Arkansas Security Deposit Wrongful Withholding Remedy

Arkansas Code § 18-16-306 allows a covered tenant to recover the property and money due, damages equal to two times the amount wrongfully withheld, costs and reasonable attorney fees. The same section limits liability when the landlord proves qualifying error procedures or a good-faith dispute.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Potential damages2× wrongfully withheld

Plus the property/money due, costs and reasonable attorney fees, subject to the statute.

Good-faith/error limitationCan reduce liability

The landlord has a statutory defense/limitation if the required proof is made.

Do not treat every dispute as automatic double damages

The remedy depends on coverage, noncompliance, the amount wrongfully withheld and whether the landlord proves the statutory good-faith/error limitation. Preserve the timeline and deduction evidence before evaluating the remedy.

Arkansas coverage can depend on ownership size and third-party management. Educational information only.

Official sources

Arkansas General AssemblyAct 1004 of 2007 — Residential Landlord-Tenant Act ↗

Official bill/act history for the statute establishing Arkansas Code §§ 18-16-301 through 18-16-306, including the cap, exemption and remedies.

Arkansas General AssemblyArkansas Law — Arkansas Code and Constitution ↗

Official Arkansas General Assembly portal for the current Arkansas Code.

Related Arkansas guides

Security Deposit →2-Month Limit →60-Day Rule →Small-Landlord Exemption →