Alabama · Renters' rights · Updated Oct 2026
Alabama tenant rights
Security deposits, repairs, landlord entry, notices and evictions in Alabama, in plain English from official sources, with free tools to get your deposit back and ask for repairs.
Guides for Alabama renters
Security deposit
Limit, deadline, deductions, penalty and the calculator.
Repairs
The landlord's duty, repair and deduct, withholding rent and a repair letter.
Eviction
Notice periods, court deadlines, illegal lockouts and a timeline tool.
Security deposit in Alabama
- Limit
- One month's rent. The landlord may charge extra deposits for pets, changes to the unit, or increased liability risk.
- Deadline to return it
- Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld. When you move out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; mailing by first-class mail to that address on time is enough. If you give no address, the landlord mails it to your last known address or the rental's address. Money you do not claim within 90 days is forfeited.
- Itemized list
- Yes. If the landlord does not refund the whole deposit, it must provide an itemized list of the amounts withheld within the 60 days. Receipts are not required by the statute.
- What may be deducted
- Unpaid rent and damages the landlord suffered because you did not meet your duties under § 35-9A-301 (for example, damage beyond normal wear, not keeping the unit clean and safe).
- Interest
- No. The statute does not require interest.
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord does not mail a refund or itemized accounting within 60 days, it must pay you double the amount of your original deposit.
How to get your deposit back
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Alabama: When you move out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; mailing by first-class mail to that address on time is enough.
- Wait for the deadline: Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $6,000 (same for people and businesses). Small claims court in Alabama on Small Claims Map
Repairs in Alabama
- The landlord's duty
- The landlord must follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety, make repairs to keep the unit habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and supplied appliances working, provide trash containers and removal, and supply running water, reasonable hot water and reasonable heat. Ala. Code § 35-9A-204.
- How to ask for repairs
- Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed. If the landlord fixes it before that date, the lease continues. You can also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and a court order. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas after notice, you can end the lease with 14 days' written notice or sue for the reduced rental value. Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404.
- Repair and deduct
- Not allowed. Alabama's law does not include a repair-and-deduct remedy.
- Withholding rent
- Not allowed as self-help. If the landlord sues you for possession or rent while you live there, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, but you must pay the rent into court as it comes due. Ala. Code § 35-9A-405.
- Law
- Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-204, 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404, 35-9A-405
Landlord entry in Alabama
At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. A note posted on your main door counts as notice. No notice is needed in an emergency, with a court order, or if the landlord reasonably believes you have moved out. If you ask for a repair, you are treated as agreeing to entry to make it. A general advance schedule for repairs, pest control or safety service (given more than 2 days ahead) also counts. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303.
Eviction in Alabama
- Notice for unpaid rent
- 7-business-day written notice to pay. The notice must state the rent and late fees owed. If you pay within 7 business days after you receive it, the lease does not end. A tenant can cure a breach no more than two times in 12 months unless the landlord agrees in writing. Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b), (d).
- Notice for a lease violation
- 7-business-day notice to fix the problem or the lease ends. No chance to cure (7-day notice) for illegal drugs, illegal firearm use, criminal assault on the property, lying on the application, or repeating the same breach within 6 months. Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(a), (d).
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- Landlord or tenant: written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date that ends the tenancy. Week-to-week: 7 days. Ala. Code § 35-9A-441.
- Time to respond to an eviction lawsuit
- 7 calendar days after you are served with the eviction complaint to file a written answer on the possession claim (14 days for a money claim in district court). If you do not answer, the landlord can get a default judgment. Either side can appeal within 7 days after judgment. (Alabama district court clerk guidance; Ala. Code § 35-9A-461.)
- Lockouts and utility shutoffs
- Yes. If the landlord unlawfully removes or locks you out, or willfully interrupts heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas or another essential service, you can recover possession or end the lease, and recover up to three months' rent or your actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees. Ala. Code § 35-9A-407.
- Court self-help
- The court's eviction self-help page
- Law
- Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-407, 35-9A-421, 35-9A-441, 35-9A-461
Rent increases and rent control in Alabama
- Notice of a rent increase
- No statute sets a rent-increase notice period. For a month-to-month tenancy, a change in terms in practice needs at least the 30-day notice used to end the tenancy (§ 35-9A-441). Rent cannot be raised in retaliation (§ 35-9A-501).
- Rent control
- No statewide rent cap. Cities and counties may not control rents on private property (Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1).
Late fees in Alabama
No statute sets a cap or grace period. Late fees must be in the lease; the 7-day nonpayment notice must state any late fees owed.
Retaliation in Alabama
The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue or threaten to sue for possession because you complained to a housing code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs required by § 35-9A-204, or joined a tenants' union. You get the lockout remedies (up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. The statute sets no presumption period. The landlord may still evict if you are behind on rent, caused the problem, or have other material lease violations. Ala. Code § 35-9A-501.
Small claims court in Alabama
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer.
