Security Deposit Laws in Arkansas
Arkansas limits security deposits to two months' rent and requires their return within 60 days after the tenancy ends, but the deposit law does not apply to small landlords owning five or fewer units, and no statute sets a notice period for landlord entry.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Arkansas at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 2 months' rent
- Deposit return deadline
- 60 days
- 60 days after termination of the tenancy
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Arkansas
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arkansas?
Arkansas limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arkansas?
Arkansas rule: 60 days after termination of the tenancy.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Arkansas?
Arkansas has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Arkansas rules for residential leases come from?
They come from Ark. Code 18-16-304, Ark. Code 18-16-305, Ark. Code 18-16-303 and 2 other sources. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Arkansas compares
Arkansas is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 60-day return deadline is longer than the most common deadline of 30 days; 46 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.