How to Write a Legal Security Deposit Demand Letter in Arkansas
In Arkansas, security deposits are governed by Arkansas Code § 18-16-305. Landlords must return your deposit within 60 days of move-out, and wrongful withholding can expose them to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount.
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Generate free preview →Arkansas security deposit law at a glance
- Governing statute
- Arkansas Code § 18-16-305
- Cite in your letter as
- Ark. Code § 18-16-305
- Return deadline
- 60 days after move-out
- Penalty for bad faith
- 2× the wrongfully withheld amount
- Small claims limit
- $5,000
5 steps to a demand letter that gets a response
- 1
State the facts up front
Open with your deposit amount, the property address, and your move-out date. Make clear you are formally disputing the deductions — not asking a favor.
- 2
Cite Ark. Code § 18-16-305
Reference Arkansas Code § 18-16-305 by name. Arkansas landlords must return the deposit within 60 days and may only withhold for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Naming the statute signals you know your rights.
- 3
Itemize every disputed charge
List each deduction and explain why it is not lawful — routine cleaning, repainting, and ordinary carpet wear are the landlord's cost of doing business, not yours.
- 4
State the penalty exposure
Spell out that wrongful withholding under Ark. Code § 18-16-305 can expose the landlord to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount. This is what moves landlords to settle.
- 5
Set a deadline and send certified
Demand return within 60 days and send the letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. The receipt is your proof of delivery if you end up in Arkansas small claims court (limit $5,000).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs security deposit demand letters in Arkansas?
Arkansas Code § 18-16-305 (cited in letters as Ark. Code § 18-16-305) governs security deposits in Arkansas. It requires return within 60 days of move-out and limits deductions to damage beyond normal wear and tear.
How much can I demand in Arkansas?
You can demand the full amount that was wrongfully withheld. If the landlord acted in bad faith, Ark. Code § 18-16-305 allows for damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount, which you can pursue in small claims court (Arkansas limit: $5,000).
Do I have to send the demand letter by certified mail in Arkansas?
It is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Certified mail with a return receipt proves the landlord received your demand and started the clock — essential evidence if you file in Arkansas small claims court.
Can I see a Arkansas demand letter before I pay?
Yes. You can generate a free instant preview of a Arkansas security deposit demand letter — citing Ark. Code § 18-16-305 — with no account or payment required.
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