How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?

Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent, excluding deposits for pets, alterations, or undue risk of damage. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201) The deposit must be accounted for within 60 days after the tenancy ends (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201).

Is there a limit on late fees in Alabama?

Alabama sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Alabama?

Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-303)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Alabama?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Alabama?

Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Alabama?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Alabama tenancies are governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Alabama with the statutory citations printed in it.

Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Alabama has to respect the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: a security deposit capped at one month's rent, accounted for within 60 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Alabama tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Alabama rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Alabama lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Alabama landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Alabama	Citation
Security deposit limit	one month's rentSecurity deposit may not exceed one month's rent, excluding deposits for pets, alterations, or undue risk of damage.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
Deposit return deadline	60 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 60 days after termination and delivery of possession.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
Interest on deposits	Not requiredAlabama does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
Late fee limit	No statutory limitAlabama sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodAlabama sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	7 daysTenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-421
Time to cure a lease violation	7 daysTenant generally has 7 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-421
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-441
Notice before landlord entry	48 hoursLandlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Ala. Code § 35-9A-303

Disclosures a Alabama lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Alabama

Where eviction is filed

District Court, as an unlawful detainer.

Governing law

Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, cited from the Code of Alabama.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Alabama lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?: Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent, excluding deposits for pets, alterations, or undue risk of damage. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201) The deposit must be accounted for within 60 days after the tenancy ends (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201).
Is there a limit on late fees in Alabama?: Alabama sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Alabama?: Landlord must give at least 2 days' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-303)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Alabama?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Alabama?: Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421) The case is filed as an unlawful detainer in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Alabama?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Alabama tenancies are governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Alabama with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Alabama lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Alabama lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Alabama law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Alabama attorney review your lease before you rely on it.