Full question:
I terminated my lease two months ago and I had paid all my rent on time. My landlord still hasn't returned my security deposit. Can the landlord keep a tenant’s security deposit after the termination of the lease in Alabama?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Security Deposit
- Date:
- State: Alabama
Answer:
No, in Alabama, landlords must return a tenant’s security deposit within thirty-five days after the lease ends. If the landlord withholds any amount, they must provide an itemized list of deductions within that same period. If the landlord fails to return the deposit on time, the tenant may be entitled to double the amount of the original deposit.
According to Alabama law (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201):
- Landlords cannot demand a security deposit exceeding one month's rent, except for specific reasons like pets or increased liability risks.
- Upon lease termination, the landlord may use the security deposit for unpaid rent or damages, but must notify the tenant in writing.
- Tenants should provide a forwarding address for the return of the deposit or itemized accounting. If they do not, the landlord can send it to the last known address.
- Any unclaimed deposit or outstanding check is forfeited after one hundred eighty days.
If the landlord does not comply with these rules, they are liable for double the deposit amount.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.