State Information | Arkansas | National Lien Services

This is an overview of the state’s statutory approach to lien law and what contractors might want to focus on to ensure lien rights are established timely, correctly, and effectively.

While we are happy to provide this guide as a quick reference, we highly encourage you to work with a construction attorney for your particular circumstances in our complex construction lien law environment.

Arkansas Quick Overview

Pursuant code	Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-44-101 et seq.
Prelien required for private / commercial projects	Yes
Prelien required for public projects	No
AR statutory relief	Full price
Lien milestone event	Last furnishing / last invoice
Lien enforcement deadline	1 to 3 years
Waivable lien rights	No specific statutes
Supplier to supplier rights	Conditional; check statutes
Prelien document name(s)	Notice to Owner
Prelien minimum information	Amount due, from whom it is due, general description of labor or materials furnished, and jobsite description.
Prelien minimum notifications	Owner, and for residential projects with fewer than four units, also general contractor.
Prelien recording requirement	No
Prelien notarized	No

Understanding the Prelien Process on Construction Projects in Arkansas by Role

Arkansas requires preliminary notice for all claimants intending to file a lien. Prime contractors on residential jobs (four or fewer units) must give a general notice before starting work. Subcontractors and suppliers on residential projects must send a nonpayment notice within 75 days of furnishing. All lien claimants must serve a notice of intent at least 10 days before filing a lien.

Prime / Original / General Contractors (GCs): Private/Commercial: On residential jobs with four or fewer units, the prime contractor must serve the owner with a preliminary notice of lien rights before work begins. This protects lien rights for all subcontractors and suppliers.
Subcontractors / Trade Partners (Subs): Private/Commercial: Subcontractors must serve a notice of nonpayment to the owner and general contractor within 75 days of furnishing labor or materials on residential projects (four or fewer units), and must also send a notice of intent to lien at least 10 days prior to filing.
Second-tier subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Same requirements as subcontractors on residential projects notice of nonpayment and notice of intent required.
Lower-tier subcontractors: Private/Commercial: Must follow the same 75-day notice and 10-day intent requirements as other subcontractors.
Material suppliers: Private/Commercial: Suppliers on residential projects (four or fewer units) must send the owner and general contractor a notice of nonpayment within 75 days of last furnishing and a notice of intent to lien at least 10 days prior to lien filing.
Equipment lessors: Private/Commercial: Same as material supplier subject to 75-day nonpayment notice and 10-day intent requirement for residential projects.
Second-tier material suppliers: Private/Commercial: Same as other suppliers subject to 75-day notice of nonpayment and 10-day notice of intent for residential.

Possible Exceptions, Special Circumstances, and Caveats in Arkansas

Owner Occupied Residential: Yes, prime contractors must deliver preliminary notice before commencing work on residential projects with four or fewer units.

Residential: Yes, subcontractors and suppliers must send notice of nonpayment within 75 days of last furnishing.

Apartments: Not specifically distinguished from other residential.

Mechanic's Liens in Arkansas

In Arkansas, a mechanics lien claimant must serve a Notice of Intent to Lien at least 10 days before recording a lien. The lien itself must be filed within 120 days after the last furnishing of labor or materials. The lien must include an affidavit of compliance, notices served, and proof of service, and it must be filed in the circuit court clerk's office. Enforcement must begin within 15 months of filing.

Bond Claims in Arkansas

On public projects, mechanic's lien rights are typically replaced by bond claim rights. Bond claim notice and enforcement timelines can vary by project type and bond language, so coordinate with your construction attorney to confirm the correct deadline and required notice path.

Construction Lien Waivers in Arkansas

Required format: Arkansas does not require any specific statutorily required verbiage to be valid but be sure to check with your constuction attorney and consult any relevant state statutes.

Required notarization: Arkansas does not require waivers to be notarized.

Lien waivers in Arkansas are generally not required prior to payment but may be contractually required. Waivers must not be used to waive lien rights in advance of labor or materials being provided.

Learn more about waivers here, including the when and how to use various types of waivers, the difference between a Lien Waiver and a Lien Release, what to look for before signing, and more.

As a client, you'll have free access to our system that easily creates statutorily correct lien waivers.
Through our technology partner Prelien Pro, you can also access best-in-class lien waiver management software, allowing you to easily track, collaborate, and share lien waivers with all your trade partners.

Assessors’ websites in Arkansas counties

Most often, the county Assessor’s office is the go-to resource for online lien-related information for construction project parcels—ownership records, special warranty deeds, and more. Counties that we’ve not yet found online (those with “*”) link to a Google search for your convenience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Arkansas lien processes for contractors

Do I need to send a notice before filing a lien in Arkansas?

Yes. A Notice of Intent to Lien is typically served at least 10 days before recording.

What is the deadline to file a mechanic’s lien in Arkansas?

A lien is generally filed within 120 days after the last day labor or materials were furnished.

Can a subcontractor file a lien if the general contractor did not provide a pre-lien notice?

Potentially yes, but each claimant must independently satisfy its own notice and filing duties.

Do residential projects have different rules?

Yes. Residential projects with four or fewer units generally have stricter notice requirements, including timing-sensitive notices for subs and suppliers.

What is required to enforce a filed lien?

An enforcement action is generally required within 15 months after filing, with related filings made in time.

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Not only do we provide the tools, knowledge, and team to help you feel confident your rights are secured—we’re prepared for the trenches and ready to coordinate with your legal team when things “go sideways” on a project.

Our Guide to Preliens, Waivers, Mechanic’s Liens, and Bond Claims in Arkansas