Alabama Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit
In Alabama, a security deposit claim is heard by District Court / Small Claims; the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $6,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.
State law last checked .
Filing facts
| Court | District Court / Small Claims · Court source |
|---|---|
| Listed limits and jurisdictions | $6,000 (District Court small claims division only) |
| Comparable deposit claim limit | $6,000 |
| Time limit to sue, from state data | 6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it. |
| Listed county filing fees | No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. |
| E-filing | 5 yes, 0 no, 7 unverified among 12 listed counties |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Deposit statute | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
Which county is the rental in?
- Jefferson County court and filing fee
- Mobile County court and filing fee
- Madison County court and filing fee
- Baldwin County court and filing fee
- Shelby County court and filing fee
- Autauga County court and filing fee
- Elmore County court and filing fee
- Escambia County court and filing fee
- Etowah County court and filing fee
- Fayette County court and filing fee
- Jackson County court and filing fee
- Macon County court and filing fee
Does your claim fit the limit?
Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.
The comparable claim limit ranks 11 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.
From a letter to court
- Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
- Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
- Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.
Calculate your deadline and next letter
Your free letter
Get a DOCX letter with the dates and amount you entered.
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 60 days | after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession |
Alabama return rule: 60 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Free Alabama template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Alabama law (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 60 calendar days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
How papers are served:
- certified mail by clerk
- constable or sheriff
Attorneys allowed: Yes
SM-01 Statement of Claim (Complaint) - General
Who do you name in the claim?
Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Alabama Secretary of State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.
What to bring to the clerk
- Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
- Demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
- Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.
What you can recover
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.
This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.
Statute says
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
Tenant resources
- Legal Services Alabamalegal aid
- AlabamaLegalHelp.orglegal aid
- Alabama Attorney General - Consumer Complaintag consumer
- Alabama Judicial System - Small Claims Court Guidecourt self help
FAQ
Which court handles a security deposit claim in Alabama?
District Court / Small Claims. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
What is the deposit claim limit in Alabama?
The comparable general deposit claim limit is $6,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.
What is the return deadline in Alabama?
60 calendar days