Typical residential security deposit amount a landlord holds and later accounts for on a return statement in Arkansas (2026)
A typical Arkansas range, the local factors behind it, and the tools to price your own project.
Reviewed for 2026, updated September 8, 2026.
What drives the cost in Arkansas
Arkansas rents are among the lowest in the country, so a typical deposit often falls below the national range even in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville. The state's deposit statute is commonly cited as capping deposits at two months' rent and allowing up to 60 days for return, but as we understand it the statute only reaches landlords with several rental units, so small landlords should confirm whether it applies to them. Humid summers, spring storms, and tornado season mean weather damage is common, and any storm-related repair belongs on an insurance claim rather than a tenant's deposit statement.
Tips for Arkansas buyers
- If you own fewer units than the statute covers, follow it anyway; a clear itemized statement is still your best defense in small claims court.
- Separate storm damage from tenant damage in your notes and never charge a tenant for roof, siding, or window damage caused by weather.
- Northwest Arkansas turns over faster than the rest of the state, so keep a standing checklist and cleaner in that market.
Ranges are hedged planning estimates derived from a national typical range and a local index, not quotes. A typical single deposit on a market-rate residential rental is commonly around one month's rent, which puts most deposits somewhere in this range; actual amounts vary widely with local rents, unit size, pets, and state caps, and this is a working reference rather than a survey figure.
Price your project
- Deposit Deduction Depreciation Calculator: Estimates how much of a carpet, paint, blind, or appliance replacement a landlord can fairly deduct from a security deposit once the item's age and normal wear are taken into account.
- Security Deposit Refund Statement Calculator: Adds up the deposit held, any interest owed, and each itemized deduction to show the exact refund due to the tenant or the balance the tenant still owes.
- Late Deposit Return Penalty Exposure Calculator: Shows landlords how many days remain before a state return deadline and what missing it could cost when a statute allows forfeited deductions or multiplied damages.