Arkansas Eviction Notice Overview
Arkansas does not use a 7-day eviction notice period. Under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007 (Ark. Code 18-17-901), landlords must provide tenants with only a 3-day notice to vacate for failure to pay rent. If the tenant does not pay within 3 days, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action in Arkansas District Court. For lease violations other than non-payment, the landlord must provide a 14-day notice to cure under Ark. Code 18-17-901(a)(1).
Arkansas's landlord-tenant law was significantly updated with the 2007 act, which replaced the older "failure to vacate" criminal penalties that were ruled unconstitutional. The current civil process is handled through District Court and follows a standard unlawful detainer procedure. Arkansas has 75 counties, and eviction filings are made in the district where the rental property is located.
3 Days
Notice period
$65
Filing fee
AR Code
Governing law
District
Court level
Why Arkansas Uses 3 Days, Not 7
Important: Arkansas Is Not a 7-Day Notice State
Arkansas requires only a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent under Ark. Code 18-17-901. For material lease violations, a 14-day notice is required. Using a 7-day notice would give more time than legally required, which is permissible but unnecessary. Use the correct Arkansas form for your situation.
Arkansas Notice Periods at a Glance
- 3-Day Notice — Non-Payment (Ark. Code 18-17-901): Tenant has 3 days to pay all rent owed or vacate
- 14-Day Notice — Lease Violations (Ark. Code 18-17-901(a)(1)): Tenant has 14 days to cure a material breach of the lease
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (Ark. Code 18-17-704): Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice
Arkansas Notice Requirements
Arkansas courts require that eviction notices meet specific content standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 3 days for non-payment as required by Arkansas law
- Consequence Statement: That the landlord will file eviction proceedings if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Arkansas
Arkansas law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver the notice directly to the tenant. Preferred method in Arkansas courts.
Substitute Service
Leave with a person of suitable age and discretion at the tenant's dwelling if the tenant cannot be found.
Post and Mail
Post the notice on the main entry door and mail a copy via first-class mail. Both steps required.
Document Service
Prepare an affidavit of service with date, time, and method. Arkansas courts require proof of proper service when filing.
Arkansas Eviction Timeline
The Arkansas eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice to enforcement.
Serve 3-day notice for non-payment under Ark. Code 18-17-901
If tenant has not paid, file unlawful detainer complaint in District Court
Court serves tenant with summons; hearing scheduled within 5-10 days
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of possession issued; sheriff enforces removal if tenant remains
Uncontested Arkansas evictions typically take 3-5 weeks. Contested cases may take 6-10 weeks. The 2007 act eliminated criminal penalties for failure to vacate, making the process entirely civil.
Arkansas Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Arkansas District Court.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $65 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $20 - $40 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $400 - $1,500 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $120 - $200 |
Sample Arkansas Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Arkansas-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of Ark. Code 18-17-901.
3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF ARKANSAS
Pursuant to Ark. Code 18-17-901
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Arkansas Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have THREE (3) DAYS from the date of service to pay the above amount in full or vacate the premises.
ARKANSAS COMPLIANCE NOTE
Arkansas requires a 3-day notice for non-payment, not 7 days. This notice uses the correct statutory period under Ark. Code 18-17-901.