Maximum deposit: 2 months rent. Return deadline: 60 days. Everything landlords and tenants need to know about Arkansas security deposit law.
Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources
| Rule | Arkansas Law |
|---|---|
| Maximum Deposit | 2 months rent |
| Return Deadline | 60 days |
| Interest Required | Not required |
| Penalty for Violations | No specific penalty stated in statute |
| Normal Wear and Tear | Cannot be deducted |
Arkansas limits security deposits to 2 months rent. Charging more than this amount is a violation of state law and may entitle the tenant to damages.
Itemized statement required
Regardless of the deposit amount, landlords must follow the correct procedures for holding, itemizing, and returning the deposit. Failure to follow these procedures can result in the landlord forfeiting the right to make deductions and owing penalties to the tenant.
After a tenant moves out, Arkansas landlords have 60 days to either return the full security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions along with any remaining balance. The clock typically starts on the date of move-out or the date the tenant provides a forwarding address, whichever is later.
If the landlord misses this deadline, the consequences can be severe: no specific penalty stated in statute. Tenants should document their move-out with photos, return keys promptly, and provide a written forwarding address to establish the start of the deadline clearly.
Landlords in Arkansas may deduct from the security deposit for:
Landlords cannot deduct for:
Document the unit's condition at move-in with a written checklist and photos signed by both parties. This documentation is critical in any deposit dispute.
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 60 days, you may be entitled to: no specific penalty stated in statute.
Steps to take if your landlord violates Arkansas security deposit law:
Calculate your security deposit maximum, estimate any interest owed, and determine the exact return deadline based on your Arkansas move-out date.
Open Arkansas Security Deposit CalculatorArkansas limits security deposits to 2 months rent. Itemized statement required
Arkansas landlords have 60 days after move-out to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. If the landlord misses this deadline: no specific penalty stated in statute.
Normal wear and tear in Arkansas refers to the expected deterioration from ordinary residential use: minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from hanging pictures, faded paint, and worn carpet from foot traffic. Landlords cannot deduct for these. They can deduct for actual damage such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, deep carpet stains, or damage caused by pets, negligence, or misuse.