How to Sublet Legally in Arkansas

According to the Arkansas Landlord and Tenant Protection Act¹, you must obtain approval from your landlord prior to subletting. More specifically, you're required to get a written communication from your landlord stating the amount of rent that can be collected from a subtenant.

Follow these steps to sublease in Arkansas.

1. Mail a letter

While it is usually fine to email your request, a formal letter will put you in a stronger position should anything go wrong. Send a letter to your landlord via certified mail, return receipt requested, and save a copy of the document for your own records. Certified mail is the only proof of delivery that most courts will accept, making it the best way to protect yourself. The letter should clearly outline the terms of the agreement and include the following information:

• The term (starting and end dates) of the sublet or the date of the proposed assignment (30 days from when you sent the letter)
• The name of the proposed subtenant or assignee
• The permanent home address of the proposed subtenant or assignee
• Your reason for subletting or leaving permanently
• Your new address during the sublease if applicable
• The written consent of any co‑tenant
• A copy of the proposed sublease

2. Wait for approval.

Within 30 days of mailing the initial notice, your landlord must respond to your inquiry. In Arkansas, you must get written approval from your landlord to sublet. Otherwise, you could get in big legal trouble. If your landlord rejects your request, know that they can only refuse a proposed subletter based on legitimate factors. Legal grounds for refusal may include:

• The financial responsibility of the proposed assignee or subtenant
• Intended use of the property
• The legality of the proposed use
• The nature of the occupancy
• The compatibility of the tenant’s use with the uses of the other tenants

3. Get written instructions

It is necessary for you to get written documentation from your landlord not just of their approval but also of the amount of rent you can charge. If they don't provide you with this in an email or letter, follow up until you have it.

If your landlord refuses to give approval or ignores your requests, you can reach out to a local tenants' rights group and ask that they mediate with your landlord on your behalf.

4. Stay responsible

Remember—just because you aren’t living in the place anymore, doesn’t mean that you aren’t held accountable to the terms of your lease. It is still up to you to make sure that the rent is paid on time and that none of the lease terms are broken.

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[1] Arkansas Landlord and Tenant Protection Act