Arkansas Security Deposit Laws

Complete guide to tenant protections and landlord requirements in Arkansas

60day
deadline

Return Deadline

60 days

Max Deposit

2 months rent

Itemization

Not Required

Interest

Not Required

Is Your Arkansas Landlord Breaking the Law?

Most tenants don't realize their landlord has already violated Arkansas deposit laws. Even small mistakes — missing the 60-day deadline by one day, failing to itemize, or charging for normal wear — can entitle you to your FULL deposit back plus penalties.

Answer a few quick questions to see if your landlord is violating Arkansas law:

Check Your Case Strength

Answer 4 quick questions to see if your landlord violated Arkansas law

1/4

When did you move out?

Arkansas Security Deposit Penalties

Arkansas provides strong protections for tenants when landlords fail to comply with security deposit laws. Here are the penalties landlords may face:

violation

Actual damages

Your landlord could owe you more than just your deposit

Our AI calculates the exact penalties under Arkansas law and generates a professional demand letter citing every violation.

Calculate What You're Owed — $29

Why Most Arkansas Tenants Never Recover Their Deposit

47% of self-written demand letters are ignored

They don't cite the right statutes, miss penalty calculations, or use language that landlords don't take seriously.

Landlords know most tenants won't follow through

A professional demand letter with specific Arkansas law citations and calculated penalties changes the equation entirely.

The difference between $0 and $1,400+ is one properly-written letter

Our AI generates a demand letter that cites AR Code § 18-16-305, calculates your exact penalties, and puts your landlord on legal notice.

Get a Professional Demand Letter — $29

Common Illegal Security Deposit Deductions in Arkansas

Many landlords in Arkansas make deductions that violate state law. Under AR Code § 18-16-305, landlords can only deduct for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Here are deductions that are typically illegal:

Painting walls

Faded or slightly scuffed paint is normal wear

Carpet replacement

Worn carpet from regular use is expected

Small nail holes

Minor wall holes from hanging pictures are normal

Professional cleaning

Unless unit was left in significantly worse condition

Appliance wear

Normal aging of appliances is not tenant damage

Pre-existing damage

Damage documented before move-in cannot be charged

Not sure if your deductions are legal?

Upload your deduction letter and our AI checks each charge against Arkansas law in under 2 minutes.

Check My Deductions

Don't Wait to Act on Your Arkansas Deposit Claim

Time is working against you

•Evidence fades — photos get deleted, memories become unreliable
•Landlords lose or “lose” records of your tenancy
•Arkansas has a statute of limitations on deposit claims
•The longer you wait, the weaker your case becomes

Start Your Case Today — $29

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Security Deposits

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, landlords are required to return the security deposit within 60 days after the tenant moves out. If the landlord makes any deductions, they must provide an itemized statement. The deadline starts from the day you vacate and return all keys. If your landlord misses this deadline, they may lose the right to claim any deductions.

What is the maximum security deposit allowed in Arkansas?

Arkansas law limits security deposits to 2 months rent. Landlords cannot charge more than this amount as a security deposit. If your landlord collected more than the legal limit, the excess amount may be recoverable, and the landlord could face additional penalties.

What happens if my landlord doesn't return my deposit on time in Arkansas?

If a landlord in Arkansas fails to return your security deposit within 60 days, you may be entitled to penalties. Actual damages You should send a formal demand letter citing the specific statute and deadline violation, then file in small claims court if they still don't respond.

Does my landlord have to pay interest on my security deposit in Arkansas?

No, Arkansas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. However, landlords must still return the full deposit amount minus only legitimate, documented deductions within the 60-day deadline.

What deductions can a Arkansas landlord legally make from my deposit?

In Arkansas, landlords can only deduct for actual damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, and cleaning costs if the unit was left significantly dirtier than move-in condition. They cannot deduct for normal wear like minor scuff marks, faded paint, worn carpet, or small nail holes. While not always required, landlords should provide documentation for their deductions.

How do I get my security deposit back in Arkansas?

Start by documenting the condition of your rental with photos when you move out. If your landlord doesn't return your deposit within 60 days, or makes unfair deductions, the most effective step is sending a professional demand letter citing AR Code § 18-16-305 and the specific penalties they face. Services like Rentrieve use AI to analyze your case against Arkansas law and generate a legally-cited demand letter for $29 — and 85% of tenants recover their deposit without going to court. If your landlord still doesn't respond, you can file in small claims court.

Arkansas Security Deposit Statute

AR Code § 18-16-305

Read the Full Arkansas Statute

Note: Limited landlord-tenant statute. No itemization explicitly required by state law.

Get Your Arkansas Deposit Back

Generate a professional demand letter citing Arkansas's specific laws and 60-day deadline.

Start Your Case — $29

85% success rate

12,000+ tenants helped

Average recovery: $1,400+

Takes less than 5 minutes

How It Works View Pricing

Arkansas security deposit law information last verified: February 4, 2026