Short-Term Rental Regulations in Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas has a minimal level of short-term rental regulation. Very STR-friendly. No statewide STR registration is required. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Arkansas has no statewide STR-specific law. Platforms collect and remit state and local sales/lodging taxes. Municipalities may adopt local ordinances. Eureka Springs and Hot Springs have STR-specific rules.
Full Requirements Summary
Arkansas has 0 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | No | No statewide STR law; local regulation |
| Registration Required | No | No state registration needed |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Arkansas
STR regulations vary by city within Arkansas. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | Moderate | STR permits required in certain zones. Tourist destination with moderate regulation. |
| Eureka Springs | Moderate | STR permit required. Zoning restrictions apply. Annual renewal needed. |
| Little Rock | Minimal | No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and lodging tax apply. |
| Fayetteville | Minimal | STRs generally allowed. Hotel/motel tax collected. University town with growing STR market. |
| Bentonville | Minimal | No specific STR regulations beyond standard business licensing. |
How Arkansas Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Arkansas with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Arkansas stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Alabama (AL) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | No |
| Alaska (AK) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | No |
| Indiana (IN) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Kansas (KS) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | No |
| Mississippi (MS) | Minimal | No | No | No limit | No |
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Arkansas?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Arkansas. No state-level registration is required, though your city may have its own requirements. The state's overall restriction level is minimal. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not require a state-level STR license. Individual cities in Arkansas may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Arkansas has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Hot Springs has the most restrictive STR regulations in Arkansas with a moderate restriction level. STR permits required in certain zones. Tourist destination with moderate regulation.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Arkansas?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Arkansas state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Arkansas, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.