Alabama security deposit rules
Alabama limits security deposits to 1 month's rent (additional deposits allowed for pets, alterations to the premises, or increased liability risks). The deposit must be returned 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (itemized written notice plus any refund; calendar days). No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
1 month's rent (additional deposits allowed for pets, alterations to the premises, or increased liability risks). Returned 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (itemized written notice plus any refund; calendar days). Statute text read on FindLaw (Alabama legislature site alisondb.legislature.state.al.us unreachable; Justia returned 403). Act 2014-279 extended the return period from 35 to 60 days; failure to refund/account within 60 days = landlord owes double the original deposit (§ 35-9A-201(f)). No interest requirement. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 60-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Pets: Pet deposits are excluded from the one-month cap; a landlord may require an additional deposit for pets (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a)).
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing Ala. Code § 35-9A-201. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Alabama rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap and no statutory grace period; no statute located. The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code Title 35, Ch. 9A) is silent on late fees; fee must be in the written lease and is subject to general reasonableness/unconscionability limits (confirmed via secondary sources only). Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date, by either party; 7 days for week-to-week Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Alabama landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?
1 month's rent (additional deposits allowed for pets, alterations to the premises, or increased liability risks). Statute text read on FindLaw (Alabama legislature site alisondb.legislature.state.al.us unreachable; Justia returned 403). Act 2014-279 extended the return period from 35 to 60 days; failure to refund/account within 60 days = landlord owes double the original deposit (§ 35-9A-201(f)). No interest requirement. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alabama?
60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (itemized written notice plus any refund; calendar days). The statute is Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.
Does a Alabama landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Alabama law does not require interest on residential security deposits.
Are pet deposits limited in Alabama?
Pet deposits are excluded from the one-month cap; a landlord may require an additional deposit for pets (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a)).