Arkansas Notice to Vacate

A legally compliant notice to vacate under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-101 through 18-17-913) and Arkansas unlawful-detainer statute (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq.). Use the correct notice type based on the reason for termination: 30-day no-cause termination of a month-to-month tenancy (§ 18-17-704), 3-day pay-or-quit for nonpayment of rent (§ 18-60-304), 14-day cure-or-quit for a remediable lease violation (§ 18-17-701(a)), or tenant-to-landlord 30-day notice (§ 18-17-704)., -

Notice Type Selection Guide

Select the applicable notice type before completing the form. Using the wrong notice type may void the notice and prevent the landlord from proceeding with an unlawful-detainer action in Arkansas District or Circuit Court.

> Arkansas just-cause note: Arkansas does not impose a statewide just-cause requirement for termination of residential month-to-month tenancies. A landlord may terminate a month-to-month tenancy without stating a reason, provided the required 30-day written notice is given. No relocation assistance is required unless separately agreed in the lease. Verify whether any local city or county ordinance in your jurisdiction imposes additional protections before serving this notice.

> Computing deadlines: Arkansas uses calendar days. For personal delivery, the notice period begins the day after delivery. For first-class mail, add five (5) calendar days for deemed receipt (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104(a)(3), "mailing plus 5 days" rule for written notices). Do not count the day of mailing; begin counting the day after deemed receipt., -

NOTICE TO VACATE ### (Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-101 et seq.)

Date of Notice: [[Date of Notice]]

FROM (Sending Party):
[[Sender Full Name]]
[[Sender Mailing Address]]
[[Sender City]], Arkansas [[Sender ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Sender Phone Number]]
Email: [[Sender Email Address]]

TO (Receiving Party):
[[Recipient Full Name(s)]]
AND ALL OCCUPANTS of the premises located at:
[[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]] (the "Premises")

RE: Tenancy at the Premises, [[Describe Tenancy Type: month-to-month / week-to-week / fixed term ending [[Lease End Date]]]]

Tenancy Commencement Date (approximate): [[Tenancy Start Date]], -

*(Select and complete ONLY the section that applies to your situation. Strike or delete the others.)*, -

OPTION A, 30-Day Notice of Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-704, No-Cause Termination by Landlord)*, -

30-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF MONTH-TO-MONTH TENANCY

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-704, your month-to-month tenancy for the Premises described above is hereby TERMINATED, effective at the end of the rental period that falls at least thirty (30) calendar days after the date this notice is delivered (or deemed received, if mailed).

Tenancy Termination Date: [[Termination Date, must be the last day of a rental period at least 30 days after receipt of this notice]]

You are required to vacate and surrender possession of the Premises in clean condition, with all personal belongings removed, no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Termination Date]].

On or before the Termination Date, please:

1. Remove all personal property from the Premises.

2. Return all keys, garage-door openers, mailbox keys, and any other access devices to [[Landlord Name or Authorized Agent]] at [[Return Location / Address]].

3. Ensure all utilities registered in your name are canceled or transferred, effective no later than [[Termination Date]].

4. Provide your forwarding address in writing to ensure timely accounting and return of your security deposit.

This notice does not reflect any fault or wrongdoing on your part. It is a no-cause termination of a periodic tenancy as permitted under Arkansas law. Arkansas does not impose a statewide just-cause requirement for termination of month-to-month residential tenancies, and no relocation assistance is required by state law.

Security Deposit: Your security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] is held by [[Landlord or Agent Name]]. Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305, after you vacate and provide a forwarding address, the landlord must either return the deposit in full or provide a written itemized statement of deductions within sixty (60) days.

