Arka‌nsas Pet Rent Laws in 2025: What Actually Works‌ (and What Do‍esn​'t)

Last month, I talked to a landlord in Little Rock who'd been turning away pet owners for three years. Her two bedroom duplex sat vacant for 47 days between tenants which is twice as long as the market average. When I asked why she would not consider pet-friendly policies, she said, "I had a dog destroy my carpets once and it cost me $2,500. Never again."

Here's the thing: that fear is real, but it's also costing her thousands in lost rent. Those 47 vacant days? That's nearly $2,000 in missed income on a property that rents for $1,200 a month. And research shows that 85% of landlords who allow pets report average damage costs of just $430 less than one month's rent.

I'm not saying every landlord should welcome German Shepherds with open arms. What I am saying is this: with the right policies in place, allowing pets in your Arkansas rental property can actually be less risky—and significantly more profitable—than saying no across the board.

Let me show you how.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

If you're managing rental property in Arkansas right now, you've probably noticed something: tenants with pets typically cause only 10–15% more damage than those without. That's it. Meanwhile, 94 million U.S. households own at least one pet, and finding pet-friendly housing is one of the biggest pain points renters face.

The math is simple. Properties that accept pets lease 6 to 8 days faster than those with no-pet policies. In some markets, they command up to 20% higher rent. But here's what really matters: pet owners stay longer because finding their next place is harder. Lower turnover means fewer vacancies, less advertising and fewer turnovers to manage.

At Hemlane our property management software helps landlords nationwide handle everything from tenant screening to rent collection. We've seen firsthand which pet policies work and which create unnecessary headaches. This guide is based on real experiences, Arkansas law and data from thousands of rental properties.

What Arkansas Law Actually Says (It is Less Complicated Than You Think)

Here is the good news about being a landlord in Arkansas. The state gives you a lot of freedom. The Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 doesn't micromanage pet policies the way some states do. You get to decidethe following

• Whether pets are allowed at all
• Which animals you will accept (cats, dogs, birds and reptiles)
• How much to charge in deposits, fees or monthly pet rent
• Whether to impose breed or size restrictions

But, and this is important, you still need to comply with federal laws protecting people with disabilities who need service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). We'll get into that in detail later, but the short version is, service animals and ESAs aren't pets under the law, so you can't charge pet fees for them or deny housing because of them.

Your Lease Agreement Is Everything

Arkansas is actually the only state without a comprehensive implied warranty of habitability for most rental housing (though Act 1052 changed this somewhat in 2021). What this means practically is that your lease agreement carries enormous weight. It is the primary document that defines the relationship between you and your tenant.

When it comes to pets, your lease needs to spell out:

1. What's allowed: Be specific. "Pets allowed" is too vague. "Tenants may keep up to two dogs or cats with a combined weight not exceeding 50 pounds" is much better.
2. What it costs: List every charge separately. Pet deposit, pet fee (if non-refundable) and monthly pet rent.
3. Tenant responsibilities: Who cleans up pet waste? What happens if the dog barks constantly? Be explicit.
4. Consequences: What happens if someone gets an unauthorized pet or their dog damages the property? Spell it out.

The Arkansas Attorney General recommends putting every rental agreement in writing. With pets involved this becomes absolutely critical.

The Money Part: Deposits, Fees, and Monthly Rent

Let us talk numbers because this is where most landlords get confused (or make mistakes that cost them money).

Security Deposits: The Two-Month Rule

Arkansas law caps total security deposits at two months' rent for most landlords. The keyword here is "total." This includes your standard security deposit plus any pet deposit you charge.

Here's an example:

• Monthly rent is $1,000
• The maximum allowable deposits would be $2,000
• You collect a $1,500 standard security deposit
• You can only charge an additional $500 as a pet deposit

But wait, there's an exception. If you own five or fewer rental units and don't use a property management company as you're exempt from this cap. This gives small landlords more flexibility to protect themselves against pet damage.

The Three Types of Pet Charges (And When to Use Each)

I talk to landlords every day who mix these up so let's be crystal clear

1. Pet Deposit (Refundable)

• One-time payment held as security
• Must be returned if no damage occurs
• Counts toward that two-month security deposit limit
• Typical range: $200 to $500

2. Pet Fee (Non-Refundable)

• One-time payment, not returned regardless of damage
• Does NOT count toward security deposit cap
• Must be clearly labeled "non-refundable" in your lease
• Typical range: $150-$300

3. Pet Rent (Monthly)

• Recurring charge added to base rent
• Never refundable
• Not part of security deposit limits
• Typical range in Arkansas is $25-$50 per pet per month

Here is what works in practice. Many successful landlords charge both a refundable pet deposit (for actual damage) AND monthly pet rent (to offset wear and tear). The pet rent might only be $30 per month but over a two-year lease that's $720 in additional income that helps cover deep cleaning, odor treatment or minor repairs.

