Alabama Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Alabama caps security deposits at one month’s rent but gives landlords 60 days to return them, one of the longest deadlines in the country (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201). A tenant who falls behind gets 7 days’ written notice to pay before an eviction can be filed, and a landlord must give 2 days’ notice before entering.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Alabama?
An Alabama landlord has 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out to return the deposit, with any deductions itemized in writing.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent (pet, alteration and liability-risk deposits are separate) |
| Return Deadline | 60 days after termination and delivery of possession |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required, mailed to the tenant’s last known address |
| Statute Reference | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Alabama?
Alabama sets no cap on how much rent can rise; for a month-to-month tenancy the landlord simply gives 30 days’ written notice before the change takes effect. Local rent control is barred by state law.
| Grace Period | None set by statute — the lease controls |
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap; must be stated in the lease |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited statewide (Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month (ends the old terms) |
| Statute Reference | Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-161, 35-9A-441 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Alabama
To evict for unpaid rent in Alabama, a landlord serves a 7-day written notice to pay; only if the rent is still unpaid can the eviction case be filed in district court.
| Non-Payment Notice | 7 days to pay or vacate |
| Lease Violation Notice | 7 days to cure; no cure right for a repeat within 12 months |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Statute Reference | Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-421, 35-9A-441 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Alabama?
No. Outside emergencies, an Alabama landlord must give at least 2 days’ notice and enter at reasonable times.
| Notice Required | 2 days |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, make repairs, supply services, show to buyers, tenants or contractors |
| Statute Reference | Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 |
What Must a Alabama Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the owner and any agent authorized to manage the property (Ala. Code § 35-9A-202)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Alabama?
Alabama landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable: code compliance, working plumbing, electrical, heating and supplied appliances, and running water with reasonable hot water.
What Alabama landlords must maintain
- • Comply with applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
- • Maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and air-conditioning systems supplied by the landlord
- • Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
What a Alabama tenant can do
- • Written notice of the breach; the lease can end if it is not fixed within 14 days
- • Recover actual damages and obtain injunctive relief in court
| Repair & Deduct | Not provided by Alabama statute |
| Statute Reference | Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-204, 35-9A-401 |