If a landlord handed you a notice to vacate, your security deposit never came back, or someone owes you money, Arkansas law moves on clocks that don't wait for you to figure them out. In an unlawful detainer case you may have only five business days to file a written objection before the sheriff gets a writ. Before you sign anything, miss a court date, or assume you have no options, call 1-844-690-0555 for free. Our AI legal assistant is trained on Arkansas and federal law, answers 24/7, and tells you exactly what you're facing and what to do next.
Free legal information. Not legal advice. Available 24/7 across Arkansas.
Right now: do not ignore any court paper. If you got an unlawful detainer summons, you generally have five business days (excluding Sundays and legal holidays) to file a written objection with the court clerk, and you'll likely have to deposit the rent the landlord claims into the court's registry to stay while you fight. If you got a 10-day criminal 'failure to vacate' notice, that's a separate criminal track unique to Arkansas. Read the paper for the deadline, write it down, and call 1-844-690-0555 free before you respond so you understand which track you're on and what you must file.
Every other state treats nonpayment of rent as a purely civil matter — a debt and a possible eviction lawsuit. Arkansas is alone in keeping a criminal 'failure to vacate' statute, A.C.A. 18-16-101. If a landlord gives a tenant 10 days' written notice and the tenant willfully stays without paying, the tenant can be charged with a misdemeanor and dragged into criminal court over what is really a rent debt. Arkansas judges in several counties have struck the law down as unconstitutional, and lawmakers have repeatedly tried to repeal it — yet it remains on the books and is still used. If the notice you're holding says you'll be prosecuted, that is not an empty threat in Arkansas. Call 1-844-690-0555 free, 24/7, to understand exactly which track you're on before you do anything.
Legal Hotline is not a law firm and gives legal information, not legal advice. For free or low-cost help from Arkansas civil legal-aid programs and self-help resources, start here — all genuinely useful for housing, deposits, small claims, and consumer matters.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction in Arkansas?
In a civil unlawful detainer case, A.C.A. 18-60-307 generally gives you five days — excluding Sundays and legal holidays — to file a written objection with the court clerk after you're served, or the writ of possession can issue automatically. The criminal failure-to-vacate track works on a 10-day notice. Because the two are different, call 1-844-690-0555 free to confirm which one you're facing and what to file.
Is it really a crime to stay after I can't pay rent in Arkansas?
Arkansas is the only state with a criminal 'failure to vacate' statute, A.C.A. 18-16-101. After a 10-day written notice, a tenant who willfully stays without paying can be charged with a misdemeanor. Several Arkansas judges have ruled it unconstitutional, but it remains on the books and is still used in some counties. If your notice threatens prosecution, call 1-844-690-0555 right away for free information on what to do.
Do I have to pay rent to fight my eviction?
Usually, yes. Under A.C.A. 18-60-307, if you want to keep possession while you contest an unlawful detainer, you generally must deposit the rent the landlord claims into the court registry when you file your objection and keep paying it in as the case proceeds. Missing that deposit can cost you the home even with a good defense. Call 1-844-690-0555 free to understand the deposit step before you file.
When does my Arkansas landlord have to return my security deposit?
A covered landlord must return your deposit within 60 days after you move out, with an itemized statement of any deductions (A.C.A. 18-16-303 to 18-16-305). But the cap of two months' rent and the 60-day rule don't apply to a landlord who owns five or fewer units and manages them personally. To recover it you can sue in small claims for up to $5,000. Call 1-844-690-0555 to find out if your landlord is covered.
Does my Arkansas landlord have to keep the place livable?
Since Act 1052 of 2021, yes, for leases entered or renewed on or after November 1, 2021. Landlords must provide minimum standards — sound structure, running hot and cold water, working plumbing/sewer, electricity, and the heating and air conditioning that served the place when the lease began — and generally have 30 days to fix a covered problem after written notice. It's newer and narrower than many states' rules. Call 1-844-690-0555 free to see how it applies to you.
Can I take my Arkansas landlord or anyone else to small claims court?
Yes. Arkansas District Court small claims handles disputes up to $5,000 — deposits, unpaid debts, property damage, and more. Note one quirk: Arkansas bars lawyers from representing either side in the small claims division (A.C.A. 16-17-606), so it's built for self-represented people. Bigger claims (up to $25,000) go to the regular District Court civil docket. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free help figuring out where your case belongs.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Arkansas?
Generally three years from the date of injury under A.C.A. 16-56-105 — but it's only two years for medical malpractice (A.C.A. 16-114-203) and just one year for an intentional tort like assault (A.C.A. 16-56-104). Arkansas also uses modified comparative fault, so your recovery is reduced by your share of blame and barred at 50%. Don't guess on the deadline — call 1-844-690-0555 free to check yours.
What can I do if a business in Arkansas ripped me off?
The Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, A.C.A. 4-88-101 et seq., covers deceptive and unconscionable business practices. Since Act 986 of 2017 a private lawsuit requires an actual financial loss and reliance on the deception, and private class actions are largely barred, but you can still complain to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. Call 1-844-690-0555 free to understand your options before you act.
My landlord changed the locks or shut off my utilities — is that legal?
A landlord in Arkansas generally must use the court eviction process and cannot simply force you out by changing locks, removing your belongings, or cutting off utilities to make you leave. A 'self-help' lockout can give you a claim. If this is happening to you, call 1-844-690-0555 right away for free information on your rights and your next move.
Do I need a lawyer, and what does calling cost?
The call is free, 24/7, with no income test and no web form. Many Arkansas civil and housing problems — an eviction deadline, a deposit, a small claims filing — can be sorted with free information alone. If you do want an attorney, we can help you arrange a paid consultation with an Arkansas-licensed lawyer. The call gives legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship. Call 1-844-690-0555.
Where is my eviction or civil case heard in Arkansas?
Unlawful detainer evictions and larger civil suits are filed in Circuit Court. Small claims up to $5,000 and civil cases up to $25,000 are heard in District Court. Major courthouses include the Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock, Washington County in Fayetteville, and Sebastian County in Fort Smith. Call 1-844-690-0555 free to confirm which court and county your case belongs in.
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General legal information, not legal advice. We research every page from primary sources — legislation, the courts, and government legal-aid bodies — and check it for accuracy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at admin@platfirm.ai.
Whether you're holding an eviction notice, fighting for a deposit, or weighing a small claims or injury case, the worst move is waiting. Call 1-844-690-0555 — free, 24/7, no income test, no web form. Our AI assistant, trained on Arkansas and federal law, tells you exactly what you're facing and what to do next. It's legal information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship — but it could save your home or your claim.
Free legal information. Not legal advice.