Yell County was created on December 5, 1840, from portions of Scott and Pope counties, and named for Archibald Yell — Arkansas’s second governor, the state’s first member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a brigadier general who was killed in battle at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War on February 23, 1847. The county is distinguished as one of the few in Arkansas with two official county seats: Danville in the west (the primary mailing address for the county) and Dardanelle in the east, on the Arkansas River. This dual-seat structure has persisted since 1875 and directly affects where landlords must file evictions: always in the courthouse district where the rental property is physically located. With a 2020 census population of 20,263, Yell County is part of the Russellville Micropolitan Statistical Area and is a dry county.
The county’s landscape ranges from fertile Arkansas River Valley farmlands in the north to forested ridges and rugged mountain terrain in the south, bracketed by two national forests (Ouachita to the south; Ozark-St. Francis to the north). The economy is grounded in poultry, hogs, and beef cattle production, light manufacturing, and a significant outdoor recreation and tourism sector driven by Lake Dardanelle, Nimrod Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Mount Nebo State Park, Mount Magazine State Park, and the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. All evictions are filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court. Verify which courthouse district applies to your property before filing.
⚠️ DUAL COURTHOUSE — FILE IN THE CORRECT DISTRICT: Yell County has two county seats and two separate courthouses. You must file your eviction in the courthouse district where your rental property is physically located:
Danville (Western/Southern District): Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward — 101 E. 5th St., Danville, AR 72833 — Phone: (479) 495-4850 — Fax: (479) 495-4875. The Danville courthouse (built 1974–75) houses the Circuit Court, County Judge’s Office, and most major county offices. Features a distinctive circular courtroom.
Dardanelle (Eastern/Northern District): Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward — 106 Union St., Dardanelle, AR 72834 — Phone: (479) 229-4404 — Fax: (479) 229-5634. The Dardanelle courthouse (1914; Classical Revival; NR 1992; four white Doric columns; T-shaped red brick; 2007 annex) is on the Jefferson Davis Military Road and overlooks the Arkansas River.
If you are unsure which district your property falls in, contact Circuit Clerk Anna Ward at the Danville number before filing. Filing in the wrong courthouse will cause your case to be dismissed or transferred.
🚫 Dry County: Yell County is a dry county — the retail sale of alcohol is prohibited throughout the county. Do not advertise properties as being in a wet area. Apply all lease provisions consistently and in accordance with Fair Housing law.
📚 “True Grit” (Charles Portis, 1968) — The classic novel’s heroine, Mattie Ross, hails from “Yell County near Dardanelle” — the most famous literary address in Arkansas; later made into films starring John Wayne (1969) and Jeff Bridges (2010, Coen Brothers) |
🌉 World’s Longest Pontoon Bridge (1891) — Completed at a cost of $25,000, the Dardanelle Pontoon Bridge spanned approximately 2,300 feet of the Arkansas River on 72 wooden pontoon boats — the longest pontoon bridge in the world at the time; operated until 1929 when it was replaced by a steel bridge |
⛰️ Mount Nebo State Park & Mount Magazine — Mount Nebo rises 1,800 feet above the Arkansas River Valley with 1,000 level acres on its summit and CCC-built cabins (1930s; NR); Mount Magazine (the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet) is accessible from Danville via the South Gate |
🇺🇸 Governor Archibald Yell — 2nd Governor of Arkansas (1840–44); first Arkansan elected to the U.S. House of Representatives; killed at the Battle of Buena Vista, February 23, 1847 — one of the highest-ranking U.S. officers killed in action in the Mexican-American War
15th Judicial Circuit — file in district where property is located
Rent Control
None
Alcohol
Dry county
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
3-Day Notice to Vacate
Lease Violation
14-Day Notice to Cure or Quit
Month-to-Month Term.
30-Day Written Notice
Week-to-Week Term.
7-Day Written Notice
Eviction Filing
Unlawful Detainer — Danville or Dardanelle courthouse
Tenant Response Window
5 days after summons
Eviction Timeline
3–6 weeks typical
Security Deposit Cap
2 months rent (6+ unit landlords)
Deposit Return
60 days after termination
Statute
A.C.A. §§ 18-16-101; 18-17-101 et seq.
Yell County Ordinances & Local Rules
Topic
Rule / Notes
Circuit Clerk & Filing — Danville
For properties in the Western/Southern District: Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward — 101 E. 5th St., Danville, AR 72833; Phone: (479) 495-4850; Fax: (479) 495-4875. The Danville courthouse (built 1974–75) is a one-story red and buff brick structure on a landscaped rise in the center of town, notable for its large circular courtroom on the west side. Houses the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit, County Judge’s Office, Circuit/County Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Collector, and Juvenile offices.
