Updated for 2026

Arkansas Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Arkansas gives landlords 60 days to return your deposit and caps it at 2 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds, you can recover 2x the amount plus court costs and attorney fees — but landlords with 5 or fewer units are exempt from the statute entirely.

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Arkansas Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
60 Days
Maximum Deposit
2 Months' Rent
Penalty for Late Return
2× Withheld
+ court costs + attorney fees
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
Ark. Code § 18-16-305
Small Landlord Exemption: Arkansas exempts landlords who own 5 or fewer rental units from the security deposit statute. If your landlord qualifies for this exemption, the 60-day deadline, 2x penalty, and deposit cap may not apply. Verify how many units your landlord owns before relying on these protections.

Calculate Your Arkansas Deposit Refund

Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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Arkansas Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 60-Day Return Rule

Under Ark. Code § 18-16-305, landlords have 60 days after the tenant vacates to return the security deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the list within this window, the tenant may be entitled to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld.

Deposit Cap: 2 Months' Rent

Arkansas limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Landlords cannot charge more than this regardless of the property type or lease terms. Any amount collected above this cap is unlawful.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if the unit was left in a condition worse than when the tenant moved in. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant. The landlord must provide an itemized statement of all deductions.

The 2x Penalty

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant can sue for 2x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. This penalty applies when the landlord acts in bad faith or fails to comply with the statute's requirements.

The Small Landlord Exemption

One of the most important caveats in Arkansas law: landlords who own 5 or fewer rental units are completely exempt from the security deposit statute. This means the 60-day deadline, the 2x penalty, and the deposit cap do not apply to these landlords. Tenants renting from small landlords should rely heavily on documentation and written agreements.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease and all communications.
  2. 2
    Confirm your landlord owns more than 5 units The Arkansas security deposit statute only applies to landlords with 6 or more rental units.
  3. 3
    Send a written demand Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing Ark. Code § 18-16-305. Send via certified mail.
  4. 4
    Wait 60 days from your move-out date This is the statutory deadline for your landlord to return the deposit or provide an itemized deduction list.
  5. 5
    File in small claims court Arkansas's small claims limit is $5,000. You can sue for 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs and attorney fees.

Arkansas Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arkansas?
Arkansas landlords have 60 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Arkansas?
Arkansas limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Arkansas?
Tenants can recover 2x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
Does Arkansas require interest on security deposits?
No. Arkansas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Are all Arkansas landlords covered by the security deposit law?
No. Landlords who own 5 or fewer rental units are exempt from the Arkansas security deposit statute entirely.

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