Arkansas offers two eviction tracks. The civil unlawful-detainer route (Ark. Code 18-60-304) requires 3 days' written notice to quit before suit, with no chance to pay and stay. The criminal failure-to-vacate route (Ark. Code 18-16-101) uses a 10-day notice and is uniquely a misdemeanor.
Civil eviction: under Ark. Code 18-60-304, a tenant who fails to pay rent and refuses to vacate 'after three (3) days' notice to quit and demand made in writing for the possession' commits unlawful detainer; the landlord then files suit with no obligation to allow a cure. The case typically resolves in roughly 30-45 days. Criminal eviction: Ark. Code 18-16-101 makes it a misdemeanor when, after 'ten (10) days' notice in writing,' a tenant 'willfully' refuses to vacate; conviction carries a fine, and 'each day' of holdover 'shall constitute a separate offense.' Arkansas is the only state to criminalize a holdover this way. A Pulaski County circuit court held the criminal statute unconstitutional in State v. Smith, but no Arkansas Supreme Court ruling has struck it, so it remains on the books.
Under Ark. Code 18-16-101 a convicted holdover tenant faces a misdemeanor fine, with each day of willful holdover a separate offense. In civil unlawful detainer the tenant can be removed by the court and held liable for back rent and damages.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fort Smith, AR
Swimming pools in Fort Smith must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix G) and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq....
Fort Smith, AR
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Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Chapter 27 UDO does not require neighbor consent to build a fence; the owner only needs to stay on their own property and meet the city's height...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith requires a building permit for any fence taller than 6 feet, issued by the Building Safety Division at 623 Garrison Avenue. Shorter fences must st...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27, including Article 27-700 General Standards and Article 27-400 Zoning Districts) generally caps reside...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Code of Ordinances does not impose a single fixed numerical cap on household dogs and cats, but Section 4-108 (effective July 17, 2023) requires...
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