Madison County, Alabama: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Madison County District Court - Small Claims Division in Huntsville. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $6,000. Alabama return time: 60 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,084. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Madison County District Court - Small Claims Division |
|---|---|
| City | Huntsville |
| Address | 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801 |
| Phone | (256) 532-3390 (listed in the state court directory 2026-09-21; not confirmed by the court) |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| E-filing | Yes, see filing page |
| Small claims limit | $6,000 |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 |
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.
Details
Limits: $6,000 (District Court small claims division only).
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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.
Court listed for this county: Madison County District Court - Small Claims Division. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Madison County.
- The Alabama business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Alabama Secretary of State (check the link; report an error if it is wrong)
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Alabama filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: certified mail by clerk; constable or sheriff.
Procedure source (medium confidence): SM-01 Statement of Claim (Complaint) - General
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Madison County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $924 | $924 | $1,848 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,084 | $1,084 | $2,168 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,292 | $1,292 | $2,584 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,697 | $1,697 | $3,394 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Madison County compare with other Alabama counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,084: rank 4 of 12 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 31.2% of households rent in Madison County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Baldwin County | $1,200 |
| Jefferson County | $1,098 |
| Madison County | $1,084 |
| Autauga County | $1,046 |
| Mobile County | $995 |
| Elmore County | $931 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 12 of 12 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Madison County
- Gurley
- Huntsville
- Madison
- New Hope
- Owens Cross Roads
- Triana
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Legal Services Alabama: free civil legal help for low-income Alabamians with evictions, security deposits, repair problems, housing discrimination, utility problems, and housing counseling
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Madison County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Madison County?
Madison County District Court - Small Claims Division is listed. 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. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.