How long does an Alabama landlord have to return a security deposit?

The 60-day period begins after both the tenancy ends and possession is returned. The landlord must provide the amount due and, if any deposit is withheld, a written itemized accounting. A timely first-class mailing can satisfy the timing rule even if it arrives later.

What happens if an Alabama landlord misses the 60-day deadline?

If the landlord fails to mail the amount due or required accounting within 60 days, Alabama law states that the landlord shall pay double the original deposit. A late arrival or no receipt alone does not prove that the mailing was late.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?

No more than one month's rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risk to the landlord or premises.

Can an Alabama landlord deduct a cleaning charge from a security deposit?

A cleaning charge is not automatically valid or invalid. Review the move-out condition, work performed, amount, tenant responsibility, lease language, and available records. A professional-cleaning receipt, flat fee, or landlord invoice is evidence to compare, not an automatic answer.

Can a lease make a security deposit non-refundable in Alabama?

No. A clause making the deposit non-refundable is not valid under Alabama law.

Is Paper Alibi legal advice?

No. Paper Alibi provides legal information and self-help organization tools. It is not a law firm and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Alabama › Security deposit

Alabama Security Deposit Planner

Use this free planner to sort your Alabama security deposit deadline, mailing facts, disputed deductions, evidence, and next step. The 60-day period begins after both tenancy termination and delivery of possession. A timely first-class mailing may control even if the refund or accounting arrives later. Legal information, not legal advice.

60 daysProvide the amount due and, when money is withheld, an itemized accounting. Mailing date may control. § 35-9A-201 ↗
One monthDeposit cap, with limited exceptions.
Double depositPossible remedy only when the available facts support a failure to mail on time.
Limited deductionsUnpaid rent or actual itemized loss caused by tenant noncompliance. Cleaning charges depend on the condition, work, amount, tenant responsibility, and proof.

Covers no refund, partial refund, missing itemized list, full or partial cleaning disputes, professional-cleaning records, flat fees, routine turnover concerns, missing landlord records, normal wear, disputed damage, rent you already paid, over-the-cap deposits, and non-refundable deposit clauses.

FAQ and Alabama sources

Alabama security deposit FAQ

How long does my landlord have to return my deposit in Alabama?: The 60-day period begins after both the tenancy ends and possession is returned. The landlord must provide the amount due and, if any part of the deposit is withheld, a written itemized accounting. Timely first-class mailing may be sufficient even when it arrives later. (§ 35-9A-201)
What if the landlord misses the 60-day deadline?: If the available record supports a failure to mail the amount due or required accounting on time, the statute states that the landlord shall pay double the original deposit. A late arrival or no receipt alone does not prove late mailing. (§ 35-9A-201(f))
How much can a landlord charge for a deposit in Alabama?: No more than one month’s rent, except for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risk. (§ 35-9A-201(a))
How should I review a cleaning charge?: Start with the amount, whether you dispute all or part of it, why you dispute it, and the records you already have. Compare the move-out condition, work performed, tenant responsibility, and the landlord’s photos, invoice, labor, payment, and cost records. (§§ 35-9A-201(b), 35-9A-301)
What if I paid for professional cleaning but the landlord charged me again?: Keep the receipt, service list, proof of payment, and after-cleaning photos. Compare the exact rooms or services with what the landlord says remained unclean. A receipt helps, but it does not decide whether separate work was still needed.
What if the cleaning charge is not explained or supported?: Ask what remained unclean and request the move-out photos, work description, invoice or labor record, payment proof, and cost calculation. The planner can prepare a records request before making a firmer claim.
Does a flat cleaning fee or routine turnover charge automatically come out of the deposit?: No single lease term decides the issue by itself. Compare the lease language with the actual condition, work, tenant responsibility, and itemized loss. Alabama lease terms also cannot waive rights or remedies protected by the residential landlord-tenant law. (§ 35-9A-163)
Can a landlord charge me for normal wear?: Compare the move-in and move-out condition, the item’s age, tenant noncompliance, actual work, and cost. Ordinary aging or wear without tenant noncompliance is not the same as tenant-caused loss.
Can a lease make my deposit non-refundable?: No. That clause is not valid in Alabama.

Alabama sources

Alabama Legislature § 35-9A-201 (official code) · Readable copy of § 35-9A-201 · § 35-9A-141 (calendar-day rule) · § 35-9A-301 (official tenant duties) · Readable copy of § 35-9A-301 · § 12-12-31 (small-claims limit) · Alabama small-claims forms · § 35-9A-163 (official prohibited lease provisions) · Alabama Tenants’ Handbook (2024 PDF) · Legal Services Alabama

Justia provides a readable copy of the Alabama Code section; the Alabama Legislature link above is the official state site.