10 Common HOA Disputes in Arkansas
& How to Win (2026)

Arkansas homeowners facing unfair HOA fines should know that under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the association must provide written notice and 21 days to request a hearing before a fine becomes enforceable. The fine limit in Arkansas is: Set by CC&Rs — no statutory cap. Many Arkansas HOAs impose fines without following proper notice procedures — making those fines potentially void. Document the violation notice, check whether the fine schedule is recorded in the CC&Rs, and respond within the deadline.

Selective enforcement — where the HOA punishes one homeowner while ignoring identical violations by neighbors — is one of the most common and most winnable disputes in Arkansas. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, enforcement must be consistent and uniform. Arkansas courts have held that selective enforcement constitutes a violation of the implied covenant of good faith. Document at least 3 neighbors with the same alleged violation using timestamped photographs.

When your Arkansas HOA collects assessments but fails to maintain common areas — roads, pools, playgrounds, roofs, and landscaping — you have grounds for a breach of fiduciary duty claim. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the board has a duty to maintain common elements in good condition. Arkansas homeowners should demand a written maintenance schedule, review the reserve fund balance, and document neglected areas with photographs.

Arkansas law gives homeowners the right to inspect and copy association records including financial statements, meeting minutes, contracts, and member lists. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the board must make records available within a reasonable time after a written request. If your Arkansas HOA refuses to produce records or charges excessive copying fees, you can seek a court order and may be awarded attorney fees.

Board election disputes in Arkansas HOAs include failure to hold annual elections, proxy manipulation, improper ballot counting, and refusal to seat newly elected members. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the association must hold annual meetings where board members are elected by the membership. If your board has not held an election as required by the bylaws, members can petition for a special meeting or seek a court order.

Landscaping violations are among the most frequent fine triggers in Arkansas HOA communities. Common issues include grass height, unapproved plantings, dead trees, and failure to maintain flower beds. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the HOA must define specific landscaping standards in the CC&Rs and enforce them uniformly. Arkansas homeowners should note that municipal water conservation orders may preempt HOA greening requirements during drought periods.

Parking disputes in Arkansas HOA communities cover a wide range: guest parking limits, RV and boat storage bans, work truck restrictions, and towing from common areas. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, parking restrictions must be in the recorded CC&Rs to be enforceable. Board-adopted "parking policies" that go beyond the recorded covenants may not have legal authority. Arkansas towing statutes also require proper signage before vehicles can be removed from private property.

Arkansas allows HOA lien foreclosure for unpaid assessments. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the association can record a lien for unpaid assessments and, in some cases, unpaid fines. Arkansas does not require mediation before foreclosure. Never ignore a lien notice — respond in writing immediately, request an accounting of all amounts claimed, and consult an attorney if the amounts are significant.

Pet disputes in Arkansas HOAs include breed-specific bans, weight limits, pet number caps, and leash requirements. While CC&R pet restrictions are generally enforceable, they cannot override the Fair Housing Act's protections for service animals and emotional support animals. Arkansas homeowners with a documented disability-related need for an animal are protected by federal law regardless of what the CC&Rs say.

Arkansas homeowners frequently clash with architectural review committees that deny modification requests without objective criteria. Under Arkansas Property Owners Association Act — Ark. Code § 18-13-101, the HOA must apply published architectural standards uniformly. Denials must be in writing and reference specific CC&R provisions — not the personal preferences of committee members. If your Arkansas HOA denied a modification without written reasons, the denial may be challengeable.