One landlord I work with in Fayetteville puts it this way, "The pet deposit covers the big stuff if they absolutely trash the place. The monthly pet rent accounts for the reality that even well-behaved dogs scratch floors and make the place smell. It's just being honest about what pet-friendly housing costs."

What About Damage That Exceeds the Deposit?

Let's say you collected a $400 pet deposit, but the tenant's cats caused $1,200 in damage (like urine soaking through carpet into subfloor is expensive). You can pursue the tenant for the additional $800.

In Arkansas small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000 which should cover most pet-related damage scenarios. But you'll need documentation like photos from move-in and move-out, receipts for repairs and records of any communications about the damage.

This is exactly why we built Hemlane's platform with robust photo documentation tools and automatic record-keeping. When disputes happen having a clear paper trail makes all the difference.

Service Animals and ESAs: What You Absolutely Need to Know

This is where things get legally serious and where landlords often make expensive mistakes. Let's be very clear about the rules.

Service Animals Under the ADA

A service animal according to the Americans with Disabilities Act is a dog that's been individually trained to perform specific tasks for someone with a disability. Think guide dogs for blind people, seizure alert dogs or dogs that help with mobility.

What you CANNOT do

• Charge pet rent, pet fees or pet deposits
• Deny housing because of breed or size restrictions
• Require documentation proving that the dog is a service animal
• Refuse the animal even if you have a strict no-pets policy

What you CAN do

• Ask two questions: Is this animal required because of a disability? What task has it been trained to perform?
• Hold the tenant responsible for any actual damage the animal causes
• Require the animal to be under control (if it's aggressive or destructive, you may have grounds for removal)

Emotional Support Animals Under Fair Housing

ESAs are different, they don't need specialized training but they must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider to help with a mental health condition like anxiety or PTSD. The Fair Housing Act protects them.

What you CANNOT do

• Charge any pet-related fees or deposits
• Deny housing because of the animal
• Ask about specific medical details or diagnose conditions

What you CAN do

• Request documentation from a healthcare provider confirming the tenant needs the animal
• Verify the letter is from a legitimate, licensed provider (not just an online "ESA registry")
• Hold the tenant responsible for damage

I've seen landlords get into trouble by assuming every tenant claiming an ESA is trying to dodge pet fees. Yes, fraud exists, but requests for assistance animals can be made verbally or in writing at any point during the tenancy, and Arkansas Law Help confirms that legitimate assistance animals are considered tools of disability management, not pets.

The safest approach? When someone requests an accommodation for an ESA, ask politely for documentation, verify it's legitimate and then allow it. The penalties for violating Fair Housing laws are steep potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

When You CAN Deny an Assistance Animal

There are limited situations where denial is legal

• The specific animal poses a direct threat to others' health or safety
• The animal is causing substantial property damage that can't be mitigated
• Accommodating the animal would create an undue financial burden (very hard to prove)

But here's the key- you can't just remove the animal. You must follow Arkansas's standard eviction process which means providing proper notice and going through the courts if necessary.

What Works: Practical Strategies from Landlords Who Get It Right

After working with thousands of landlords through Hemlane, I've seen patterns emerge. Here's what successful pet-friendly landlords actually do.

1. Screen Pets Like You Screen Tenants

One property manager in Bentonville told me, "I meet every pet before approving it. I want to see how the dog behaves, whether it's well-trained and if it seems aggressive. Five minutes with the animal tells me more than any reference letter."

Here's what to request:

• Veterinary records showing current vaccinations
• References from previous landlords (ask specifically about pet behavior and damage)
• Photos of the pet
• Proof of renters insurance with pet liability coverage

Some landlords require training certificates or behavioral references from groomers or daycare facilities. Certifications such as the AKC's Canine Good Citizen can vouch for a dog's behavior, though this may narrow your tenant pool significantly.

2. Use a Separate Pet Addendum

Don't just add a clause to your standard lease. Create a separate pet addendum that tenants sign alongside the main lease. This document should include:

• Specific details about the pet (name, breed, weight, age and color)
• All pet-related rules and expectations
• Acknowledgment that the tenant is financially responsible for all pet damage
• Agreement to remove the pet if it causes ongoing problems
• Consequences for violations

Having a separate document makes enforcement clearer and shows the tenant took pet ownership seriously at move-in.

