How Long Does an Eviction Take in Arkansas? The Legal Steps and Minimum Waits
An Arkansas eviction is a court case with a notice before it and a writ after it, and the state has two overlapping routes. Here are the steps in order and the minimum waits the statutes set for each.
What are the steps of an Arkansas eviction?
Arkansas has two court routes that can follow a notice. Under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act:
- A notice that fits the reason (Ark. Code 18-17-701, 18-17-704).
- The landlord files a complaint and a supporting affidavit of eviction in district court (18-17-902(a)).
- The court issues an order to vacate or show cause within ten calendar days after service on the tenant.
- If the tenant does not appear, judgment for the landlord and a writ of possession; if the tenant contests, a hearing as in any civil case (18-17-904).
- A writ within three days after a judgment for the landlord, executed by the sheriff (18-17-907).
What is the other route?
In an unlawful detainer case under 18-60-307, the plaintiff files a complaint and affidavit, the clerk issues a summons and a notice of intention to issue a writ of possession, and if the defendant files no written objection within five days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, the clerk issues a writ of possession to the sheriff. If an objection is filed, a hearing decides whether the writ should issue. The Arkansas eviction timeline calculator covers both, choosing the route from the notice you pick.
How long is each wait?
The notice period is five days from the due date for rent, 14 days for a violation, 30 days for month-to-month. After filing, the tenant has ten calendar days to vacate or show cause, a writ issues within three days after a judgment for the landlord, and the sheriff removes the tenant if still in possession 24 hours after serving the writ (18-60-310). In an unlawful detainer case the objection period is five days excluding Sundays and legal holidays.
What can stretch the timeline?
A tenant who appears and contests the eviction gets a hearing as in any other civil case (18-17-905). Service that cannot be made in person can be made by leaving the order affixed to the most conspicuous part of the premises (18-17-903(b)). An appeal does not stay the eviction unless the tenant gives an appeal bond (18-17-910). A federal 30-day notice may apply to a covered dwelling (15 U.S.C. 9058(c)).
Can the landlord skip any step?
No. See self-help evictions in Arkansas. A landlord must obtain a judgment and a writ executed by the sheriff.
What is the legal minimum for an unpaid-rent case?
In the example table below, rent due on the 1st leads to a filing on the 7th, a ten-day period to show cause and removal the day after the writ is served. The calculator gives the exact dates for yours. It is a minimum, not what to expect.
An example schedule for an unpaid-rent eviction
| When | What can happen |
|---|---|
| The 1st | Rent is due and unpaid |
| The 6th | Fifth day: the tenant can still pay |
| The 7th (a court day) | Earliest day the landlord can file the complaint and affidavit; the order to vacate or show cause is served the same day in this example |
| The 17th | Ten calendar days after service: the tenant must vacate or show cause |
| The next court day | Earliest default judgment and writ; the court issues the writ within three days |
| One day after the writ is served | The sheriff removes a tenant still in possession (24 hours) |
The example assumes no holiday in the way and that the tenant does not respond. A contested hearing, an appeal bond or a delay in service moves the dates after it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step of an Arkansas eviction?
A notice that fits the reason: five days after the due date for rent, 14 days for a violation, or a three-day notice to quit in an unlawful detainer case.
Does a landlord have to go to court to evict in Arkansas?
Yes. A court judgment and a writ executed by the sheriff are required.
How long does a tenant have to respond to the court order?
Ten calendar days after service of the order to vacate or show cause.
How soon does the writ issue after judgment?
Within three days after a judgment for the plaintiff.
How soon can the sheriff remove a tenant?
If the tenant is still in possession 24 hours after the writ is served.
Official sources
- Ark. Code 18-17-902: eviction proceeding
- Ark. Code 18-17-904: tenant ejected on failure to show cause
- Ark. Code 18-17-907: effect of judgment for plaintiff
- Ark. Code 18-60-307: unlawful detainer procedure
- Ark. Code 18-60-310: execution of writ of possession
- Ark. Code 18-17-701: noncompliance with the rental agreement
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Arkansas statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Arkansas attorney.