Alabama security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Alabama law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
60 days
Max penalty
2x withheld
Small claims limit
$6,000.00
The deadline
Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 60 days after you move out.
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Double the deposit for failure to return within 60 days.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Alabama small claims court (up to $6,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against Alabama law and show what you're owed.
Run Alabama auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.