Arkansas Security Deposit Receipt and Documentation Requirements

Is your landlord required to give you a receipt for your security deposit in Arkansas? Learn about itemization requirements, receipt obligations, and what documentation landlords must provide under Ark. Code §18-16-305.

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Deposit Receipt and Itemization Rules in Arkansas

In Arkansas, landlords who receive a security deposit have specific documentation obligations. Under Ark. Code §18-16-305, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions within 60 days of move-out. This statement must list each deduction with a specific dollar amount and reason. Failure to provide this documentation on time can forfeit the landlord's right to make any deductions at all.

60-Day Itemization Deadline

No itemization within 60 days means the landlord typically forfeits the right to make any deductions. You are entitled to your full deposit back.

What to Do If Your Arkansas Landlord Didn't Provide Documentation

  1. 1

    Request a receipt for your deposit payment at the time of payment

  2. 2

    After move-out, track the calendar from your move-out date

  3. 3

    If 60 days pass with no itemization, send a demand letter

  4. 4

    Keep all email correspondence with your landlord as evidence

  5. 5

    A missing or late itemization dramatically strengthens your court case

Legal Reference

Wear & Tear Protected
Primary StatuteArk. Code §18-16-305
Penalty StatuteArk. Code §18-16-305
Small Claims Limit$5,000
Statute of Limitations5 years

Questions

Common questions answered.

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 landlords have documentation obligations under Ark. Code §18-16-305. At a minimum, when making deductions, they must provide an itemized written statement within 60 days. Some states also require a receipt upon deposit collection. Keep records of all payments you make to your landlord.

A legally sufficient itemization in Arkansas must list each deduction as a separate line item with a specific dollar amount and reason. Vague descriptions like "cleaning: $400" are generally insufficient. The itemization must be delivered within 60 days under Ark. Code §18-16-305.

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