Arkansas Mechanics Lien — Deadlines and Filing Guide
Arkansas mechanics lien law under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-44-101 through 18-44-130 gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers lien rights for unpaid construction work. The deadline to file an Arkansas mechanics lien is 120 days from last furnishing. No preliminary notice is required. Enforcement must begin within 15 months of filing.
Arkansas Mechanics Lien Deadlines
Arkansas mechanics lien deadlines give all claimants 120 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials to file a lien with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-44-117. Arkansas does not require a preliminary notice before filing. The enforcement deadline is 15 months from the date the lien is filed — one of the longer enforcement windows in the country.
How to File a Mechanics Lien in Arkansas
Arkansas mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the project property is located. Arkansas has 75 counties. Major Arkansas construction markets include Pulaski County (Little Rock), Washington County (Fayetteville), Benton County (Bentonville/Rogers), Sebastian County (Fort Smith), and Craighead County (Jonesboro). Use the Mechanics Lien Management State System to calculate your exact Arkansas filing deadline.
Arkansas Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Arkansas mechanics liens must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 15 months of the lien filing date under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-44-117. Arkansas's 15-month enforcement window is among the most generous in the United States. Even so, track both the 120-day filing deadline and the 15-month enforcement deadline carefully using Mechanics Lien Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the deadline to file a mechanics lien is 120 days from the last date of furnishing labor or materials under Ark. Code Ann. § 18-44-117.
Does Arkansas require a preliminary notice?
No. Arkansas does not require a preliminary notice or pre-lien notice before filing a mechanics lien.
Where do you file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
Arkansas mechanics liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located. Arkansas has 75 counties.
How long does an Arkansas mechanics lien last?
After filing, an Arkansas mechanics lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 15 months of the filing date. This is one of the longest enforcement windows in the country.