Rental Property Rules in Fort Smith, AR (2026)
5 verified rental property rules for Fort Smith, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
The City of Fort Smith has no rent-control ordinance. Residential rent is governed by the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (A.C.A. §18-17-101 et seq.) and the older landlord-tenant chapter (A.C.A. §18-16-101+), neither of which caps rent or limits increases.
Fort Smith Rent Control: None — Arkansas Statute Governs
Few RestrictionsJust Cause Eviction
Fort Smith has no local just-cause eviction ordinance. Evictions are governed by Arkansas statute — the Unlawful Detainer Act (A.C.A. §18-60-301+), the URLTA (A.C.A. §18-17-901+), and the criminal failure-to-vacate statute (A.C.A. §18-16-101+). Filings go to Sebastian County District or Circuit Court.
Fort Smith Just-Cause Eviction: Governed by Arkansas Statute
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
Fort Smith has no general residential rental-registration ordinance. Owners follow standard Sebastian County property-tax assessment, City business-license rules if operating a rental business, and the City's adopted building and property-maintenance codes enforced by the Department of Development Services.
Fort Smith Rental Registration: No Citywide Program
Few RestrictionsRental Inspection Programs
Fort Smith has no proactive rental inspection program. Inspections occur on a complaint basis through the Department of Development Services applying the adopted International Property Maintenance Code, with fire-safety items enforced by the Fort Smith Fire Department.
Fort Smith Rental Inspection: Complaint-Driven Only
Few RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Security deposits in Fort Smith follow Arkansas statute. A.C.A. §18-16-303 caps the deposit at two months' rent for landlords owning six or more rental units. A.C.A. §18-16-304 requires return, or written itemization of damages, within 60 days of the tenant vacating.