Security deposit law in Alabama

The rule in Alabama

Alabama limits a residential security deposit to 1 month's rent (more allowed for pets, alterations or increased liability risk). The wording in Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a), (b): “A landlord may not demand or receive money as security, in an amount in excess of one month's periodic rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises.”

The return deadline is 60 days, counted after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered. The text reads: “together with the amount due 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 41 give landlords less time and 0 give more; the median is 30 days. Arkansas and West Virginia also allow 60 days.

What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $1,000, $1,500 rent: up to $1,500 and $2,000 rent: up to $2,000.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on January 29, 2027.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Florida allows 15 days and sets no cap.

If the landlord does not mail a refund or itemized accounting within the 60 days, the landlord owes the tenant double the original deposit (§ 35-9A-201(f)).

On moving out the tenant gives a written forwarding address; a deposit or check left unclaimed for 90 days is forfeited (§ 35-9A-201(d)).

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Alabama is $6,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $6,000 a month or less.

Source: Alabama Legislature, Code of Alabama § 35-9A-201 · last checked October 21, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.