Alabama · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Alabama security deposit law

In Alabama, your landlord has 60 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Short answer

In Alabama, the deposit limit is: One month's rent. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld.

deposit limit: 1 month's rent
to return a deposit: 60 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Alabama: When you move out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; mailing by first-class mail to that address on time is enough.
Wait for the deadline: Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $6,000 (same for people and businesses). Small claims court in Alabama on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Alabama

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Alabama

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Alabama

Limit: One month's rent. The landlord may charge extra deposits for pets, changes to the unit, or increased liability risk.
Deadline to return it: Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld. When you move out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; mailing by first-class mail to that address on time is enough. If you give no address, the landlord mails it to your last known address or the rental's address. Money you do not claim within 90 days is forfeited.
Itemized list: If the landlord does not refund the whole deposit, it must provide an itemized list of the amounts withheld within the 60 days. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent and damages the landlord suffered because you did not meet your duties under § 35-9A-301 (for example, damage beyond normal wear, not keeping the unit clean and safe).
Interest: The statute does not require interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord does not mail a refund or itemized accounting within 60 days, it must pay you double the amount of your original deposit.
Law: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201

Small claims court in Alabama

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $6,000 (same for people and businesses).

How to file in Alabama

More for Alabama renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026