Limit: $6,000 (same for people and businesses).
Where to get free help in Alabama
Good to know in Alabama
- When you move out, give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. If the deposit or a list of deductions is not mailed within 60 days, the landlord owes you double the deposit.
- You have only 7 days to file a written answer after being served with an eviction complaint.
- Alabama has no repair-and-deduct and no rent withholding; for repairs, use a written 14-day notice or sue.
Free tools for Alabama renters
Pre-set for Alabama. They run in your browser and send nothing.
Deposit return calculator for Alabama
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Security deposit demand letter for Alabama
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Repair request letter for Alabama
Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.
Eviction notice timeline for Alabama
Got a notice from your landlord? Enter the kind of notice and the day you got it to see the dates that follow from your state's rule, what your landlord may not do, and where to get free help fast.
This is not legal advice. Eviction deadlines are short and missing one can cost you your home. Read your notice carefully and contact legal aid or your court's self-help center right away.
Questions about renters' rights in Alabama
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?
One month's rent. The landlord may charge extra deposits for pets, changes to the unit, or increased liability risk.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alabama?
Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and you give back possession, the landlord must refund the deposit and, if anything is kept, send an itemized list of what was withheld. When you move out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; mailing by first-class mail to that address on time is enough. If you give no address, the landlord mails it to your last known address or the rental's address. Money you do not claim within 90 days is forfeited.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Alabama?
If the landlord does not mail a refund or itemized accounting within 60 days, it must pay you double the amount of your original deposit.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Alabama?
Unpaid rent and damages the landlord suffered because you did not meet your duties under § 35-9A-301 (for example, damage beyond normal wear, not keeping the unit clean and safe).
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Alabama?
No. The statute does not require interest.
How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Alabama?
Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed. If the landlord fixes it before that date, the lease continues. You can also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and a court order. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas after notice, you can end the lease with 14 days' written notice or sue for the reduced rental value. Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404.
Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Alabama?
Not allowed. Alabama's law does not include a repair-and-deduct remedy.
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Alabama?
Not allowed as self-help. If the landlord sues you for possession or rent while you live there, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, but you must pay the rent into court as it comes due. Ala. Code § 35-9A-405.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Alabama?
At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. A note posted on your main door counts as notice. No notice is needed in an emergency, with a court order, or if the landlord reasonably believes you have moved out. If you ask for a repair, you are treated as agreeing to entry to make it. A general advance schedule for repairs, pest control or safety service (given more than 2 days ahead) also counts. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303.
How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Alabama?
7-business-day written notice to pay. The notice must state the rent and late fees owed. If you pay within 7 business days after you receive it, the lease does not end. A tenant can cure a breach no more than two times in 12 months unless the landlord agrees in writing. Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b), (d).
How much notice for a lease violation in Alabama?
7-business-day notice to fix the problem or the lease ends. No chance to cure (7-day notice) for illegal drugs, illegal firearm use, criminal assault on the property, lying on the application, or repeating the same breach within 6 months. Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(a), (d).
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Alabama?
Landlord or tenant: written notice at least 30 days before the rent due date that ends the tenancy. Week-to-week: 7 days. Ala. Code § 35-9A-441.
How long do I have to respond to an eviction lawsuit in Alabama?
7 calendar days after you are served with the eviction complaint to file a written answer on the possession claim (14 days for a money claim in district court). If you do not answer, the landlord can get a default judgment. Either side can appeal within 7 days after judgment. (Alabama district court clerk guidance; Ala. Code § 35-9A-461.)
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Alabama?
Yes. If the landlord unlawfully removes or locks you out, or willfully interrupts heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas or another essential service, you can recover possession or end the lease, and recover up to three months' rent or your actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees. Ala. Code § 35-9A-407.
How much notice is needed for a rent increase in Alabama?
No statute sets a rent-increase notice period. For a month-to-month tenancy, a change in terms in practice needs at least the 30-day notice used to end the tenancy (§ 35-9A-441). Rent cannot be raised in retaliation (§ 35-9A-501).
Is there rent control in Alabama?
No statewide rent cap. Cities and counties may not control rents on private property (Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1).
Is there a limit on late fees in Alabama?
No statute sets a cap or grace period. Late fees must be in the lease; the 7-day nonpayment notice must state any late fees owed.
Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Alabama?
The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue or threaten to sue for possession because you complained to a housing code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs required by § 35-9A-204, or joined a tenants' union. You get the lockout remedies (up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. The statute sets no presumption period. The landlord may still evict if you are behind on rent, caused the problem, or have other material lease violations. Ala. Code § 35-9A-501.
What is the small claims limit in Alabama?
$6,000 (same for people and businesses).
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-421 Noncompliance; failure to pay rent (ALISON)
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 Access (ALISON)
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-501 Retaliatory conduct prohibited (ALISON)
- Morgan County (Alabama) court: Evictions
- Calhoun County (Alabama) court: District Civil
Last checked: Oct 2026.