United States · AL

Alabama landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a Alabama landlord — deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

Security deposit

1 month's rent

Return: 60 days

Late fees

Must be reasonable; no statutory cap

Entry notice

2 days' written notice

Termination notice

30 days (month-to-month)

Rent control

No state rent control; local rent control prohibited

Required disclosures

Every Alabama residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

Lead-based paint (pre-1978)
Landlord name & address

Notable Alabama quirk

Cities cannot enact local rent control.

Alabama landlord law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Alabama?

Must be reasonable; no statutory cap. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.

What is the security deposit limit in Alabama?

1 month's rent. The deposit must be returned within 60 days after move-out.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Alabama?

2 days' written notice.

Is there rent control in Alabama?

No state rent control; local rent control prohibited.

Sources

Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.

Eviction timelines in Alabama

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for Alabama.

View costs

Baked in

Alabama-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with Alabama deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance — all in one place.

Other states

Alaska

2 months' rent (1 month if rent ≥ $2,000)

Arizona

1.5 months' rent

Arkansas

2 months' rent

California

1 month's rent (as of July 2024)

Colorado

2 months' rent (since Aug. 7, 2023)

Connecticut

2 months' rent (1 month if tenant ≥ 62)

Delaware

1 month's rent (12-month+ leases)

District of Columbia

1 month's rent