Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Arkansas?

Arkansas remains one of the most landlord-friendly states, as its statutes do not establish a mandatory minimum notice period for entry. However, the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 ( AR Code Title 18, Ch. 17) outlines clear obligations regarding access.

Legal Entry Without Prior Permission

Under Arkansas law and standard legal practice for 2026, a landlord may enter without immediate consent in the following cases:

• Emergencies: Landlords have a common-law right to enter at any time without notice for emergencies that threaten life or property (e.g., fire or active flooding).

• Abandonment: If the tenant has abandoned the property, the landlord may enter to secure or re-rent it.

• Court Order: Entry is permitted if authorized by a court.

Standard Entry and Tenant Obligations

While there is no state law requiring a specific notice period (like 24 or 48 hours), the law governs the interaction regarding access:

• No Unreasonable Withholding: Under AR Code § 18-17-602, a tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent for a landlord to enter for inspections, repairs, improvements, or to show the unit to prospective residents.

• Implied Permission: If a tenant requests repairs ( AR Code § 18-17-502), the landlord generally has the right to enter to fulfill that request without further notice.

• Lease Supremacy: Because state law is silent on notice times, the written lease agreement is the final authority. If your lease specifies a 24-hour notice, the landlord is legally bound by that contract.

Risks of Refusing Entry

If a tenant refuses a landlord’s “reasonable” request to enter (defined as reasonable times and valid purposes), the landlord may seek a court order for access or, in some cases, terminate the rental agreement due to noncompliance with AR Code § 18-17-701.

The information for this answer was found on our Arkansas Landlord Tenant Rights answers.