Alabama Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Alabama landlord-tenant law provides minimal statutory requirements, with most rental terms governed by lease agreements and common law. While there are limited statewide tenant protections, landlords must still comply with basic security deposit and habitability requirements.
Security Deposit
Limit: No statutory limit on security deposit amounts, but must be reasonable.
Return Period: 60 days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession. Must provide itemized list of deductions.
Rent Increases
30 days notice required for month-to-month tenancies. Must follow lease terms for fixed-term leases.
Entry Notice
No statutory requirement, but reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) is customary and should be specified in lease.
Key Statutes
- Alabama Code §35-9A-201 - Security Deposits
- Alabama Code §35-9A-204 - Landlord
- ,
- ,
Common Issues
- Not returning deposits within 60 days
- Failure to provide itemized deductions
- Self-help evictions (illegal)
- Not maintaining basic habitability standards
- Improper notice for rent increases