Arkansas landlords have 60 days after move-out to return your deposit. Normal Wear & Tear charges are often improper deductions in Arkansas.
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Check My DepositNormal wear and tear is legally protected in Arkansas under Ark. Code §18-16-305. Wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a property from ordinary use over time: faded paint, minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from hanging pictures, carpet thinning from foot traffic. Your Arkansas landlord cannot charge you for any of these. Deductions must be limited to actual damage beyond what's expected.
If your landlord charged you for items that reflect normal aging: touch-up paint, light carpet wear, minor scuffs, these deductions are very likely improper in Arkansas. Document everything and check your eligibility for our free analysis.
Arkansas law under Ark. Code §18-16-305 explicitly prohibits deductions for normal wear and tear. Normal Wear & Tear charges that reflect ordinary use are not allowed.
Quick Answer
Whether this deduction is valid in Arkansas depends on your specific circumstances. Document thoroughly and get a free analysis.
Arkansas landlords may only deduct from your security deposit for allowable costs: unpaid rent, actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other expenses explicitly permitted under your lease or Ark. Code §18-16-305.
Tip
If you're unsure whether a deduction is legal, use our free analysis tool to check your situation against Arkansas law.
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Check My Arkansas Deposit (Free)Regardless of whether a normal wear & tear deduction is valid, your Arkansas landlord must provide a written itemized statement of all deductions within 60 days. Each line item must identify the specific charge and dollar amount. A vague entry like “normal wear & tear: $X” without further detail is generally insufficient under Ark. Code §18-16-305. If the itemization was missing or untimely, the deduction may be invalid regardless of its merits.
Check the itemization
Did your landlord provide a written itemized statement within 60 days of move-out? If not, the deduction may be automatically invalid under Ark. Code §18-16-305.
Gather your evidence
Compile your move-in and move-out photos, any written notes about the unit's condition, your lease, and any receipts. Timestamped photos are especially powerful.
Run a free analysis
Use our free tool to evaluate your claim. We check your Arkansas normal wear & tear dispute against Ark. Code §18-16-305, calculate any penalties, and generate a personalized demand letter.
Send a demand letter
A formal demand letter citing Ark. Code §18-16-305 often resolves disputes before court. Our $19 package generates a personalized letter with your specific situation and the exact statute.
File in small claims if needed
Arkansas small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000. No attorney required. Most deposit cases are heard within 4-8 weeks.
Legal Reference
Wear & Tear ProtectedOther Deduction Guides
Questions
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.
Many normal wear & tear charges in Arkansas are improper. If your landlord charged you for items that reflect normal aging: touch-up paint, light carpet wear, minor scuffs, these deductions are very likely improper in Arkansas. Document everything and check your eligibility for our free analysis.
First, check whether the deduction appeared in a proper itemized statement provided within 60 days of move-out. If it did, evaluate whether the charge reflects actual damage beyond normal wear. If the itemization was late or missing, the deduction may be invalid regardless of its merits under Ark. Code §18-16-305. Use our free analysis tool to check your specific situation.
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