Arkansas Security Deposit Laws (2026): 2-Month Cap, 60 Days & Double Damages

Arkansas gives landlords 60 days, one of the longer deadlines in the country. But a landlord that misses it without a good-faith dispute can owe twice the amount withheld, plus costs and attorney fees.

By Lamuko Editorial Team✓ Checked against official statute textUpdated Oct 17, 2026

Arkansas deposit rules at a glance

Timeline: move-in to refund

Maximum deposit	2 months' rent
Return deadline	60 days after the tenancy ends
Itemized list	Written list of damages and charges
Interest	Not required
Penalty	2× the amount wrongfully withheld + costs and reasonable attorney fees (§ 18-16-306)
Exemption	Landlords with 5 or fewer units are exempt, unless the units are managed by a third party for a fee (§ 18-16-303)

Does the statute cover your landlord?

Under § 18-16-303, these deposit rules do not apply to a landlord that owns five or fewer rental units, unless the units are managed by a third party for a fee. Check who owns and manages your building.

A two-month cap

Where the law applies, a landlord may not demand a deposit of more than two months' rent (§ 18-16-304).

Practical record-keeping

Sixty days is a long time to wait, so keep a copy of your forwarding address notice and photos of the unit on move-out day. If the landlord later claims a good-faith dispute, dated records help show what the deposit should have covered.

60 days to return

Within 60 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit, minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, along with a written list of the damages and charges (§ 18-16-305). It may deliver it in person or by first-class mail to your last known address. If the refund cannot be delivered and is not claimed within 180 days, the landlord may keep it.

Double damages. A landlord that fails to return the deposit as required can owe twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees (§ 18-16-306). If the failure came from a bona fide error or a good-faith dispute, the landlord owes only the amount due plus costs.

Our calculator counts 60 days.

Steps to recover an Arkansas deposit

Check whether your landlord falls under the small-landlord exemption.
Leave a forwarding address in writing.
Count 60 days.
Demand the deposit in writing, citing § 18-16-306.
If that fails, file a claim in small claims court.

Neighboring states

Missouri, Oklahoma and Louisiana set shorter deadlines. Tennessee has no fixed deadline, and Texas adds bad-faith penalties.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit in Arkansas?

Two months' rent (Ark. Code § 18-16-304).

How long does an Arkansas landlord have to return a deposit?

60 days after the tenancy ends.

Do Arkansas deposit laws apply to every landlord?

No. Landlords with five or fewer units are exempt, unless the units are managed by a third party for a fee.

What is the penalty in Arkansas?

Twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Sources

Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026. Read how we verify. Found an error? Tell us.

Other state guides

Not legal advice. Lamuko Rent Laws provides general legal information about state statutes, not legal advice, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and courts interpret them; city and county ordinances (for example Chicago, San Francisco or New York City rules) can be stricter than state law, and your lease or a subsidized-housing program may add terms. Fields marked “Verify with statute” have not yet been confirmed by us against the official text. Check the linked statute or talk to a licensed attorney or local legal-aid office before acting.