Ark. Code § 18-16-305: Arkansas security deposit rules in plain English
What Ark. Code § 18-16-305 says about Arkansas security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 60 days
- Counted from when the tenancy ends and you hand back possession. A refund mailed to your last known address within the 60 days counts as on time, so give the landlord your new address.
- These deposit rules don't apply if the landlord owns five or fewer units and manages them personally (no paid third-party manager).
- If the deposit is wrongfully withheld, you can recover double the amount withheld plus costs and attorney's fees.
- Maximum deposit
- Two months' periodic rent, however denominated (18-16-304). The deposit rules do not apply to dwelling units owned by an individual who (with spouse, minor children and related rental entities) owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages them for a fee, including rent collection (18-16-303).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest or separate-account requirement found in 18-16-301 to 18-16-306.
What Ark. Code § 18-16-305 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
Two months' periodic rent, however denominated (18-16-304). The deposit rules do not apply to dwelling units owned by an individual who (with spouse, minor children and related rental entities) owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages them for a fee, including rent collection (18-16-303).
Interest
No interest or separate-account requirement found in 18-16-301 to 18-16-306.
Full citation: Ark. Code 18-16-303, 18-16-304, 18-16-305, 18-16-306 Read the official text
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FAQ: Ark. Code § 18-16-305
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under Ark. Code § 18-16-305?
Under Ark. Code § 18-16-305, a Arkansas landlord has 60 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Counted from when the tenancy ends and you hand back possession. A refund mailed to your last known address within the 60 days counts as on time, so give the landlord your new address. These deposit rules don't apply if the landlord owns five or fewer units and manages them personally (no paid third-party manager). If the deposit is wrongfully withheld, you can recover double the amount withheld plus costs and attorney's fees.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Arkansas?
Two months' periodic rent, however denominated (18-16-304). The deposit rules do not apply to dwelling units owned by an individual who (with spouse, minor children and related rental entities) owns five or fewer dwelling units, unless a third party manages them for a fee, including rent collection (18-16-303).
Does Arkansas require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Ark. Code 18-16-303, 18-16-304, 18-16-305, 18-16-306.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Arkansas?
No interest or separate-account requirement found in 18-16-301 to 18-16-306.
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Scan my Arkansas leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.