Circuit Clerk & Filing — Dardanelle
For properties in the Eastern/Northern District: Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward — 106 Union St., Dardanelle, AR 72834; Phone: (479) 229-4404; Fax: (479) 229-5634. The 1914 Classical Revival courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1992). Features four white Doric columns, a pediment, wide frieze, and a cupola dome atop a T-shaped red brick building. Located on the Jefferson Davis Military Road near the Arkansas River. A 7,000-square-foot annex added in 2007. A Confederate soldier monument (1921) stands on the grounds.
Which Courthouse to Use
File in the courthouse district corresponding to the physical location of the rental property. Danville handles the western and southern portions of Yell County (including Danville, Belleville, Havana, Plainview, and the Ouachita foothills area). Dardanelle handles the eastern and northern portions (including Dardanelle, Ola, Centerville, and the Arkansas River corridor). If you are unsure, call Anna Ward at the Danville office: (479) 495-4850. Filing in the wrong district is a procedural error that can result in dismissal.
Rent Control
None. Arkansas preempts local rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rents freely at renewal or with 30 days’ written notice on month-to-month tenancies.
Security Deposit
Capped at 2 months’ rent (A.C.A. § 18-16-304). Applies to landlords renting six or more dwellings. Return with written itemized deductions within 60 days of termination (A.C.A. § 18-16-305).
Notice to Vacate — Nonpayment
Written 3-day notice to vacate required before filing for unlawful detainer for nonpayment. Best practice: wait until rent is at least 5 days past due before serving (A.C.A. § 18-17-901). Retain dated proof of service.
Lease Violation Notice
For non-rent violations, serve a written 14-day notice to cure or quit identifying the specific breach (A.C.A. § 18-17-701). If the tenant remedies the violation within 14 days, the tenancy continues.
Month-to-Month Termination
30-day written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (A.C.A. § 18-17-704). Week-to-week tenancies require 7-day written notice.
Recreation / Tourism Workforce
The six lakes, two national forests, and multiple state parks in Yell County attract seasonal recreation workers, hunting-season guides, and camp staff whose employment may be seasonal. (1) For seasonal workers, verify annualized income (total annual earnings, not just a seasonal pay rate). (2) Request prior-year tax returns or W-2s as supplemental documentation. (3) Consider requiring a co-signer for applicants with heavily seasonal income. (4) Apply criteria consistently to all applicants.
No Warranty of Habitability (Default)
Arkansas does not impose a general implied warranty of habitability by default. Leases executed after October 2021 carry some statutory habitability protections unless waived in writing. Tenants have no repair-and-deduct remedy under Arkansas law.
Abandoned Property
Personal property remaining after lease termination is deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by the landlord (A.C.A. § 18-16-108). Document with timestamped photos and video before disposal.
Self-Help Eviction
Prohibited. Do not attempt lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings without a court order. Use the lawful judicial process through the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in the applicable district (Danville or Dardanelle).
Late Fees & NSF Checks
No statutory cap on late fees in Arkansas. Specify amount and grace period in writing in the lease. For returned checks: $30 per check plus bank fees (A.C.A. § 5-37-307(c)(2)(B)).
Notice Type3-Day Notice to Quit (Civil unlawful detainer) / 10-Day Notice (Criminal failure to vacate)
Notice Period3 days
Tenant Can Cure?No - 3-day civil notice is unconditional quit; tenant must vacate (landlord not required to accept late rent)
Days to Hearing5-15 days
Days to Writ1-5 days
Total Estimated Timeline15-30 days
Total Estimated Cost$100-$350
⚠️ Watch Out
Arkansas historically had a criminal eviction statute allowing landlords to charge tenants with a misdemeanor for failure to vacate. This was struck down in 2023 but some counties still reference it. Civil unlawful detainer is now the primary path.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Circuit Court (or District Court with concurrent jurisdiction). Pay the filing fee (~$65-165).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Arkansas eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Arkansas attorney or local legal aid organization.
🔍 Reduce Your Risk Before Signing a Lease:
Arkansas landlords who screen tenants carefully before signing a lease significantly
reduce their risk of ending up in eviction court. Understanding
tenant screening in Arkansas —
including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most
cost-effective steps you can take to protect your rental property. Before you ever need Arkansas's
eviction process, proper tenant screening can help
you identify red flags early and avoid problem tenancies altogether.
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AI-generated, state-specific eviction notices, pay-or-quit letters, lease termination documents, and more — pre-filled with your tenant's information and built to Arkansas requirements.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Key communities: Danville (western county seat), Dardanelle (eastern county seat, Arkansas River), Ola, Belleville, Havana, Plainview, Centerville, Rover.
Yell County market: 15th Judicial Circuit; Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward — Danville: 101 E. 5th St., (479) 495-4850, fax (479) 495-4875; Dardanelle: 106 Union St., (479) 229-4404, fax (479) 229-5634. ALWAYS verify courthouse district before filing. Dry county. Seasonal recreation/tourism workforce: use annualized income verification. Agriculture and poultry industry workers: standard income documentation. No rent control in AR.
