Arkansas Eviction Notice Overview
Arkansas stands apart from most states in its approach to eviction law. The state has not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) that provides the framework for eviction notices in the majority of states. Instead, Arkansas relies on its own unlawful detainer statutes (Ark. Code Ann. §18-60-301 through 18-60-312), which establish a much shorter 3-day notice period as the statutory minimum for all types of eviction, including non-payment and lease violations.
There is no statutory 10-day eviction notice in Arkansas. However, a 10-day notice may be appropriate if your lease agreement includes a contractual cure period of 10 days, if you are dealing with a federally subsidized property that requires longer notice, or if you simply wish to provide additional courtesy time to the tenant. Many Arkansas property management companies voluntarily use 10-day notices as a best practice, even though the law only requires 3 days.
3 Days
Statutory minimum
No URLTA
Non-URLTA state
$65-$165
Filing fee
2-4 Wks
Typical timeline
Why Arkansas Does Not Use a 10-Day Notice
Important: Arkansas Uses a 3-Day Notice
Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. §18-60-304) only requires a 3-day notice to vacate for both non-payment and lease violations. There is no state-mandated 10-day notice period. If you are searching for a "10-day eviction notice" for Arkansas, be aware that the 10-day period applies only if your specific lease agreement contractually requires it. Using a 10-day notice when your lease only requires 3 days is permissible (you can always give more notice than required), but waiting 10 days is not legally necessary.
Arkansas is one of only a handful of states that has not adopted any version of the URLTA. This means the state lacks many of the tenant protections found in URLTA states, including implied warranties of habitability (though courts have recognized some habitability requirements), mandatory cure periods, and standardized notice requirements. The Arkansas eviction framework is considered one of the most landlord-friendly in the nation.
A 10-day notice period might still be relevant in Arkansas under several circumstances. First, if the written lease agreement specifies a 10-day cure or notice period, the landlord must honor that contractual obligation. Second, federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing, LIHTC) has federal notice requirements that often exceed state minimums. Third, some property management companies use 10-day notices as standard practice to reduce the risk of tenant defenses and demonstrate good faith to Arkansas courts.
Arkansas Eviction Process
The Arkansas eviction process follows the unlawful detainer statutes. Unlike URLTA states that separate notice requirements by violation type, Arkansas uses a single process for all eviction grounds.
Grounds for Eviction in Arkansas
- Non-Payment of Rent: Tenant fails to pay rent when due. Only 3-day notice required under Ark. Code Ann. §18-60-304
- Lease Violations: Breach of any material lease term. Arkansas does not require a cure opportunity unless the lease provides one
- Holdover Tenancy: Tenant remains after lease expiration without landlord consent
- Criminal Activity: Illegal drug manufacturing, violence, or other criminal acts on the premises
- Damage to Property: Tenant causes significant damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Health/Safety Hazards: Conditions that endanger the health or safety of other tenants or the public
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Arkansas
Arkansas law requires written notice before filing an unlawful detainer action. The notice must demand that the tenant vacate the premises within the specified period (minimum 3 days).
Prepare the Written Notice
Include tenant names, property address, reason for eviction, and the number of days to vacate (3 minimum, or longer per your lease terms)
Deliver the Notice
Personal delivery to the tenant is preferred. Arkansas courts also accept posting on the door and mailing a copy. Use certified mail for proof
Wait for the Notice Period
Allow the full notice period (3 days minimum or longer per lease) to expire. Do not file the complaint before the period ends
File Unlawful Detainer Complaint
File in the District Court for the county where the property is located. Attach a copy of the notice and proof of service to the complaint
Attend the Court Hearing
Present evidence of the violation, proof of notice, and the lease agreement. If the court rules in your favor, a writ of possession is issued
Arkansas Eviction Court Timeline
Arkansas's eviction process moves relatively quickly. After the notice period expires and the unlawful detainer complaint is filed, the court typically schedules a hearing within 5 to 10 days. The Pulaski County District Court (Little Rock) handles the highest volume and may take slightly longer during busy periods.
If the landlord prevails at the hearing, the court issues a writ of possession. The tenant is given 24 hours to vacate under the writ. If the tenant does not leave, the county sheriff enforces the writ by physically removing the tenant and their belongings. Arkansas does not have a statutory redemption period for residential tenancies after a writ is issued.
Contested cases, particularly those involving habitability defenses or federal housing protections, may take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Tenants can appeal an unlawful detainer judgment to Circuit Court, which can add additional weeks or months. During an appeal, the tenant may be required to post a bond or continue paying rent into the court registry.
Arkansas Filing Fees & Costs
Filing fees vary by county across Arkansas's 100 District Courts. Below are representative costs for eviction proceedings in major Arkansas counties.
| Fee / Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unlawful Detainer Filing (Pulaski Co.) | $165 |
| Unlawful Detainer Filing (smaller counties) | $65 - $100 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $40 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $400 - $1,500 |
Sample Arkansas Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of an Arkansas eviction notice. If your lease specifies a 10-day cure period, use 10 days. Otherwise, the statutory minimum is 3 days under Ark. Code Ann. §18-60-304.
NOTICE TO VACATE
STATE OF ARKANSAS
Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §18-60-304
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Property: [Arkansas Property Address]
DEMAND FOR POSSESSION:
You are hereby notified that you must vacate the above premises within[3/10] days of receipt of this notice due to: [reason].
NOTICE
If you fail to vacate within the specified period, an unlawful detainer action will be filed in the [County] District Court of Arkansas to recover possession of the premises and any damages owed.