Security deposit law · Arkansas

Arkansas Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back

If you rent in Arkansas, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.

Return deadline60 days
Governing statuteArk. Code § 18-16-305
Deposit limit2 months of rent
Itemized deductionsRequired
Interest on depositNot required by statute
Last reviewedMay 2026

Arkansas-specific rules to know

Deposit capped at 2 months' rent. Landlord must provide written description of damages with amounts. 60-day return window.

What Arkansas law requires your landlord to do

Under Ark. Code § 18-16-305, a Arkansas landlord generally must return your deposit within 60 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.

What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Arkansas

  1. 1. Know your deadline

    In Arkansas, the return window is 60 days (Ark. Code § 18-16-305). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.

  2. 2. Send a written demand

    Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 60-day deadline under Ark. Code § 18-16-305. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Arkansas-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.

  3. 3. Gather your evidence

    Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.

  4. 4. Escalate to small claims

    If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.

Free Arkansas dispute-letter guide

A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Arkansas letter for you — pre-filled with Ark. Code § 18-16-305, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).

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Arkansas security deposit FAQ

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

Under Ark. Code § 18-16-305, a Arkansas landlord must return your security deposit within 60 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Arkansas?

Send a written demand letter that cites Ark. Code § 18-16-305 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.

Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the statutory deposit limit is: 2 months of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.

Are there any special deposit rules in Arkansas?

Yes. Notable Arkansas rules: Deposit capped at 2 months' rent. Landlord must provide written description of damages with amounts. 60-day return window.

This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Ark. Code § 18-16-305 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.