Ala. Code § 35-9A-201: Alabama security deposit rules in plain English
What Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 says about Alabama security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 60 days
- Counted from when the tenancy ends and you hand back possession. Give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out; a refund mailed there within 60 days counts as on time.
- If the landlord misses the 60 days, they owe double your original deposit. An unclaimed deposit or check is forfeited after 90 days.
- Maximum deposit
- One month's periodic rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises, for which more may be taken (35-9A-201(a)). No interest or separate-account requirement found in 35-9A-201.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest or escrow requirement found in 35-9A-201.
What Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
One month's periodic rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises, for which more may be taken (35-9A-201(a)). No interest or separate-account requirement found in 35-9A-201.
Interest
No interest or escrow requirement found in 35-9A-201.
Full citation: Ala. Code 35-9A-201(a)-(f) Read the official text
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FAQ: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201?
Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, a Alabama landlord has 60 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Counted from when the tenancy ends and you hand back possession. Give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out; a refund mailed there within 60 days counts as on time. If the landlord misses the 60 days, they owe double your original deposit. An unclaimed deposit or check is forfeited after 90 days.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Alabama?
One month's periodic rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises, for which more may be taken (35-9A-201(a)). No interest or separate-account requirement found in 35-9A-201.
Does Alabama require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Ala. Code 35-9A-201(a)-(f).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Alabama?
No interest or escrow requirement found in 35-9A-201.
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Scan my Alabama leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.