AR SB600

Repeals existing eviction law (Arkansas Code § 18-17-901 through § 18-17-913) and replaces it with a new eviction process limited to residential rental property nonpayment cases.

Requires landlords to provide tenants with a three-day written notice to pay rent or vacate before filing an eviction complaint, with notice deliverable by personal delivery, mail, or commercial delivery service.

Mandates court hearings be scheduled within 21 days of complaint filing, with tenants served at least 5 days before the hearing and permitted to raise oral objections or payment defenses without filing written answers.

Allows courts to award the prevailing party court costs in contested eviction cases and reasonable attorney's fees if the non-prevailing party failed to act in good faith or willfully violated lease terms.

Requires tenants to continue making rental payments into court registry if continuances are granted, with court-held rent dispersed to landlords within 5 days of deposit unless good cause applies.