Alabama Security Deposit Laws

In Alabama, a landlord can charge you up to one month’s rent as a security deposit, with a few exceptions.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Alabama
law allows a landlord to charge tenants up to one month’s rent as a security deposit (with certain exceptions). After you move out, your landlord must return your security deposit within 60 days.
Whether you’re looking for your first apartment or you’ve rented property before, navigating rental laws can be a little daunting. Things like figuring out lease agreements or even how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit can give even seasoned pros a headache.
That’s why licensed
insurance
brokerage app
Jerry
put together this guide with everything you need to know about security deposits in Alabama.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

What is Alabama law on security deposits?

Security deposits in Alabama are considered refundable, meaning you should get your money back when you move out unless you violate the terms of your lease. 
Alabama has specific laws about how much landlords can charge for a security deposit, when they must return your deposit, and in what circumstances they can withhold part or all of the money to pay for damages.
You can find the specific statutes in
Chapter 9
of Alabama Code Title 35. 

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Alabama? 

Landlords in Alabama can charge up to one month’s rent for a security deposit. There are a few situations in which it’s legal for a landlord to charge more, including: 
  • Pet ownership
  • Changes to the premises
  • Increased liability risks to the landlord or premises
Landlords can ask you to pay your deposit alongside the first month’s rent, meaning you may want to have at least two months’ rent on hand when signing your lease.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alabama? 

After you move out, a landlord must return your security deposit within 60 days
You must provide your landlord with a valid forwarding address when you move out so they can return the deposit by mail.
If you fail to claim your deposit after 90 days despite your landlord making every effort to mail it to you, your deposit will be forfeited

What can a landlord withhold a security deposit for in Alabama?

A landlord can keep part or all of your deposit to cover any unpaid rent or fix damages to the property beyond reasonable wear and tear. 
Your deposit may also be forfeited if you fail to comply with the list of Alabama tenant duties.
Alabama law is pretty clear about what tenants can and cannot do in rented spaces. If a tenant violates any of the duties laid out in the lease agreement or statutes, a landlord has every right to keep their security deposit. Some of the tenant duties listed include:
  • Complying with all health and building codes
  • Keeping the property as clean and safe as possible
  • Disposing of trash or rubbish in a safe manner
  • Keeping all plumbing clear
  • Using all heating, air-conditioning, electric, plumbing, and other building facilities in a reasonable manner
  • Never willfully or negligently causing damage to the property or permitting anyone else to do so
  • Disturbing neighbors (or allowing others to do so)
Failure to comply with any of these duties can result in the loss of your security deposit. 
Key Takeaway Security deposits in Alabama are generally refundable, but tenants have to comply with Alabama statutes or their landlord can keep the deposits.

How to get your security deposit back in Alabama

First and foremost, the best way to ensure that you get your deposit back in Alabama is to comply with all the tenant laws. Keeping your rental property clean and free of major damage means your landlord won’t have to take money out of your deposit to clean or repair the property.
However, if you do a good job of maintaining the property but you still haven’t gotten your deposit back after 60 days of moving out, there are some steps you can take.
First, contact your landlord in writing. This way you can make sure they have your correct forwarding address. There may simply have been a mix-up and a gentle nudge is all the landlord needs to get you your money. 
If your landlord says they need to keep some or all of your deposit, make sure they provide an itemized list of deductions. Landlords must provide this list within 60 days of you moving out. 
If your landlord doesn’t return your deposit or fails to provide a list of deductions within 60 days, they must pay you double your initial deposit in compensation.

How to save money on car and renters insurance in Alabama

If the thought of navigating rental laws in Alabama makes you feel like packing up and moving to outer space instead, you’re not alone. Luckily, the
Jerry
app can take the hassle out of at least one part of renting by finding you the best renters insurance quotes
Comparing rates is out-of-this-world easy with Jerry. Jerry sends personalized quotes from the nation’s top providers straight to your device so you can find policies that fit your lifestyle and budget.
When you’re ready to make a switch, you can take care of everything in the app, and Jerry’s friendly agents are just a text or call away if you have any questions. 
“I’ve shaved off at least $50 a month using
Jerry
. For now, I chose only to pay for Alabama state minimums, but I am confident that with Jerry, I can upgrade or change my coverage at any time. The AI-integrated process is really intuitive, too!” —Fred D.
Compare renters insurance rates in minutes
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Find Rates & Get Covered
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

FAQs

A landlord can charge a maximum of one month’s rent as a security deposit unless the tenant has pets or there is an increased risk of liability to the landlord.
Yes. Any unpaid or overdue rent can be withheld from your security deposit when you move out.
You could save 15% or more on renters insurance by bundling
Bundle your renters and auto insurance with Jerry and save!
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings