✓ Law Verified June 2026
This guide explains arkansas security deposit law in plain English — how much your landlord can charge, when they must return it, what they can and cannot deduct, and what to do if they do not give it back. All figures are from Arkansas law, verified as of June 2026.
In This Arkansas Guide:
Arkansas Security Deposit Rules at a Glance
| Maximum deposit | 2 months’ rent for unfurnished units; no statutory cap for landlords who own 5 or fewer rental units and do not use a property manager (the cap under Ark. Code § 18-16-304 applies only to landlords owning more than 5 units or who hire a property manager) |
| Return deadline | 60 |
| Itemized deductions required | YES — under Ark. Code § 18-16-305, the landlord must deliver a written itemized notice of all deductions to the tenant within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant surrenders possession |
| Interest on deposit required | NO — Arkansas law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits or hold them in interest-bearing accounts |
| Penalty for late/bad-faith return | If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 60 days, the tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages equal to twice (2x) the amount wrongfully withheld, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees under Ark. Code § 18-16-306; however, if the landlord proves the failure resulted from an error despite reasonable procedures or from a good-faith dispute over the amount owed, the landlord is only liable for the amount erroneously withheld plus costs |
Move-in/move-out walkthrough: NO — Arkansas law does not require a move-in or move-out walkthrough inspection, but tenants are strongly encouraged to document the unit’s condition at move-in and move-out with photos, video, and a written checklist to protect against wrongful deductions
Separate deposit account: UNVERIFIED — sources conflict on whether Arkansas requires the deposit to be held in a separate account; some references cite a separate-account requirement while others state no such requirement exists; tenants should ask their landlord in writing where the deposit is held
What Your Landlord Can and Cannot Deduct in Arkansas
Unpaid accrued rent; damage to the property caused by the tenant or the tenant’s guests that goes beyond normal wear and tear; costs to restore the unit to its pre-tenancy condition (excluding normal wear and tear); other charges the tenant owes under the lease agreement
Normal wear and tear vs damage: Arkansas does not provide a statutory definition, but normal wear and tear is generally understood as the natural deterioration of a property from ordinary daily use — examples include minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from hanging pictures, faded paint, and carpet wear in high-traffic areas; landlords may not deduct for these conditions
How to Get Your Deposit Back in Arkansas
A tenant should first send the landlord a written demand letter (via certified mail) requesting the return of the deposit and referencing Ark. Code § 18-16-305 and § 18-16-306; if the landlord does not respond or refuses, the tenant may file a lawsuit in Arkansas small claims court (called district court) for amounts up to 5000; the tenant may recover the deposit wrongfully withheld plus up to twice that amount in damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Other Arkansas deposit rules: Arkansas security deposit law (Ark. Code §§ 18-16-301 through 18-16-306) applies only to landlords who own more than 5 dwelling units or who hire a property manager; landlords with 5 or fewer units who self-manage are exempt from the statutory deposit cap and return requirements under § 18-16-303; if the landlord mails the deposit refund to the tenant’s last known address and the mail is returned undeliverable, and the landlord cannot locate the tenant after reasonable effort, the deposit becomes the landlord’s property after 180 days from the mailing date
Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover your stuff
Renters insurance protects your belongings for a few dollars a month.
You May Also Like
Official Arkansas Sources & Resources
- Arkansas Attorney General: https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/
- Arkansas Security Deposit Statute: https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-16/subchapter-3/
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: hud.gov
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex
Understanding Arkansas Security Deposit Law
Your Arkansas security deposit is your money until the landlord proves a lawful deduction. Arkansas security deposit law sets clear limits on how much can be charged, what can be deducted, and when the balance must be returned. If your landlord misses the Arkansas security deposit return deadline or takes deductions that are not allowed, you may be entitled to penalties.
Document the condition of your unit at move-in and move-out — photos are the best protection for your Arkansas security deposit.
This Arkansas security deposit guide was last verified against official sources in June 2026. Laws change — verify with your state or a local legal-aid office.
More Arkansas Tenant Rights Guides
- Arkansas Tenant Rights
- Arkansas Eviction Process
- Arkansas Rent Increase Laws
- Arkansas Repairs & Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in Arkansas
- Eviction Timeline Calculator
- All 50 States
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county within a state. Verify current rules with your state, your local court, or a free legal-aid office before acting. If you are facing eviction, contact a local tenant attorney or legal-aid organization right away.