Arkansas key rules: 3-day notice (nonpayment), 14-day cure (violations), 30-day M-to-M termination, no rent control, 60-day deposit return, 2-month cap (6+ unit landlords), no habitability warranty by default, no repair-and-deduct.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Yell County Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law: Two County Seats, True Grit, the World’s Longest Pontoon Bridge, and What Every Landlord Must Know
Yell County was formed on December 5, 1840, from portions of Scott and Pope counties, and named for Archibald Yell — a figure of considerable consequence in early Arkansas history. Yell served as the first Arkansan elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, then as the state’s second governor from 1840 to 1844, and finally as a brigadier general in the Mexican-American War. He was killed leading a cavalry charge at the Battle of Buena Vista on February 23, 1847, becoming one of the highest-ranking American officers killed in action in that war. The county he left his name to quickly developed into a community divided by its own geography: the productive lowlands along the Arkansas River to the north and east, and the rugged uplands and mountain ridges to the south and west, creating economic and social stratifications that shaped the county for generations.
Two County Seats: Danville and Dardanelle
Yell County’s dual county seat structure is the single most important practical fact for any landlord in the county. When the Arkansas General Assembly divided Yell County in 1875 and designated Dardanelle as an eastern county seat alongside the existing seat at Danville, two separate judicial districts were created with their own circuit courts, probate courts, and clerk offices. That structure persists to this day. The Danville courthouse — a one-story red and buff brick structure built in 1974–75, notable for its circular courtroom — serves the western and southern portions of the county. The Dardanelle courthouse — a 1914 Classical Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, featuring four white Doric columns, a pediment, wide frieze, and cupola dome atop a T-shaped red brick structure — serves the eastern and northern portions along the Arkansas River. A landlord who files an eviction in the wrong courthouse risks having the case dismissed or transferred, costing weeks of delay. Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward can be reached at both offices: Danville at (479) 495-4850 and Dardanelle at (479) 229-4404.
True Grit, the Dardanelle Pontoon Bridge, and Notable Residents
Yell County carries the most famous fictional address in Arkansas. In Charles Portis’s 1968 novel True Grit — later adapted into the 1969 John Wayne film and the 2010 Coen Brothers film starring Jeff Bridges — the determined heroine Mattie Ross declares herself from “Yell County near Dardanelle.” The novel is considered one of the finest American novels of the 20th century, and it has permanently linked Yell County to the literary imagination of the American West. In reality, Dardanelle’s place in history rests on equally remarkable ground: in 1891, the county completed the Dardanelle Pontoon Bridge across the Arkansas River, constructed on 72 wooden pontoon boats and stretching approximately 2,300 feet — at the time of its completion, the longest pontoon bridge in the world. It operated until 1929 when it was replaced by a two-lane steel bridge. Among the county’s notable residents: James Lee Witt, born in Dardanelle, who served as director of FEMA under President Bill Clinton and transformed the agency into one of the most respected in the federal government; Tom Cotton, U.S. Senator from Arkansas, who is from Yell County; and character actor Arthur Lee Hunnicutt, born in the county and nominated for an Academy Award in 1952.
Mount Nebo, Mount Magazine, and Outdoor Recreation
Yell County’s outdoor recreation economy is substantial. Mount Nebo State Park rises 1,800 feet above the Arkansas River Valley, with 1,000 level acres on its summit, freshwater springs, CCC-built cabins from the 1930s (a National Register historic district), and hiking, tennis, and swimming facilities. Mount Magazine — the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet — is accessible from Danville’s South Gate region. Lake Dardanelle, Nimrod Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, and Kingfisher Lake together with the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge create a four-season outdoor destination that draws professional tournament anglers, duck hunters, hikers, and cyclists. This recreation economy supports seasonal and hospitality-sector employment that landlords should account for in income verification: annualize seasonal workers’ income and verify through prior-year tax documentation when peak-season pay stubs alone are insufficient.
Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law in Yell County
All residential rental relationships in Yell County are governed by statewide Arkansas law. There is no local rent control anywhere in Arkansas. Yell County is a dry county. For nonpayment, serve a 3-day written notice to vacate, then file an Unlawful Detainer complaint in the correct courthouse district with Circuit/County Clerk Anna Ward (Danville: 101 E. 5th St., (479) 495-4850; Dardanelle: 106 Union St., (479) 229-4404). For lease violations, serve a 14-day notice to cure. Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days’ written notice to terminate. Security deposits are capped at two months’ rent for landlords with six or more units, returned with written itemized deductions within 60 days. No implied warranty of habitability by default; no repair-and-deduct remedy; self-help evictions are prohibited.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fair Housing laws apply to all screening practices. Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Yell County has two courthouse districts — always verify which district applies to your property before filing. Fair Housing laws apply to all screening practices. Yell County is a dry county. Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
