Alabama Security Deposit Law: One-Month Cap, 60-Day Return

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.