3. Document Everything at Move-In

Take extensive photos before the tenant moves in—I'm talking dozens of photos. Focus on areas vulnerable to pet damage:

• All carpeted areas
• Baseboards and door frames
• Doors (both sides)
• Walls at dog-height
• Windowsills
• Yard and landscaping

Do the same at move-out. Having visual proof makes security deposit disputes much easier to resolve. In the handful of cases that go to court, photos are your best evidence.

4. Conduct Mid-Lease Inspections

Arkansas doesn't specify how much notice you must give before entering a rental property but 24 to 48 hours is considered reasonable in most circumstances.

Schedule inspections every 6 to 12 months. Look for:

• Scratches on floors or doors
• Stains or odors
• Signs of pest problems (pet food can attract rodents)
• Unauthorized pets
• Excessive wear beyond what you'd expect

The goal isn't to play "gotcha"—it's to catch problems early. If you notice minor scratching on a door frame during a 6-month inspection, you can address it with the tenant then rather than discovering $800 in damage at move-out.

5. Charge What Makes Sense for Your Market

I've seen landlords charge $100/month in pet rent and wonder why their properties sit empty. Pet damage averages are surprisingly low with only 9% of pets causing any damage and the average cost only being $191.

Research what other pet-friendly rentals in your area charge. In Little Rock, most landlords charge $25-$40 per month per pet. In Northwest Arkansas it might be $35-$50. Set your prices competitively.

Remember: landlords who allowed pets reported an average annual insurance premium of $150 more for pet-friendly housing, but this cost was outweighed by the premium received in rent from pet-friendly housing in just one month. The numbers work if you price reasonably.

When Things Go Wrong: Handling Violations and Evictions

Even with careful screening problems sometimes happen. Maybe the tenant got an unauthorized puppy. Maybe their approved dog is destroying the property. What are your options?

Common Pet-Related Violations

Under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act you can pursue eviction if-

• The tenant has unauthorized pets
• A pet is causing damage beyond normal wear and tear
• A pet creates excessive noise or threatens other tenants

The Legal Process

Arkansas requires specific steps:

For most violations- Provide a 14-day notice to cure or quit. This means the tenant has 14 days to fix the problem (remove the pet, repair damage and stop the disturbances) or move out.

For non-payment of rent (including pet rent)- You only need to give 5 days' notice before filing for eviction.

Document everything: Photos of damage, written complaints from neighbors and records of all communications with the tenant about the pet issue.

One landlord in Conway shared his experience: "I had a tenant whose dog was barking for hours every day. I got written complaints from three neighbors. I sent the tenant a 14-day notice explaining the problem and asking them to address it. They enrolled the dog in training and the problem stopped. I didn't have to evict and they've been great tenants for two years now."

The takeaway? The eviction process exists but it's often better to work with tenants to solve problems. Evictions are expensive and time-consuming avoiding them when possible is good business.

Act 1052 and Habitability: What Changed in 2021

Act 1052 introduced implied habitability standards for rental agreements entered into or renewed after November 1, 2021. While this doesn't directly address pet policies it does mean landlords must now maintain properties that meet basic health and safety requirements.

What does this mean for pet damage? If a pet causes damage that threatens habitability—for example urinate on the carpet or flooring can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more to fix and if left untreated can cause mold or structural damage, you are now legally obligated to address it.

This actually works in landlords' favor. It gives you legal backing to require tenants to immediately address serious pet-related problems that affect habitability.

The Real Cost of Saying "No Pets"

Let's return to that Little Rock landlord I mentioned at the beginning. After our conversation, she decided to try accepting pets on her next vacancy. She set clear policies: two pets maximum, 60-pound limit, $300 refundable pet deposit, $35/month per pet in pet rent.

Her property leased in 11 days—four times faster than her previous vacancy. Her new tenant has two small dogs, pays $70/month in additional pet rent, and signed a two-year lease. Over those two years, that's $1,680 in additional income beyond base rent.

At her six-month inspection, she found minor scratches on one door and some wear on the carpet—exactly what you'd expect. Nothing she couldn't handle with the pet deposit if needed.

"I was leaving money on the table out of fear," she told me. "Not just the pet rent, but the fact that I kept losing weeks of rent because I was limiting myself to only non-pet tenants."

The data backs this up. While 85 per cent of landlords who permitted pets reported some pet-related damage, the worst damage reported averaged only $430—less than they'd lose from even one extra week of vacancy.

Why Pet-Friendly Policies Make Business Sense

Let's summarize the business case:

Reduced Vacancies: Pet-friendly properties lease faster—6 to 8 days faster on average. For a $1,200/month property, that's $240-$320 you're not losing to vacancy.

Additional Income: Pet rent of just $35/month per pet adds $420 annually per pet, or $840 for two pets. Over a two-year lease, that's $1,680 in income.

