Arkansas Statewide Rule

Arkansas Adverse Possession (Squatter's Rights)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arkansas (2026)

Key Facts

Possession period: 7 years (with color of title + taxes)
Tax requirement: Ad valorem taxes paid during the period
Wild/unimproved land: Up to 15 years of tax payments
Governing statute: Ark. Code 18-11-106 (also 18-11-102)
Removal method: Civil unlawful detainer / eviction

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

Arkansas adverse possession under Ark. Code 18-11-106 requires 7 years of actual or constructive possession with color of title plus payment of ad valorem taxes during that period. A mere squatter with no title or tax payments cannot acquire ownership; owners remove them through standard eviction or unlawful-detainer actions.

(a) To establish adverse possession of real property, the person and those under whom the person claims must have actual or constructive possession of the real property being claimed and have either: (1) (A) Held color of title to the real property for a period of at least seven (7) years and during that time paid ad valorem taxes on the real property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ark. Code 18-11-106 provides that 'to establish adverse possession of real property, the person... must have actual or constructive possession of the real property being claimed and have... held color of title to the real property for a period of at least seven (7) years and during that time paid ad valorem taxes.' Color of title plus 7 years of tax payments is the core path; wild and unimproved land can require up to 15 years of tax payments (Ark. Code 18-11-103). Possession must also be open, notorious, hostile, and continuous under case law. A trespasser without color of title or tax receipts gains nothing. Owners remove squatters through the civil unlawful-detainer process (Ark. Code 18-60-304), not self-help.

Violations & Penalties

No specific statutory penalty. A failed adverse-possession claimant or trespasser is simply removed by court order; a holdover after notice can fall under the criminal failure-to-vacate statute (Ark. Code 18-16-101).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must a squatter possess property to claim it in Arkansas?

At least 7 years under Ark. Code 18-11-106, and only with color of title plus payment of ad valorem taxes during that time. Wild and unimproved land can require up to 15 years of tax payments.

Can a squatter take Arkansas property without paying taxes?

No. Ark. Code 18-11-106 requires the claimant to have paid ad valorem taxes on the property during the 7-year period while holding color of title. A squatter without title or tax payments cannot acquire ownership.

How does an Arkansas owner remove a squatter?

Through the courts, not self-help, using the civil unlawful-detainer process (Ark. Code 18-60-304); the criminal failure-to-vacate statute (Ark. Code 18-16-101) can also apply to a willful holdover after written notice.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.