--- title: "Arkansas Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC" description: "Arkansas landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 2 months of rent, deposit returned within 60 days. Official sources linked." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/arkansas-landlord-rules" --- Free tool · Arkansas · Landlords and tenants # Arkansas landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Arkansas, each from the state's own pages or courts. **Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Arkansas: The deposit is returned, with a written itemized list of charges withheld, within 60 days of the time the tenant vacates. Deposit limit: No more than two months' rent. **Sources checked:** November 2026 **Quick answer.** Arkansas: deposit capped at 2 months of rent; deposit returned within 60 days; one-month notice to end month-to-month; 3-day notice for unpaid rent; $5,000 small claims limit. 14 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 9 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check. ## Key numbers Deposit limit 2 months' rent Deposit back within 60 days Month-to-month notice (landlord) 1 month Unpaid rent notice 3 days Time to answer or appear 5 days Small claims limit $5,000 ## Security deposit (4 of 6 confirmed) Law read: Ark. Code 18-16-301 to 18-16-306. Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving). - ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than two months' rent. Sources: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): 2020 Arkansas Code 18-16-306 (Remedies)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2020/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-16/subchapter-3/section-18-16-306/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedReturn deadline The deposit is returned, with a written itemized list of charges withheld, within 60 days of the time the tenant vacates. Sources: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): 2020 Arkansas Code 18-16-306 (Remedies)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2020/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-16/subchapter-3/section-18-16-306/), checked November 2026 - ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions A written, itemized list of the charges withheld. Sources: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): 2020 Arkansas Code 18-16-306 (Remedies)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2020/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-16/subchapter-3/section-18-16-306/), checked November 2026 - ### Not confirmedInterest on the deposit Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed from official text. Check the Arkansas Code. - ### Not confirmedWhere the deposit is held Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed from official text. Check the Arkansas Code. - ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus the money due, costs and reasonable attorney fees; only costs and the amount wrongfully withheld if the landlord shows an error despite reasonable procedures or a good-faith dispute over the amount (18-16-306(a), 2020 edition on Justia). Source: [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): 2020 Arkansas Code 18-16-306 (Remedies)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2020/title-18/subtitle-2/chapter-16/subchapter-3/section-18-16-306/), checked November 2026 Who the deposit rules cover: The Attorney General says this law applies only to landlords who rent six or more dwellings. More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-AR) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=AR) ## Notice periods (5 of 6 confirmed) What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too. | Notice | Rule | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Oral lease: one rental period's notice, for any reason. A written lease follows its own terms. | Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 | | Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Oral lease: one rental period's notice. Written lease: as the lease says. | Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 | | Rent increase notice | At least one rental period's notice before raising rent, for oral and written leases. | Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 | | Unpaid rent notice | Three days' written notice to vacate before an unlawful detainer case. | Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 | | Entry notice | No entry notice period stated: Nolo's 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025) cites Ark. Code 18-17-602 and lists the notice amount and form as 'Not specified'. Check the lease. | Source: [Nolo (secondary source): State Laws on Landlord's Access to Rental Property, 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/renters-rights-book/chapter8-1.html), checked November 2026 | | Late fee limits | Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not on the Attorney General's page. Check the lease and the Arkansas Code. | | More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-AR) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=AR) ## Eviction case, in order (4 of 10 confirmed) - **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: Three days' written notice to vacate before an unlawful detainer case. - **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt The complaint is filed with the circuit clerk in the county where the property is.with the clerk of the circuit court Source: [Arkansas Judiciary: Circuit Court Judges' Benchbook, Civil and Criminal (2022), Forcible Entry and Detainer](https://www.arcourts.gov/sites/default/files/Civil%20&%20Criminal%20Benchbook%202022.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedFiling fee Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear Five days after the summons to object in writing; an objection leads to a hearing.After you receive a summons to appear in court, you have five days to object in writing to the eviction. Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 - **Hearing or trial** #### Not confirmedHearing after filing Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### Not confirmedJudgment to writ Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The county sheriff removes a tenant who loses.you can be removed from the dwelling by the county sheriff. Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/), checked November 2026 - **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### Not confirmedPaying to stop the case Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. - #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026 - #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/). Not confirmed on an official page we opened. ### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027 The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer. | Stage | Earliest date | | --- | --- | | Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 | | Answer due (if served the day of filing) | Saturday, March 6, 2027 | Help the official pages name: Arkansas Legal Services landlord and tenant information, linked by the Attorney General. More: [Eviction process timeline by state](/tools/eviction-process-timeline-by-state) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=ar) ## Deposit disputes: small claims - ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.The Attorney General's guide describes disputes of less than $5,000. Not for divorce, guardianship, name change, bankruptcy, or title to or possession of real estate.Filing fee to start a case: $30 to $65. Source: [Arkansas Attorney General: Guide to Small Claims Court](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/legal-resources/guide-to-small-claims-court/), checked November 2026 More: [Arkansas small claims court](/tools/small-claims-arkansas) ## Still to confirm - Interest on the deposit: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Where the deposit is held: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Late fee limits: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and tenant rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Filing fee: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Hearing after filing: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Judgment to writ: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Writ to lockout: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Paying to stop the case: check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) - Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [Arkansas Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights](https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/homes/landlord-and-tenant-rights/) General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word. ## Common questions **How much can a security deposit be in Arkansas?** No more than two months' rent. **How long does a Arkansas landlord have to return a deposit?** The deposit is returned, with a written itemized list of charges withheld, within 60 days of the time the tenant vacates. What goes with it: A written, itemized list of the charges withheld. **How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Arkansas?** From the landlord: Oral lease: one rental period's notice, for any reason. A written lease follows its own terms. From the tenant: Oral lease: one rental period's notice. Written lease: as the lease says. **What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Arkansas?** Three days' written notice to vacate before an unlawful detainer case. **How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Arkansas?** No entry notice period stated: Nolo's 50-state chart (updated 7/18/2025) cites Ark. Code 18-17-602 and lists the notice amount and form as 'Not specified'. Check the lease. **How long does an eviction case take in Arkansas?** Time to answer or appear: 5 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer. **Can a Arkansas deposit dispute go to small claims court?** The small claims limit in our data: $5,000: the most a small claims case can ask for. The court's own page explains what kinds of cases it hears. Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords) ## Keep rental records in order [Bookkeeping for small landlords](/bookkeeping/for/small-landlords)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)