkansas Access to Justice

    Free legal information on evictions, fair housing and renting in Arkansas, with links to apply for free legal help.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Arkansas

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than 2 months' rent.

Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-304

Deposit return deadline

Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit, minus unpaid rent and damages itemized in a written notice. Mailing it first class to the tenant's last known address counts. If the payment comes back and the tenant cannot be found, the landlord keeps it after 180 days.

Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

If rent is not paid within 5 days of the due date, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement. To file a civil eviction (unlawful detainer) for nonpayment, the landlord must give 3 days' written notice to quit. A separate older statute also makes it a misdemeanor to willfully stay more than 10 days after a written notice to vacate for nonpayment.

Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-701(b), 18-60-304(3), 18-16-101

Landlord entry notice

No statute specifying notice; check the lease. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, services, investigating possible lease violations or criminal activity, or showing the unit, and may not change the locks without the landlord's permission.

Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-602

If the landlord won’t make repairs

No repair-and-deduct, and rent cannot be withheld or offset. For leases entered into or renewed after November 1, 2021, if the unit fails the basic quality standards, the tenant (if current on rent) may send written notice by certified mail or another method the lease allows. If the landlord does not fix the problem within 30 calendar days, the tenant's only remedy is to end the lease without penalty and get back the recoverable deposit.

Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-502 (Act 1052 of 2021)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Arkansas

More local contacts: HUD’s Arkansas resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. Ark. Code § 18-16-304 Security deposit limitFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  2. Ark. Code § 18-16-305 Return of depositFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  3. Ark. Code § 18-17-701 Noncompliance; failure to pay rentFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  4. Ark. Code § 18-60-304 Unlawful detainerFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  5. Ark. Code § 18-16-101 Failure to pay rent; refusal to vacateFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  6. Ark. Code § 18-17-602 AccessFindLaw (Arkansas Code mirror)
  7. Act 1052 of 2021 (SB594), implied residential quality standardsArkansas State Legislature
  8. Code Sections Amended, Title 18 (2021-2026 sessions)Arkansas State Legislature
  9. LIHEAPArkansas Energy Office
  10. Legal Aid of ArkansasLegal Aid of Arkansas
  11. Arkansas Law HelpArkansas Law Help
  12. Fort Smith Housing AuthorityFort Smith Housing Authority
  13. Fayetteville Housing AuthorityFayetteville Housing Authority
  14. Northbridge (formerly North Little Rock Housing Authority)Northbridge