Adverse Possession in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Arkansas requires 7 years of open, continuous occupation to establish adverse possession of land.
How Arkansas treats Adverse Possession
Arkansas has one of the shorter adverse possession periods at 7 years, during which the occupant must possess the property openly, exclusively, and continuously without the owner's permission. The adverse possessor's intent to claim ownership is inferred from the open and exclusive nature of the occupation itself. Property tax payment is not a statutory requirement in Arkansas, though it may support the claim. The 7-year period is measured from the date possession begins.
The general definition of Adverse Possession
Gaining legal ownership of land by occupying it openly and continuously for a set period.
If someone uses another person's land openly, without permission, and continuously for many years (typically 7–21 years depending on the state), they may eventually become the legal owner. The original owner must not have stopped them during that time. This doctrine rewards people who improve and maintain land while punishing owners who abandon or ignore their property.
Read the full Adverse Possession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.