2020 Arkansas Code
Title 18 - Property
Subtitle 2 - Real Property
Chapter 17 - Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 2007
Subchapter 9 - Eviction Proceedings
§ 18-17-912. Commercial leases

(a) In any action involving a commercial lease in which the landlord sues for possession and the tenant raises defenses or counterclaims under this chapter or the lease agreement:

1. (1)

   1. (A) The tenant shall pay the landlord all rent that becomes due after the issuance of the order requiring the tenant to vacate or show cause as rent becomes due.

   2. (B) The landlord shall provide the tenant with a written receipt for each payment except when the tenant pays by check; and

2. (2)

   1. (A) The tenant shall pay the landlord all rent allegedly owed before the issuance of the order to vacate or to show cause.

   2. (B) However, in lieu of the payment under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section the tenant may be allowed to submit to the court a receipt or cancelled check, or both, indicating that payment has been made to the landlord.

(b)

1. (1) If the amount of rent is in controversy, the court shall preliminarily determine the amount of rent to be paid to the landlord.

2. (2)

   1. (A) If the tenant appears in response to the order to vacate or to show cause and alleges that rent due owed under § 18-17-911 and this section has been paid, the court shall determine the issue.

   2. (B) If the tenant has failed to comply with § 18-17-911 and this section, the court shall issue a writ of possession, and the landlord shall be placed in full possession of the premises by the sheriff.

3. (3) If the amount of rent due is determined at final adjudication to be less than the amount alleged by the landlord, judgment shall be entered for the tenant if the court determines that the tenant has complied fully with the provisions of § 18-17-911, this section, and the lease agreement.

4. (4) If the court orders that the tenant pay all rent due and accruing as of and during the pendency of the action, the judgment may require the payments to be made to either the:

   1. (A) Commercial landlord; or

   2. (B)

      1. (i) Clerk of the district court who shall hold the payments until the final disposition of the case.

      2. (ii)

         1. (a) If payments are to be made through the district clerk's office, a fee of three percent (3%) of the rental payment shall be added to the amount paid through the district clerk's office.

         2. (b) The fee of three percent (3%) shall be retained by the district clerk's office to defray the costs of collection.

         3. (c) If the tenant fails to make a payment as provided in § 18-17-911 and this section, the tenant's failure to comply entitles the landlord to execution of the judgment for possession, and upon application of the landlord, the district court shall issue a writ of possession and the landlord shall be placed in full possession of the premises by the sheriff or his or her deputy.