All rent and other charges due under the tenancy through [[Termination Date]] remain payable in full. If you remain in possession of the Premises after [[Termination Date]] without the landlord's written consent, you will become a holdover tenant subject to a daily use-and-occupancy charge and to unlawful-detainer proceedings under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq., -

OPTION B, 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-60-304, Nonpayment of Rent)*, -

3-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in default of your rental obligation at the Premises for failure to pay rent when due. Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-60-304, the following amounts are past due and unpaid as of the date of this notice:

Itemized Rent Due:

Total Rent Due: $[[Total Rent Amount]]

> Arkansas Law Note: This demand is for rent only. Late fees, attorney fees, and other non-rent charges may not be included in a pay-or-quit demand under § 18-60-304. Including non-rent amounts may invalidate the notice. State the total rent due precisely; do not inflate with fees.

You are hereby NOTIFIED AND DEMANDED to do ONE of the following within THREE (3) CALENDAR DAYS of receipt of this notice (not counting the day of delivery):

1. PAY IN FULL the total rent due of $[[Total Rent Amount]] to [[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]] at [[Payment Address / Method]]; OR

2. VACATE AND SURRENDER POSSESSION of the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[3rd Day After Receipt, Date]].

The deadline to pay or vacate is: [[Deadline Date]].

If you fail to pay the total rent owed or vacate by the deadline, the landlord will terminate your rental agreement and file an unlawful-detainer action in Arkansas District or Circuit Court to recover possession of the Premises, all unpaid rent, costs, and any other relief the court may award under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq.

Reinstatement: Payment of the full rent amount due within the notice period will cure this default and reinstate your tenancy. Partial payment will not cure the default unless the landlord expressly agrees in writing. Acceptance of partial payment after this notice does not constitute a waiver of the landlord's right to proceed with eviction unless the landlord expressly agrees otherwise in writing., -

OPTION C, 14-Day Notice to Cure Lease Violation or Quit *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(a), Material Noncompliance, Remediable)*, -

14-DAY NOTICE TO CURE LEASE VIOLATION OR QUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are in material noncompliance with the terms of your rental agreement for the Premises. Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(a), the following violation(s) has/have been identified:

Description of Violation(s):
> [[Detailed Description of Lease Violation, e.g., "You have kept an unauthorized pet (a dog) at the Premises in violation of Section 12 of the Lease Agreement, which expressly prohibits pets without prior written landlord approval. The pet was observed on the Premises on [[Date(s) Observed]]."]]

Date(s) of Observed Violation: [[Date(s) Violation Observed or Occurred]]

Lease Provision(s) Violated: [[Cite Specific Lease Section(s), e.g., Section 12; and/or applicable statute if health/safety related]], -

You are hereby NOTIFIED AND DEMANDED to do ONE of the following within FOURTEEN (14) CALENDAR DAYS of receipt of this notice:

1. CURE THE VIOLATION by performing the following specific action(s):
[[Specific Remedial Action Required, e.g., "Remove the unauthorized pet from the Premises and provide the landlord with written confirmation of removal."]]
Cure must be completed no later than [[14th Day After Deemed Receipt, Date]]; OR

2. VACATE AND SURRENDER POSSESSION of the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[14th Day After Deemed Receipt, Date]].

If you adequately remedy the breach within fourteen (14) days, the rental agreement will not terminate. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(a), curing the violation within the notice period nullifies this notice and the tenancy continues. If you fail to cure or vacate by the deadline, the rental agreement will terminate on [[Termination Date]] and the landlord will immediately file an unlawful-detainer action in Arkansas District or Circuit Court., -

OPTION D, 14-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(b), Non-Remediable Noncompliance or Criminal Activity)*, -

14-DAY UNCONDITIONAL NOTICE TO QUIT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have committed a material noncompliance with the rental agreement or the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act that is not remediable, or you have committed or permitted criminal activity on or near the Premises. Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(b), the rental agreement is hereby terminated, and you have NO RIGHT TO CURE this violation.

Description of Non-Remediable Violation / Criminal Activity:
> [[Detailed Description, e.g., "You have been convicted of, or have permitted, the manufacture of a controlled substance at the Premises in violation of Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701(b) and state criminal law; and/or you have caused substantial damage to the Premises that constitutes irreparable harm."]]

