Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Arkansas

Arkansas: return the deposit within 60 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. Interest: no. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 2x the amount withheld. (Ark. Code 18-16-301 to 18-16-306)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 60 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.
Who it covers: Small-landlord exemption (18-16-303): the whole subchapter does not apply to an individual (with spouse, minor children and their rental entities) owning five or fewer units, unless a third party manages or collects rent for a fee.

The rule text

Within sixty (60) days of termination of the tenancy, property or money held by the landlord as security shall be returned to the tenant. ... all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant, together with the remainder of the amount due sixty (60) days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession by the tenant.

Ark. Code 18-16-305(a). Source: Arkansas Code 18-16-305 Return of deposit, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Read on FindLaw (current as of 2024-03-28). ezel.ai survey (checked 2026-07-06) cites no 2023-2026 amendments to 18-16-301 to -306; a 2025 'Healthy Homes Act' (habitability) was not checked for deposit changes.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: November 29, 2026
60 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Ark. Code 18-16-301 to 18-16-306 (Arkansas)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   November 29, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Ark. Code 18-16-301 to 18-16-306.

Settle a deposit in Arkansas

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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