Arkansas landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits may owe up to 2× the deposit amount. Learn your rights under Ark. Code §18-16-305.
Analyze My Arkansas Claim (Free)Law verified March 1, 2026
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Check My DepositIf 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.
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
To recover penalties under Ark. Code §18-16-305, you generally need to: document the move-out date and the missed deadline, send a written demand letter citing the statute, and, if necessary, file in Arkansas small claims court (up to $5,000).
A demand letter that specifically cites Ark. Code §18-16-305 and calculates the potential Up to 2x your deposit often prompts landlords to settle without going to court.
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.
Under Ark. Code §18-16-305, you may recover up to 2x the deposit amount wrongfully withheld. This is automatic. No need to prove intent.
No. The penalty under Ark. Code §18-16-305 applies automatically when the 60-day deadline is missed. Intent is not required.
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