Alabama caps a residential security deposit at one month's rent under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, with exceptions for pets, alterations, and added liability risk. Landlords must return the deposit and provide an itemized accounting within 60 days of termination and delivery of possession, or owe double the deposit.
Under Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 bars a landlord from demanding security "in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent," though additional amounts may be charged for pets, tenant-requested changes to the premises, or activities that increase liability risk to the landlord or premises. After the tenancy ends, the landlord may apply the deposit to accrued rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 35-9A-301, but must deliver written notice with an itemized statement and any refund due within 60 days of termination and delivery of possession. The tenant must furnish a valid written forwarding address; otherwise an unclaimed deposit may be forfeited after 90 days.
If the landlord fails to mail a timely refund or itemized accounting within the 60-day period, Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 requires the landlord to pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit. The tenant may sue to recover this amount.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills Code Chapter 4 (Animals and Fowl) and Ord. 2098 address noisy dogs. The ordinance encourages neighbor-to-neighbor resolution first, then outli...
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills requires a Noise Waiver for construction work on weekends or after hours. Applications need a minimum of two business days for review. Approve...
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills Code Chapter 11, Article V (Noise Control, Ord. 2310) prohibits loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noises. Music from motor vehicles or pedestri...
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills regulates parking through its municipal code and state law (Ala. Code §32-5A-136/137). Standard prohibitions apply including no parking within...
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills requires driveway construction to meet zoning setback and engineering standards. Vehicles must not obstruct sidewalks or public rights-of-way....
Vestavia Hills, AL
Vestavia Hills' zoning ordinance restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Home occupations are limited to office or personal service uses, ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Jefferson County.
See how Vestavia Hills's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.