Date(s) of Violation: [[Date(s)]]

You are hereby NOTIFIED AND DEMANDED to vacate and surrender possession of the Premises no later than 11:59 p.m. on [[14th Day After Deemed Receipt, Date]]. You are not entitled to remedy or cure this violation.

Failure to vacate by the deadline will result in the landlord immediately filing an unlawful-detainer action in Arkansas District or Circuit Court pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq., -

OPTION E, 30-Day Tenant Notice to Vacate (Tenant-to-Landlord) *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-704, Tenant Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy)*, -

TENANT'S 30-DAY NOTICE TO VACATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-704, I, the undersigned Tenant, hereby provide notice of my intent to terminate and vacate the Premises described above, effective at the end of the rental period at least thirty (30) calendar days from the date this notice is received by the landlord.

Intended Move-Out / Vacate Date: [[Vacate Date, at least 30 days from date of delivery to landlord]]

I intend to:

1. Remove all personal property from the Premises by [[Vacate Date]].

2. Return all keys, access devices, and garage-door openers to [[Landlord Name or Agent]] at [[Return Location]] by [[Vacate Date]].

3. Leave the Premises in clean condition, free of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-601.

4. Provide the following forwarding address for return of the security deposit:

Forwarding Address: [[Tenant's Forwarding Address, City, State, ZIP]]

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305, I understand that the landlord must return the security deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions within sixty (60) days after I vacate and provide a forwarding address. I expect the full return of my security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] unless deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond ordinary wear and tear are lawfully applied and itemized.

All rent due through [[Vacate Date]] will be paid as agreed under the rental terms., -

OPTION F, End-of-Fixed-Term Notice to Vacate *(Post-Lease-Expiration, Tenant Occupying After Term End)*, -

NOTICE TO VACATE, END OF LEASE TERM

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Lease Agreement for the Premises expired on [[Lease Expiration Date]]. Your tenancy has not been renewed, and no new rental agreement has been executed. You are hereby notified that you must vacate and surrender possession of the Premises.

Vacate Deadline: No later than 11:59 p.m. on [[Vacate-By Date]].

As of [[Lease Expiration Date]], you occupy the Premises as a holdover tenant. By remaining without a new written agreement, your tenancy may convert to a month-to-month tenancy under Arkansas common law, but the landlord does not consent to such holdover and demands immediate vacature. Daily use-and-occupancy charges of $[[Daily Holdover Rate]] per day accrue from [[Lease Expiration Date]] until possession is surrendered. The landlord reserves all rights to recover holdover damages and to file an unlawful-detainer action under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq. without further notice if you remain in possession after the stated deadline.

Please return all keys, access devices, and garage-door openers to [[Landlord or Agent Name]] at [[Return Location]] by the vacate deadline. Provide your forwarding address for security deposit accounting. The landlord will account for the security deposit within sixty (60) days of your surrender and will apply any lawful deductions per Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305., -

Signature and Date

*(Complete for ALL notice types)*, -

*Signature of Sending Party (Landlord / Authorized Agent / Tenant)*

___________________________________
[[Sender Full Name]]
[[Title: Owner / Property Manager / Authorized Agent / Tenant]]
[[Sender Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Sender Phone Number]]

Date Signed: [[Date Signed]], -

Service of Notice, Permitted Methods *(Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104)*

Arkansas law authorizes the following methods of serving a notice to vacate:

Method 1, Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver the notice directly to the tenant at the Premises, or to any person of suitable age and discretion residing there. For a tenant-to-landlord notice, deliver to the landlord or the landlord's authorized agent at the address specified in the rental agreement. The notice period begins the day after actual delivery.

