Arkansas Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $5,000 (District Court small claims division statewide only). Court: District Court (Small Claims Division). Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 5/5 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 60 days.
County court coverage and fees
5 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 5, No 0, Not verified 0
Deposit return deadlines
- 60 calendar days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession by the tenant. subchapter applies (see notes: generally landlords with six or more units, or any landlord using paid third-party management; five-or-fewer self-managed individual owners exempt under § 18-16-303).
- 180 calendar days after from the date the refund payment was mailed. letter with payment returned and landlord unable to locate tenant after reasonable effort; payment then becomes landlord property.
From a letter to court
- Send an Arkansas security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 60 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Arkansas: 5 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Statewide filing fee: Filing fee for initiating a cause of action in the small claims division of district court $50.00 (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-17-705) plus technology fee $15.00 (Ark. Code Ann. § 21-6-416).
How papers are served:
- constable or sheriff
Attorneys allowed: No
Appeal window: 30 days
2 Filing fee - for initiating a cause of action in the small claims division of district court $50.00 Ark. Code Ann. § 16-17-705 3 Technology fees - For initiating a cause of action in the civil or small claims division of district court $15.00
Free Arkansas template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Arkansas law (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-303 to 18-16-306), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [60 calendar days / 180 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (District Court small claims division statewide only) |
|---|---|
| Court | District Court (Small Claims Division) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 5 years |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
tenant may recover property/money due, damages equal to two times the amount wrongfully withheld, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees; if landlord shows by preponderance that noncompliance was an error despite reasonable procedures or a good-faith dispute as to amount due, liability limited to costs and the sum erroneously withheld. Bad faith required: No.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulaski County | Pulaski County District Court - Civil and Small Claims Division, Little Rock | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Set by the local district court; confirm the current filing and service fees with the clerk. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Benton County | Benton County District Court - Small Claims Division, Bentonville | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Set by the local district court; confirm with the clerk. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Washington County | Washington County District Court - Small Claims Division, Fayetteville | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Set by the local district court; confirm with the clerk. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Sebastian County | Sebastian County District Court - Small Claims Division, Fort Smith | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Set by the local district court; confirm with the clerk. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Faulkner County | Faulkner County District Court - Small Claims Division, Conway | $5,000 | Statewide filing fee: Set by the local district court; confirm with the clerk. | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
Detailed guides for 5 counties
Statute says
If the landlord fails to comply with this subchapter, the tenant may recover: (A) The property and money due him or her; (B) Damages in an amount equal to two (2) times the amount wrongfully withheld; (C) Costs; and (D) Reasonable attorney's fees. However, the landlord shall be liable only for costs and the sum erroneously withheld if the landlord shows by the preponderance of the evidence that his or her noncompliance: (A) Resulted from an error which occurred despite the existence of procedures reasonably designed to avoid such errors; or (B) Was based on a good faith dispute as to the amount due.
What this means
Tenant resources
- AR Law Helplegal aid, 1-800-952-9243
- Legal Aid of Arkansaslegal aid
- Center for Arkansas Legal Serviceslegal aid
- Arkansas Attorney General - Landlord and Tenant Rightsag consumer
- Arkansas Judiciary - District Courtscourt self help
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Arkansas?
$5,000 (District Court small claims division statewide only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
tenant may recover property/money due, damages equal to two times the amount wrongfully withheld, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees; if landlord shows by preponderance that noncompliance was an error despite reasonable procedures or a good-faith dispute as to amount due, liability limited to costs and the sum erroneously withheld. Bad faith required: No.
Which court handles the claim?
District Court (Small Claims Division)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 60 calendar days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession by the tenant. subchapter applies (see notes: generally landlords with six or more units, or any landlord using paid third-party management; five-or-fewer self-managed individual owners exempt under § 18-16-303). Typical response window after a demand letter: 60 days.