Arkansas Abandoned Property Rules: What to Do When Property Gets Left Behind

In Arkansas, people leave behind personal property for all sorts of reasons—moving out, storage unit issues, vehicles parked and forgotten, or just plain lost items. But what does the law say about abandoned property? Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, business owner, storage operator, or just a bystander who finds something valuable, here’s a clear and practical guide to Arkansas’s abandoned property rules.

What Counts as “Abandoned Property” in Arkansas?

Abandoned property in Arkansas generally means items left behind with no intention of returning for them. This can include household goods, cars, cash, jewelry, and even unclaimed funds or safe deposit boxes. Real property (land or homes) is handled under different, much stricter rules—usually involving courts and years of waiting.

Landlords and Tenants: The Rental Property Process

Arkansas law offers basic guidance for what happens to a tenant’s belongings left behind after moving out or eviction:

There is no detailed statewide statute covering all aspects of abandoned personal property in rental situations, so much depends on your lease agreement and local custom.
Best practice: The landlord should make a reasonable effort to notify the tenant—usually by written notice to their last known address and/or phone call—describing the property and giving a deadline to claim it (typically 14–30 days).
If the tenant does not respond, the landlord can dispose of, sell, or donate the property. If sold, proceeds can be used to cover unpaid rent or damages, but any surplus should be returned to the tenant if possible.
It’s wise to keep photos, lists, and records of all items and communications in case of dispute.

Note: Always check your local ordinances or city codes—some cities or counties in Arkansas have specific rules for landlord-tenant situations.

Storage Units: Auctions and Unclaimed Property

Like many states, Arkansas has laws about “self-storage” facilities (Arkansas Code § 18-16-401, et seq.):

If rent goes unpaid, the storage operator must send a written notice to the renter’s last known address, describing what will happen if the account is not brought up to date.
The renter has at least 30 days to pay overdue rent and claim the property.
If there’s no response, the facility can auction the contents to recover owed rent and costs. Proceeds beyond what is owed should be returned to the renter if they can be located, or sent to the state as unclaimed property.

Vehicles: What Happens to Abandoned Cars?

If a car, truck, or even a boat is left abandoned in Arkansas—on public or private property:

The owner of the property can report it to law enforcement or the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
Authorities will attempt to contact the last registered owner and give them a chance to retrieve their vehicle (usually within 30 days).
If not claimed, the vehicle can be sold at auction. The proceeds cover towing, storage, and administrative costs; surplus is returned to the owner or treated as unclaimed property by the state.

Lost and Found: Finders, Keepers?

Arkansas law doesn’t fully support “finders, keepers” for lost valuables. If you find lost or abandoned property:

You must make a reasonable effort to find the true owner—typically by turning it in to the police or reporting it to the property owner or business where found.
If the owner is not found within a set period (often 90 days, but check with local police), you may be able to claim the property legally.
Keeping lost property without trying to return it can be considered theft.

Unclaimed Money and Safe Deposit Boxes

Unclaimed property isn’t just stuff—it includes old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and the contents of safe deposit boxes. Arkansas businesses must turn over unclaimed property to the Arkansas Auditor of State Unclaimed Property Program after a certain period (typically 3–5 years). Anyone can search for and claim missing money for free.

Real Estate: Can You Claim Abandoned Land?

“Adverse possession” is the legal process for claiming abandoned real estate. In Arkansas, you usually must openly possess and care for the property for 7 years, pay property taxes, and meet several strict requirements before ownership can transfer. Always consult a lawyer if you’re considering this.

Tips for Handling Abandoned Property in Arkansas

Landlords: Give written notice, keep records, and store items for a fair period before disposal.
Tenants: Don’t leave belongings behind—once you move out, your claim gets weaker by the day.
Storage renters: Communicate early if you’re behind on payments; auctions happen after just 30 days.
Vehicle owners: Respond quickly to avoid storage and auction fees if your car is towed as abandoned.
Finders: Always turn in valuables; you might be able to claim them legally if the owner can’t be found.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Arkansas Abandoned Property Rules Made Simple

Arkansas law tries to be fair to both owners and finders, but responsibility and communication are key. Landlords and storage operators should document and notify; tenants and renters should act quickly if they’ve left something behind. When in doubt, document everything and follow notice rules—most conflicts can be avoided with common sense and a little paperwork.