Alabama Security Deposit Demand Letter
Direct answer
In Alabama, the landlord must return the deposit within 60 calendar days. The deadline is measured from this trigger: After termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. The verified state formula is landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit if refund or accounting is not mailed within 60 days under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.
Key facts
| Deadline | 60 calendar days |
|---|---|
| Deadline trigger | after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession |
| Penalty formula | landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit if refund or accounting is not mailed within 60 days |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
| Interest on deposit | No |
| Maximum deposit | Not more than one month's periodic rent, except additional amounts may be required for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises. |
| Forwarding address required | No |
| Small claims limit | $6,000 (District Court small claims division) in District Court / Small Claims |
| Statute citation | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
Statute says
Upon termination of the tenancy, money held by the landlord as security may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with Section 35-9A-301 all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. If the landlord does not refund the entire deposit, the landlord, within the 60-day period, shall provide the tenant an itemized list of amounts withheld. If the landlord fails to mail a timely refund or accounting within the 60-day period, the landlord shall pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit.
What this means
Read the deadline, trigger, and penalty together before sending a letter. Match the dates in your documents to the trigger listed above, then cite Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 and request the deposit amount supported by your records.
Worked example
Use your actual deposit amount when you write the letter. For context, median rent in Alabama is $1,007 according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates data as of .
- Jefferson County: $1,193
- Mobile County: $1,052
- Madison County: $1,209
- Baldwin County: $1,277
- Shelby County: $1,401
Example demand basis: a deposit equal to the state median rent starts at $1,007 before applying the state formula: landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit if refund or accounting is not mailed within 60 days.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | Jefferson County District Court - Small Claims Division, Birmingham | $6,000 | Varies by county; the Alabama Judicial System guide directs filers to confirm the fee with the county Small Claims Court Clerk. | Yes | Court site |
| Mobile County | Mobile County District Court - Small Claims Division, Mobile | $6,000 | Varies by county; confirm with the county Small Claims Court Clerk. | Yes | Court site |
| Madison County | Madison County District Court - Small Claims Division, Huntsville | $6,000 | Varies by county; confirm with the county Small Claims Court Clerk. | Yes | Court site |
| Baldwin County | Baldwin County District Court - Small Claims Division, Bay Minette | $6,000 | Varies by county; confirm with the county Small Claims Court Clerk. | Yes | Court site |
| Shelby County | Shelby County District Court - Small Claims Division, Columbiana | $6,000 | Varies by county; confirm with the county Small Claims Court Clerk. | Yes | Court site |
Free Alabama template, built from verified state data
I am requesting the return of my security deposit. The verified Alabama data for this page lists a 60 calendar days return window and cites Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.
Before you send
- Collect your lease, deposit receipt, and move-in records.
- Save photos, videos, and messages about move-out condition.
- Write down the move-out date you can prove.
- Confirm the forwarding address you gave the landlord.
- Send by certified mail when appropriate, and keep a copy of the final letter and delivery proof.
When this letter will NOT work
- The dispute is not about return of a security deposit.
- You need urgent court relief instead of a demand letter.
- You cannot identify the landlord or property manager to contact.
- Your documents point to a different state or a different kind of claim.
Typical mistakes
- Sending a letter before organizing the documents that prove the timeline.
- Demanding an amount that does not match the payment records.
- Leaving out the forwarding address or preferred response method.
- Mixing repair complaints into a deposit letter without separating the issues.
FAQ
Does Huntsville have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Alabama law and local rules.
Does Birmingham have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Alabama law and local rules.
Does Montgomery have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Alabama law and local rules.
Does Mobile have its own security deposit law?
No separate city security-deposit ordinance is listed in the verified data. Check the applicable Alabama law and local rules.
Can I use this if I do not know the exact deposit amount?
Use the amount shown in your lease, receipt, or move-in records. If records conflict, keep copies and avoid guessing in the letter.
Should I send evidence with the first letter?
Attach copies when they prove the basic facts, such as payment, move-out condition, forwarding address, or prior messages.
Can this page replace legal advice?
No. This page is self-help information for organizing a demand letter and checking the cited data before you act.
City data on this page currently includes Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Auburn, Dothan.
Tenant resources
- Legal Services Alabamalegal aid
- AlabamaLegalHelp.orglegal aid
- Alabama Attorney General - Consumer Complaintag consumer
- Alabama Judicial System - Small Claims Court Guidecourt self help