Arkansas Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Arkansas facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 60 days after the tenant moves out. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

For a civil unlawful detainer, the landlord must give three days' written notice to vacate before filing. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-60-304

Small claims limit

$5,000 (contracts, damage to personal property and recovery of personal property). Regular district court civil jurisdiction goes up to $25,000. Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18; Arkansas Judiciary District Courts page

Small estate affidavit

If the value of everything the decedent owned at death, less debts secured against it and excluding the homestead and the statutory allowances for a surviving spouse or minor children, is $100,000 or less, one or more… Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101; Arkansas Judiciary Probate Form 23

Cost of a protective order

No filing fee or service cost is charged to the petitioner. A judge may assess costs later if the allegations are found false after a hearing. Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-202

Minimum wage

$11.00 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2021. The state minimum wage law covers employers with 4 or more employees. No further increase is scheduled. Arkansas Minimum Wage Act; Arkansas Division of Labor, Minimum Wage and Overtime

Final paycheck if fired

By the next regular payday. An employer that still has not paid within 7 days after that payday owes the employee double the wages due. Ark. Code § 11-4-405

Time limit to sue on a debt

5 years for actions to enforce written obligations, such as a signed loan or credit agreement. Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-111