Lower Turnover: Pet owners stay longer because finding their next pet-friendly rental is harder. Lower turnover means fewer costs for advertising, screening, cleaning, and repairs between tenants.

Larger Tenant Pool: 75% of renters own pets. By accepting pets, you're opening your property to three-quarters of the market instead of just one-quarter.

Attract Better Tenants: Responsible pet ownership often correlates with responsible tenancy. People who invest in their pets' training, healthcare, and well-being tend to take good care of rental properties too.

How Hemlane Makes Pet-Friendly Renting Easier

Full disclosure: I work for Hemlane, so obviously I think our platform is great for landlords. But here's why it specifically helps with pet-friendly policies:

Automated rent collection: Including pet rent is as simple as adding a line item. No manual calculations or separate invoices.

Document storage: Keep photos from move-in inspections, pet addendums, vaccination records, and ESA documentation all in one place.

Communication tracking: Every message to and from your tenant is logged automatically—crucial if disputes arise.

Maintenance coordination: Schedule and track repairs, including pet-related damage, with built-in work order management.

Tenant screening: Our tools help you evaluate tenants (and their pets) thoroughly before signing a lease.

Whether you use Hemlane or another system, having organized property management tools makes pet-friendly renting significantly less risky and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge whatever I want in pet rent?

Technically, yes—Arkansas doesn't cap pet rent. But charge too much and you'll price yourself out of the market. Research local rates and stay competitive.

What if I've already collected the maximum security deposit—can I still charge a pet deposit?

Not if you've hit the two-month rent limit (unless you own five or fewer units without a property manager). But you CAN charge non-refundable pet fees and monthly pet rent, which don't count toward that cap.

Do I have to allow emotional support animals even though I have a no-pets policy?

Generally, yes. The Fair Housing Act requires reasonable accommodations for ESAs. You can request documentation from a healthcare provider, but you can't charge pet fees or deposits.

Can I ban certain breeds like pit bulls?

Yes, Arkansas law allows breed restrictions. However, be aware that breed restrictions can limit your tenant pool and may not actually reduce risk—courts only hold landlords liable if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and could've had it removed or was involved with taking care of the dog in some way.

What happens if pet damage exceeds the deposit I collected?

You can deduct from the deposit first, then pursue the tenant for the remaining amount through small claims court (up to $5,000 in Arkansas). Make sure you have detailed documentation: photos, receipts, repair estimates.

Should I require renters insurance that covers pet damage?

Absolutely. Most renters insurance costs $15-30 per month and includes pet liability coverage. It protects both you and the tenant if something goes wrong. A pet liability insurance policy can help show your landlord that you're a serious and responsible pet owner.

How soon do I have to return the security deposit in Arkansas?

Within 60 days of the tenant moving out. If you're deducting for pet damage, provide an itemized list with receipts or estimates. If you wrongfully withhold the deposit, tenants can recover twice the amount.

Final Thoughts

Managing rental property in Arkansas in 2025 means adapting to market realities. Pet ownership isn't declining—it's growing. The question isn't whether to allow pets, but how to do it in a way that protects your investment while attracting quality tenants.

The landlords I see thriving are those who:

• Set clear, enforceable pet policies
• Charge fair fees that reflect actual risk
• Document everything meticulously
• Treat pet owners like the valuable tenants they are
• Use modern tools to manage the details efficiently

Arkansas law gives you the freedom to create policies that work for your situation. Use that freedom wisely. Research your market, set appropriate charges, screen carefully, and stay compliant with federal laws around assistance animals.

And remember: the goal isn't to never have any pet-related issues. The goal is to maximize your rental income while minimizing risk. Sometimes that means saying yes to the right pets with the right owners in the right circumstances.

If you want to explore how Hemlane's platform can help you implement and manage pet-friendly policies more effectively, start with our free landlord software or reach out to learn about our full-service property management options. We've helped thousands of landlords make the transition to pet-friendly properties, and we'd be happy to help you too.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Arkansas landlord-tenant law as of 2025. Laws change, and every rental situation is unique. For legal advice specific to your property and circumstances, consult a qualified Arkansas attorney. Hemlane is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Additional Resources for Arkansas Landlords

State and Legal Resources:

• Arkansas Attorney General - Landlord and Tenant Rights
• Arkansas Code - Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
• Arkansas Law Help - Assistance Animals in Housing
• Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Landlord-Tenant Laws

Federal Housing Laws:

• HUD - Fair Housing and Assistance Animals
• ADA - Service Animals FAQ

Market Research and Industry Insights:

• RentCafe - Pet-Friendly Housing Statistics
• Multifamily Dive - Pet Renter Priorities