National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Arkansas?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Arkansas finish in about 2 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Arkansas eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    3 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3-day notice to quit

    From our guide: “failing to pay rent when due and refusing to leave after three days' written notice to quit”

  2. 2Court case

    7 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    5 days after service to object (about 7 calendar days)

    From our guide: “The tenant has five days, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after service to file a written objection. If none is filed, the clerk, upon order of the court, issues a writ of possession immediately”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    1 day

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Sheriff notifies landlord 24 hours after writ service

    From our guide: “If the tenant is still there 24 hours after service of the writ, the sheriff notifies the landlord, who must supply the labor to remove the tenant's belongings.”

What can slow it down

  • This uses the unlawful detainer route (circuit court), the guide's recommended workhorse; the district-court civil eviction procedure has an unresolved jurisdiction problem.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Arkansas eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Arkansas scores 10 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (most landlord-friendly).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Arkansas attorney before acting.