Arkansas Security Deposit Demand Letter (Sample Letter + Guide)

Arkansas Security Deposit Demand Letter

If you need an Arkansas security deposit demand letter, start here.

A demand letter is a clear written request for your deposit, a proper itemized deduction list, or both. It should show when the tenancy ended, when you delivered possession, how much the deposit was, what address the landlord had, and what you are asking for now.

For covered Arkansas leases, the key deadline is generally 60 days after the tenancy terminates and possession is delivered.

A good demand letter is not just a complaint. It creates a dated record of the deadline problem, the address facts, the missing itemization, and the amount you are asking the landlord to fix.

When to Send a Demand Letter

Use a demand letter if:

• you moved out of an Arkansas rental
• 60 days have passed after tenancy termination and delivery of possession
• the landlord has not returned the deposit
• the landlord has not sent a written itemized list of deductions
• the deductions are vague, unsupported, or include ordinary wear
• you need to create a clear written record before the next step

Short scope check: the Arkansas security-deposit subchapter does not apply to many small landlords owning five or fewer dwelling units unless paid third-party management is involved. Do not let that swallow the letter. If you are not sure, preserve the issue and keep the demand factual.

What to Include

Include:

• your name and current mailing address
• the rental address
• the move-out date
• the date you delivered possession or returned keys
• the deposit amount
• whether you received an itemized list
• the amount you are demanding
• a short response deadline

Arkansas has a last-known-address mailing rule, so address proof matters. Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery.

Before sending the letter, gather the proof you would need if the landlord ignores it: lease, deposit amount, possession-delivery proof, address proof, itemized list, envelopes, returned-mail facts, photos, and messages.

Sample Arkansas Security Deposit Demand Letter

You can copy this sample and adjust it to your facts.

[Your Name]
[Current Mailing Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]

Re: Security Deposit for [Rental Address]

Dear [Landlord Name],

I am writing about the security deposit for [Rental Address].

The tenancy ended on [Tenancy End Date], and I delivered possession on [Possession Delivery / Key Return Date]. My security deposit was $[Deposit Amount].

I have not received [my deposit / a written itemized list of deductions / the remaining balance owed]. Please return the deposit balance owed to me or provide a complete written itemized list of deductions with the remaining balance.

Please send payment and any written response to the address listed above.

Please respond within [5-10 business days] of receiving this letter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Why One Letter Is Often Not Enough

A demand letter helps, but deposit disputes usually move better as a sequence:

1. document move-out, possession, condition, and address
2. send a clear demand after the deadline problem appears
3. follow up with Arkansas law and your evidence
4. send a final demand before deciding whether to file

The point is not to send one random angry letter. The point is to build a clean record: deadline, proof, written request, deduction challenge, final demand.

Related

• Arkansas security deposit deadline
• Arkansas security deposit law
• What landlords can deduct in Arkansas
• Arkansas evidence checklist

Important

This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.