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Arkansas Statewide Rule

Arkansas Eviction Grounds Under State Law

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arkansas (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Ark. Code 18-17-901
Nonpayment notice
5 days
Curable violation notice
14 days
Month-to-month notice
30 days
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Arkansas Code 18-17-901 governs eviction grounds statewide under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Landlords may evict for nonpayment, material lease violations, illegal activity, or after proper notice for month-to-month tenancies.

(a) A landlord or his or her agent may commence eviction proceedings against a tenant in a district court having jurisdiction over the eviction proceeding, when: (1) The tenant fails or refuses to pay the rent when due or when demanded; (2) The term of tenancy or occupancy has ended; or (3) The terms or conditions of the rental agreement have been violated. (b) For residential rental agreements, nonpayment of rent within five (5) days of the date due constitutes legal notice to the tenant that the landlord has the right to begin eviction proceedings under this chapter.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Arkansas Code 18-17-901 sets the exclusive grounds for residential evictions statewide under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Permitted grounds include nonpayment of rent (after a five-day notice), material lease violations, conduct that materially affects health and safety, illegal activity on the premises, and holdover after lease expiration. For nonpayment the landlord must provide unconditional notice to quit after five days unpaid. Curable lease violations require a 14-day notice to remedy. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated without cause on 30 days' written notice. Arkansas does not require just-cause for nonrenewal of expired leases, and no Arkansas city has authority to impose stricter just-cause-eviction rules.

Violations & Penalties

Evictions filed without statutory grounds or required notice periods can be dismissed. Landlords using self-help (lockouts, utility shutoffs) face civil liability under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arkansas require just-cause for nonrenewal?
No. Arkansas allows landlords to refuse to renew an expired lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days' notice without stating cause.
Can a city in Arkansas pass a stronger just-cause rule?
No. The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is a statewide framework, and Arkansas has not delegated authority for cities to expand just-cause-eviction grounds beyond state statute.

Sources

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