60 days after move-out | Up to 2x your deposit | Ark. Code §18-16-305
Law verified March 1, 2026
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Check My DepositArkansas security deposit law is governed by Ark. Code §18-16-305, which sets out the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants. Under this statute, your landlord has 60 days after you move out to either return your full security deposit or provide a written itemized statement of any deductions - along with the remaining balance.
If your landlord misses this deadline or wrongfully withholds your deposit, Arkansas law allows you to recover up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld - automatically, without needing to prove intent or bad faith. This penalty applies on top of recovering the deposit itself, making timely compliance a serious financial obligation for landlords.
Arkansas also requires landlords to provide a written, itemized breakdown of all deductions within the deadline window. A vague entry like “repairs” or “damages” without specific descriptions and dollar amounts is generally insufficient under Ark. Code §18-16-305. If no proper itemization was provided on time, the deductions may be invalid regardless of their underlying merit.
Critically, Ark. Code §18-16-305 explicitly prohibits landlords from charging for normal wear and tear - the gradual deterioration that results from ordinary, reasonable use of the property. This includes routine repainting, carpet wear from foot traffic, minor wall scuffs, and similar everyday wear. Charges for these items are not legally permitted in Arkansas.
The sections below explain each aspect of Arkansas deposit law in detail. If you have already received a deduction or no deposit return, our free analysis tool evaluates your specific situation against Ark. Code §18-16-305, estimates the maximum modeled recovery, and generates a personalized demand letter.
Deadline
Under Ark. Code §18-16-305, your Arkansas landlord has 60 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 60-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Penalty
If your Arkansas landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to recover up to 2 times the amount wrongfully kept under Ark. Code §18-16-305. This is on top of recovering the deposit itself. The multiplier is the penalty for the violation. Forfeiture of right plus double the deposit wrongfully withheld.
No intent required. Miss the 60-day deadline and the 2x cap can apply under Ark. Code §18-16-305. Your landlord cannot avoid it by claiming forgetfulness or confusion.
Example
Ark. Code §18-16-305
Itemization
Arkansas law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 60-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.
Legal Reference
Wear & Tear ProtectedQuestions
Your Arkansas landlord has 60 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Ark. Code §18-16-305.
If your landlord misses the 60-day deadline, you may be entitled to up to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld under Ark. Code §18-16-305. This penalty applies automatically. You don't need to prove intent.
No. Arkansas law under Ark. Code §18-16-305 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
Arkansas small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000. Most security deposit cases fall well within this limit. No attorney is required, and filing fees are typically $30–$75. Cases are usually heard within 4–8 weeks of filing.
The statute of limitations for security deposit claims in Arkansas is 5 years from the date of the violation. Don't wait. Gather documentation and act promptly. After the statute of limitations expires, you lose your legal right to recover the deposit.
Arkansas landlords must provide a written, itemized statement listing each deduction with a specific dollar amount. Vague descriptions like "repairs: $500" are generally insufficient; the statement should identify what was repaired and why. This itemization must be provided within 60 days.
Topics
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