Arkansas · AR

Demand letters in Arkansas.

In Arkansas, landlords must return a deposit within 60 days, and the Small Claims Division (District Court) hears claims up to $5,000. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

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By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Arkansas demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

60 days

Small claims limit

$5,000

Filing fee

About $65–$165

Written-contract SOL

5 years

Personal-injury SOL

3 years

Legal/judgment interest

10% per year (post-judgment); contracts may carry the agreed rate up to the usury cap.

Security deposit demand letters in Arkansas

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Arkansas law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 60 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. A landlord acting in bad faith may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs.

Governing statute: Ark. Code § 18-16-305 · read it

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Statutes of limitation in Arkansas

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 5 years
Oral contracts 3 years
Personal injury 3 years
Property damage 3 years

Small claims court in Arkansas

If your demand letter is ignored, Arkansas's Small Claims Division (District Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $5,000, with filing fees around About $65–$165. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Good to know in Arkansas

Arkansas has long been considered landlord-friendly, and the deposit statute reflects that with a 60-day return window and an exemption for landlords who own five or fewer units. The small claims limit is $5,000 in the District Court’s Small Claims Division. Because the deposit rules offer thinner tenant protection than most states, a firm demand letter citing Ark. Code § 18-16-305 and your itemized move-out condition is especially important before escalating.

Common demand letters in Arkansas

Each generator automatically applies Arkansas law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

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Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

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Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

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Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

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Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

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Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

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Arkansas demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 60 days. A landlord acting in bad faith may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs. The governing statute is Ark. Code § 18-16-305.
What is the small claims court limit in Arkansas?
Arkansas's Small Claims Division (District Court) hears claims up to $5,000, with filing fees of roughly About $65–$165. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Arkansas?
Arkansas's statute of limitations is 5 years for written contracts, 3 years for oral contracts, 3 years for personal injury, and 3 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims Division (District Court).

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