Method 2, First-Class Mail
Send by first-class U.S. Mail addressed to the recipient at the Premises (or at the landlord's address for a tenant notice). Under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104(a)(3), the notice is deemed received five (5) calendar days after the date of mailing. Add 5 days to all deadlines when using mail-only service.

Method 3, Posting and Mailing (Substituted Service)
If personal delivery is impracticable, affix a copy of the notice to the main entrance of the Premises and send a second copy by first-class mail to the same address. Deemed received five (5) days after mailing.

> Best Practice: Use certified mail, return receipt requested, in addition to posting or personal service. Retain the certified-mail receipt and signed return card as evidence. Arkansas courts require credible proof of proper service before an unlawful-detainer action may proceed; certified mail provides the strongest documentary record., -

Certificate / Proof of Service

*(Complete the section for the method used. Sign and retain. File with the court if required.)*, -

Certificate A, Personal Delivery

I, [[Server's Full Name]], certify under penalty of perjury that on [[Date of Service]], at approximately [[Time of Service a.m./p.m.]], I personally served the foregoing Notice to Vacate upon:

Recipient: [[Recipient Full Name(s)]]

at the premises located at [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]],

by:
- ☐ Handing a copy directly to the recipient
- ☐ Leaving a copy with [[Name of Person]], a person of suitable age and discretion residing at / present at the Premises

The notice period begins on [[Day After Date of Service]] and the deadline is [[Deadline Date]].

___________________________________
Signature of Server

[[Server's Full Name]]
[[Server's Address]]
[[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]]

Date Certificate Signed: [[Date]], -

Certificate B, First-Class and/or Certified Mail

I, [[Server's Full Name]], certify under penalty of perjury that on [[Date of Mailing]], I mailed the foregoing Notice to Vacate to:

Recipient: [[Recipient Full Name(s)]]
Address: [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]]

by:
- ☐ First-class U.S. Mail, postage prepaid
- ☐ Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, USPS Tracking No. [[Tracking Number]]

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104(a)(3), the notice is deemed received five (5) days after mailing on [[Deemed-Receipt Date (Mailing Date + 5 Days)]]. The compliance/vacate deadline is [[Deadline Date]].

___________________________________
Signature of Server

[[Server's Full Name]]
[[Server's Address]]
[[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]]

Date Certificate Signed: [[Date]], -

Certificate C, Posting and Mailing (Substituted Service)

I, [[Server's Full Name]], certify under penalty of perjury that on [[Date of Posting]], after being unable to serve the recipient personally, I affixed a copy of the foregoing Notice to Vacate to the main entrance/front door of the Premises located at [[Rental Property Address]], [[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]], and on [[Date of Mailing]] sent a second copy by first-class U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, to the same address.

• ☐ Certified Mail also sent, USPS Tracking No. [[Tracking Number]]

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104(a)(3), the notice is deemed received five (5) days after mailing on [[Deemed-Receipt Date]]. The compliance/vacate deadline is [[Deadline Date]].

___________________________________
Signature of Server

[[Server's Full Name]]
[[Server's Address]]
[[City]], Arkansas [[ZIP Code]]

Date Certificate Signed: [[Date]], -

Date Computation Guide

30-Day No-Cause Example, Mailed June 2:
- Mailing date: June 2
- Deemed received: June 7 (Day 0)
- 30-day period ends: July 7
- Termination date: June 30 (last day of rental period falling on or after July 7, use July 31 if June 30 falls before the 30-day window)

> Tip: For a month-to-month tenancy with rent due on the 1st, serve the 30-day notice no later than the 1st of the month by personal delivery to ensure termination falls on the last day of that calendar month (e.g., serve on June 1 → termination June 30). When mailing, serve on or before the 1st of the prior month to allow 5 mail days + 30 notice days., -

Arkansas Notice to Vacate, Statutory Quick Reference

Pre-Filing Checklist, Before Filing Unlawful Detainer

Complete all items before filing an unlawful-detainer action in Arkansas District or Circuit Court:

