As a landlord rights attorney who has handled hundreds of evictions across Arkansas for over twelve years, I’ve seen firsthand how a single misstep in the eviction process can cost landlords thousands in lost rent and legal fees. Understanding eviction laws in Arkansas and properly serving a 10-day eviction notice in Arkansas is the difference between a smooth resolution and months of court delays.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through how to evict a tenant in Arkansas in 2025, including when you can use the powerful 10-day notice for non-payment, the exact steps of the eviction process in Arkansas, and special rules for tenants with no written lease. At the end, you’ll find my free, attorney-drafted Arkansas 10-Day Notice to Quit template that I personally use with my landlord clients.
Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may have unique factors. Always consult a licensed Arkansas attorney before taking legal action.
Arkansas eviction laws are governed primarily by the Arkansas Code Title 18, Subtitle 2, Chapter 16 (“Landlord and Tenant”) and Chapter 17 (“Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007”). The most important statute for most evictions is Arkansas Code § 18-17-901 – the criminal eviction statute that replaced the old “Failure to Vacate” process.
Since 2021, Arkansas has used an expedited unlawful detainer process instead of the older “failure to pay rent” civil action. This change, combined with the 2023 updates to notice requirements, makes Arkansas one of the more landlord-friendly states – when you follow the rules exactly.
The 10-day eviction notice in Arkansas is available in only two situations:
For lease violations other than non-payment, Arkansas requires a 14-day notice to cure or quit under § 18-17-702. Criminal activity on the premises allows an immediate 3-day notice under § 18-60-304.
The 10-day eviction notice Arkansas landlords use for non-payment must contain specific language required by § 18-17-901. I’ve seen countless notices rejected by judges because they omitted one required sentence.
Your notice MUST include:
After the 10-day period expires (excluding weekends and holidays), file in the circuit court of the county where the property is located. The filing fee is typically $165–$185 depending on the county.
Arkansas requires personal service by sheriff or process server. Certified mail alone is NOT sufficient for unlawful detainer actions.
Hearings are typically set within 7–14 days. If you win, the judge issues a Writ of Possession that can be executed 10 days later (giving tenant one final chance to leave voluntarily).
Tenants without a written lease are still protected under Arkansas law. For month-to-month tenancies, you must provide 30 days written notice to terminate the tenancy before you can start the eviction process.
However, once that 30-day notice period ends, if they remain without paying rent, you can then serve the 10-day eviction notice Arkansas allows for non-payment.
| Situation | Required Notice | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent (with or without lease) | 10-Day Notice to Quit | § 18-17-901 |
| Lease violation (not non-payment) | 14-Day Notice to Cure or Quit | § 18-17-702 |
| Criminal activity/drug-related | 3-Day Notice | § 18-60-304 |
| End month-to-month tenancy | 30-Day Notice | § 18-17-704 |
Proper service is the #1 reason eviction cases get dismissed. Arkansas accepts:
I always recommend using a professional process server and getting an affidavit of service – it’s worth the $50–$75 cost to avoid delays.
Click below to download my exact template that has been accepted in every Arkansas county I’ve practiced in:
DOWNLOAD FREE ARKANSAS 10-DAY EVICTION NOTICE (Word .docx)
DOWNLOAD FREE ARKANSAS 10-DAY EVICTION NOTICE (PDF)
This template includes:
In my practice, these are the top reasons judges dismiss eviction cases:
Typical timeline for non-payment eviction:
Total: 5–7 weeks from notice to removal (faster than most states).
Can I change the locks or remove tenant property?
No. Self-help evictions are illegal in Arkansas and can result in criminal charges against you.
Do I need an attorney for eviction?
Not required, but highly recommended. The cost of one mistake usually exceeds attorney fees.
What about COVID or emergency protections?
As of 2025, all federal and state COVID eviction moratoriums have expired in Arkansas.
Understanding how to evict someone in Arkansas properly protects both your rights as a landlord and ensures you don’t face counter-claims or delays. The 10-day eviction notice Arkansas provides is one of the fastest tools available to landlords nationwide – when used correctly.
Download the free template above, follow the steps exactly, and always document everything. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you.
Sources: Arkansas Code Title 18 via arkleg.state.ar.us | IRS landlord-tenant guidelines at IRS.gov | Author’s 10+ years practicing landlord-tenant law in Arkansas circuit courts.