AR · Mechanics Lien Law
Arkansas Mechanics Lien Law: Deadlines, Notices & Filing Guide
Arkansas lien deadlines flow from Ark. Code § 18-44-117 for private work and Ark. Code § 22-9-403 for public projects. Both the 120-day filing window and the mandatory 10-day pre-filing notice make early date-tracking essential for Arkansas claimants.
Arkansas mechanics lien deadlines at a glance
Arkansas requires a 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien to be served on the owner before the lien itself is filed, making it a mandatory pre-filing step rather than an optional courtesy. Best practice also calls for a 75-day notice of intent from first furnishing for sub-tier claimants, even though that broader notice is recommended rather than strictly mandatory.
An Arkansas mechanics lien must be filed within 120 days of the claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials under Ark. Code § 18-44-117. Before recording, the claimant must also serve a Notice of Intent to Lien on the owner at least 10 days before filing, meaning that notice effectively must go out about 10 days ahead of the 120-day cutoff.
Foreclosure of an Arkansas lien must be commenced within 15 months of the date the lien was recorded.
On Arkansas public projects, a bond claim notice must be served on the appropriate party within 90 days of the claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials.
Primary statute
Ark. Code § 18-44-117 · Ark. Code § 22-9-403
Who can file a mechanics lien in Arkansas?
Arkansas lien law covers general contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors, material suppliers, and design professionals where the statute reaches them, provided they furnished labor, materials, or services to the improvement.
Overview of Arkansas lien practice
Arkansas layers a mandatory notice requirement on top of its filing deadline, which trips up claimants who assume the 120-day window from last furnishing is the only date that matters. In fact, a Notice of Intent to Lien must reach the owner at least 10 days before the lien is recorded, so practically speaking the notice needs to go out well before the deadline expires rather than at the last minute. Sub-tier claimants are also well served by sending a 75-day notice of intent measured from first furnishing, even though Arkansas treats that step as recommended rather than mandatory. Once a lien is on file, the claimant has a comparatively generous 15 months to commence foreclosure, considerably longer than many neighboring states allow. Public projects follow a separate 90-day bond claim notice requirement measured from last furnishing. As always, recording in the correct county and confirming the true owner of record protects the lien from later challenge, and federal property remains outside the reach of any Arkansas mechanics lien.
Common pitfalls on Arkansas projects
10-day pre-filing notice is mandatory
A Notice of Intent to Lien must be served on the owner at least 10 days before the lien is recorded, not merely as a suggestion.
75-day notice protects sub-tier claimants
While not strictly mandatory, a 75-day notice of intent from first furnishing is recommended practice for subcontractors and suppliers.
120-day filing window is unforgiving
The lien itself must still be recorded within 120 days of last furnishing under Ark. Code § 18-44-117, regardless of when notice went out.
Public bond notice runs on its own clock
Bond claim notice on Arkansas public work is due within 90 days of last furnishing, separate from the private lien deadlines.
Arkansas mechanics lien FAQs
When must a mechanics lien be recorded in Arkansas?
Within 120 days of last furnishing labor or materials, but only after serving a Notice of Intent to Lien on the owner at least 10 days beforehand.
Is preliminary notice required in Arkansas?
Yes, a 10-day Notice of Intent to Lien is mandatory before filing, and a 75-day notice of intent from first furnishing is recommended for sub-tier claimants.
How long do I have to enforce a lien in Arkansas?
Foreclosure must be commenced within 15 months after the lien is recorded.
What about Arkansas public projects?
Bond claim notice must be served within 90 days of the claimant's last furnishing of labor or materials on Arkansas public projects.
Filing a Arkansas mechanics lien or bond claim?
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This page is general information and not legal advice. Statutes change — verify against the official text linked above.