Arkansas security deposit rules
Arkansas limits security deposits to 2 months' rent (Arkansas Residential Security Deposit Act applies only to landlords who own 6 or more dwelling units, or who use a third-party manager; smaller landlords have no statutory cap). The deposit must be returned 60 days after termination of the tenancy (itemized written notice plus any balance; may be sent first-class mail to last known address). No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
2 months' rent (Arkansas Residential Security Deposit Act applies only to landlords who own 6 or more dwelling units, or who use a third-party manager; smaller landlords have no statutory cap). Returned 60 days after termination of the tenancy (itemized written notice plus any balance; may be sent first-class mail to last known address). Statute text read on FindLaw (Justia returned 403). The deposit act exempts owners of 5 or fewer units unless a third party manages or collects rent for a fee (§ 18-16-303). Undeliverable refunds become the landlord's property after 180 days. No interest requirement. Act 459 of 2025 bars cities/counties from regulating rental application fees or deposits (state law unchanged). Eviction note (no notes field in notice block): payOrQuit=3 reflects the 3-day written notice to quit required for a civil unlawful detainer (§ 18-60-304(3)); separately, § 18-17-701(b) terminates the tenancy automatically if rent is unpaid 5 days after the due date (no notice), and the criminal failure-to-vacate statute § 18-16-101 uses a 10-day notice.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 60-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Ark. Code § 18-16-304; § 18-16-305; § 18-16-303. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Arkansas rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap and no statutory grace period; no statute located. Arkansas landlord-tenant statutes are silent on late fees; the lease governs, subject to general reasonableness (confirmed via secondary sources only). Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: 30 days' written notice before the termination date, by either party; 7 days for week-to-week Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Arkansas landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arkansas?
2 months' rent (Arkansas Residential Security Deposit Act applies only to landlords who own 6 or more dwelling units, or who use a third-party manager; smaller landlords have no statutory cap). Statute text read on FindLaw (Justia returned 403). The deposit act exempts owners of 5 or fewer units unless a third party manages or collects rent for a fee (§ 18-16-303). Undeliverable refunds become the landlord's property after 180 days. No interest requirement. Act 459 of 2025 bars cities/counties from regulating rental application fees or deposits (state law unchanged). Eviction note (no notes field in notice block): payOrQuit=3 reflects the 3-day written notice to quit required for a civil unlawful detainer (§ 18-60-304(3)); separately, § 18-17-701(b) terminates the tenancy automatically if rent is unpaid 5 days after the due date (no notice), and the criminal failure-to-vacate statute § 18-16-101 uses a 10-day notice.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arkansas?
60 days after termination of the tenancy (itemized written notice plus any balance; may be sent first-class mail to last known address). The statute is Ark. Code § 18-16-304; § 18-16-305; § 18-16-303.
Does a Arkansas landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Arkansas law does not require interest on residential security deposits.