Alabama Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Ala. Code §35-9A-201 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 60 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 60 calendar days, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Ala. Code §35-9A-201(b).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent
- Itemization required: Within 60 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $6,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must return deposit within 60 days of termination and delivery of possession
- Landlord must provide itemized list of deductions
What Your Alabama Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Alabama's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Ala. Code §35-9A-201 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
60 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
double the amount wrongfully withheld — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Alabama Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Alabama?
Under Ala. Code §35-9A-201, your landlord has 60 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Alabama landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Ala. Code §35-9A-201(b). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Alabama?
Under Ala. Code §35-9A-201(a), the maximum security deposit in Alabama is 1 month rent.
Does my Alabama landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Alabama law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 60 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama small claims court handles cases up to $6,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Alabama?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Alabama-specific demand letter citing Ala. Code §35-9A-201 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.