I live in an apartment in Arkansas. After our maintenance people were here to check smoke alarms and change AC filter, the manager (not owner) of the complex left us a notice. It has things listed like not keeping things (ie bikes, furniture, etc) on the porch, not parking in the grass or street, etc. none of that was marked. She wrote in housekeeping and marked that.
Now, about a week later, we got a notice that she is coming tomorrow to check on our "housekeeping." We moved from an apartment with a garage to one without, so she knows we have stuff in boxes stacked out of the way. We have no other place to put them.
There is nothing in the lease that says how we have to keep the inside of the apartment, only the outside. Do I have to let her in to see the apartment? the boxes are stacked in our bedroom, which the maintenance guy saw when checking the smoke alarms. I don't plan on letting her in there, only letting her see the communal areas (ie living room, kitchen, and dining room).
I searched for AR rental laws, and from what I found, it seems like she has no rights in this regard, as the lease plainly talks about outdoor upkeep, but we have never received anything about indoor upkeep, except regarding things that are damaged.
READ your lease, carefully.
Most provide LL has right of inspection upon reasonable advance notice to tenants. that is to see ENTIRE apartment. Housekeeping is a concern of LLs as poor housekeeping can invite and promote pest infestations. Merely having boxes stacked is generally not violation of a lease. But congested and dirty space is.
If your landlord has given you notice of the inspection and you've received it in the advanced time that your state law requires (most likely 24hrs) she can enter and inspect any part of the property she chooses. She does not need your permission, and any attempt by you to stop her will make you a violator of your lease.
As far as the "housekeeping" goes, it is within the landlord's scope to keep on top of fire hazards and filth. I doubt your place is filthy, however depending on the amount of boxes and items you have to keep contained inside, there may be a concern that the stuff is creating safety hazard.
Can AR landlord check "housekeeping"?
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