Step #1 — Send the Arkansas 10 Day Notice to Owner
If the project is residential and you do not have a direct contract with the homeowner, Arkansas law requires you to serve a 10-Day Notice to Ownerbefore filing a mechanics lien.
Step #2 — Prepare the Arkansas Construction Lien
The Arkansas mechanics lien must strictly comply with statutory requirements. Make sure the following information is included:
Claimant’s legal name and address
Property owner’s name
Hiring party’s name
Legal property description
Description of labor, materials, or services
Amount claimed as unpaid
Date of last furnishing
Claimant’s signature and verification
Step #3 – File the Arkansas Construction Lien
The mechanics lien must be recorded with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the property is located. The recording deadline is within 120 days of the claimant’s last date of furnishing labor, materials, equipment, or professional services. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it results in a complete loss of lien rights. Recording the lien places it in the public record and establishes the claimant’s interest in the property.
Step #4— Serve the Arkansas Construction Lien
In Arkansas, a mechanics lien must be both recorded and served. After filing the Arkansas lien, the claimant must serve the lien on the owner within 5 days after recording, using an approved method. Proof of service should be retained, as failure to properly serve the lien may affect enforceability.
Acceptable methods of service are:
Certified mail, return receipt requested
Personal service
You should retain proof of service.
Step 4 — Enforce the Arkansas Mechanics Lien
If unpaid, you must enforce the Arkansas Mechanics lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within 15 months of recording.