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. Deposit return deadline: 60 days.

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.

Compare Alabama with every other state and province

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 (no cap if rent exceeds $2,000 a month)

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