Alabama security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 1 month of rent
Return deadline: 60 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

Up to one month's rent, plus additional deposits for pets, changes to the premises or increased liability risks. The deposit is due 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered; failing to refund it entitles the tenant to double the deposit (§ 35-9A-201(d)).

Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a), (b) · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$2,500

Up to 1 month of rent under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a), (b).

Return deadline

60 days

60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, whether or not deductions are made. An itemized written notice comes with the amount due.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Alabama: Up to one month's rent, plus additional deposits for pets, changes to the premises or increased liability risks. The deposit is due 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered; failing to refund it entitles the tenant to double the deposit (§ 35-9A-201(d)).

Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a), (b) · read on 2026-11-09

Alabama: common questions

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

Up to 1 month of rent under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a), (b). Up to one month's rent, plus additional deposits for pets, changes to the premises or increased liability risks. The deposit is due 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered; failing to refund it entitles the tenant to double the deposit (§ 35-9A-201(d)).

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alabama?

60 days. 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, whether or not deductions are made. An itemized written notice comes with the amount due.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>