• [ ] Correct notice type selected for the stated ground
• [ ] Statutory notice period has fully elapsed with no cure or vacatur
• [ ] Notice served by a permitted method (personal delivery, first-class mail, or posting + mail)
• [ ] Proof-of-service certificate completed and signed
• [ ] Certified-mail receipt and/or return card retained in landlord's file
• [ ] For 3-day pay-or-quit: demand states rent only, no late fees or non-rent charges included
• [ ] For 14-day cure-or-quit: specific lease provision and factual basis for breach stated in the notice
• [ ] For 14-day unconditional: documented evidence of non-remediable conduct or criminal activity retained
• [ ] No self-help eviction actions taken (no lock change, utility shutoff, or property removal, Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-606)
• [ ] SCRA check: tenant is not on active military duty (50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq.)
• [ ] No retaliation trigger present (tenant has not recently made a housing complaint, organized, or exercised a statutory right, Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-605)
• [ ] No fair housing protected-class issue involved in the termination decision
• [ ] Filing venue confirmed: District Court (claims ≤ $25,000) or Circuit Court (claims > $25,000)
• [ ] Local ordinances verified, check applicable city/county rules (e.g., Fayetteville, Little Rock, Fort Smith) for any local notice or just-cause requirements not imposed by state law, -

Retaliation and Discrimination Warning

Retaliation: Under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-605, a landlord may not terminate a tenancy, increase rent, or decrease services in retaliation for the tenant having: (1) complained to a government agency about a code violation; (2) organized or joined a tenants' association; or (3) exercised any right under the Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. A court may award the tenant up to two months' rent plus reasonable attorney fees for retaliatory conduct.

Fair Housing: A notice to vacate may not be based, in whole or in part, on the tenant's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) or the Arkansas Civil Rights Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-107). A notice motivated by a protected-class status exposes the landlord to substantial civil liability and federal/state administrative complaints.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Active-duty military tenants have special protections under 50 U.S.C. § 3931 that may limit or delay eviction proceedings. Verify military status before serving any notice and consult an attorney if the tenant is on active duty., -

Local Ordinance Overlay

Arkansas does not have statewide just-cause eviction protections or mandatory relocation assistance. However, some Arkansas municipalities have adopted local landlord-tenant ordinances that may impose additional notice requirements, just-cause provisions, or tenant protections. Before serving any notice, verify whether the Premises fall within a jurisdiction that has adopted such rules. Common jurisdictions to check include:

• Fayetteville, Ark.'s most active city for local rental regulations; check City Code Chapter 97 (Property Maintenance).
• Little Rock, Check Little Rock City Code for rental housing ordinances.
• Fayetteville / Bentonville / Springdale, Northwest Arkansas metro municipalities may have local property code requirements affecting habitability notices.

If a local ordinance imposes a stricter or longer notice period than state law, the longer / stricter requirement controls., -

Disclaimer and Sources

> Template, not professional legal advice. This template provides general guidance on Arkansas notice-to-vacate requirements as of June 2026 and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Arkansas attorney. Eviction law and local ordinances are subject to change; consult a qualified real estate attorney to verify that all statutory periods, service requirements, and court procedures are current and applicable to your specific situation. This notice alone does not remove a tenant from possession, a separate unlawful-detainer court action is required if the tenant fails to comply.

Sources (as of June 2026):

• Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-101 through 18-17-913
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-104 (Written notice, service and deemed receipt)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-601 (Tenant obligations, condition of dwelling)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-605 (Retaliation)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-606 (Self-help eviction prohibition)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-701 (Noncompliance, material lease violations)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-704 (Termination of periodic tenancy, notice periods)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 (Security deposit, 60-day return obligation)
• Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-60-301 et seq. (Unlawful detainer)
• Ark. Code Ann. § 18-60-304 (3-day pay-or-quit, unlawful detainer for nonpayment)
• Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
• Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901 et seq.
• Arkansas Civil Rights Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-107