60 days after move-out | Recovery of deposit + court costs | Ala. Code §35-9A-201
Law verified March 1, 2026
Find out if your Alabama landlord may owe you. free, 2 minutes
Check My DepositAlabama security deposit law is governed by Ala. Code §35-9A-201, which sets out the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants. Under this statute, your landlord has 60 days after you move out to either return your full security deposit or provide a written itemized statement of any deductions - along with the remaining balance.
While Alabama does not impose a penalty multiplier, a landlord who misses the 60-day deadline loses the legal basis to justify any deductions. You can recover the full deposit through Alabama small claims court - which handles disputes up to $6,000 - without needing an attorney.
Alabama also requires landlords to provide a written, itemized breakdown of all deductions within the deadline window. A vague entry like “repairs” or “damages” without specific descriptions and dollar amounts is generally insufficient under Ala. Code §35-9A-201. If no proper itemization was provided on time, the deductions may be invalid regardless of their underlying merit.
Critically, Ala. Code §35-9A-201 explicitly prohibits landlords from charging for normal wear and tear - the gradual deterioration that results from ordinary, reasonable use of the property. This includes routine repainting, carpet wear from foot traffic, minor wall scuffs, and similar everyday wear. Charges for these items are not legally permitted in Alabama.
The sections below explain each aspect of Alabama deposit law in detail. If you have already received a deduction or no deposit return, our free analysis tool evaluates your specific situation against Ala. Code §35-9A-201, estimates the maximum modeled recovery, and generates a personalized demand letter.
Deadline
Under Ala. Code §35-9A-201, your Alabama landlord has 60 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 60-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Penalty
Alabama does not impose a statutory penalty multiplier on top of the deposit amount, but you are still entitled to recover the full amount wrongfully withheld. You can sue your landlord in small claims court (up to $6,000 in Alabama) to recover your deposit plus court filing costs. Many landlords comply once they receive a formal demand letter.
Miss the 60-day deadline and your landlord loses the legal basis to justify any deduction. File in Alabama small claims court (up to $6,000). A formal demand letter citing Ala. Code §35-9A-201 resolves most cases before it gets there.
Ala. Code §35-9A-201
Itemization
Alabama law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 60-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.
Legal Reference
Wear & Tear ProtectedQuestions
Your Alabama landlord has 60 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Ala. Code §35-9A-201.
If your landlord misses the 60-day deadline, you can sue in Alabama small claims court (up to $6,000) to recover your full deposit plus court costs. While Alabama doesn't impose a penalty multiplier, the threat of court often motivates compliance.
No. Alabama law under Ala. Code §35-9A-201 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
Alabama small claims court handles disputes up to $6,000. Most security deposit cases fall well within this limit. No attorney is required, and filing fees are typically $30–$75. Cases are usually heard within 4–8 weeks of filing.
The statute of limitations for security deposit claims in Alabama is 6 years from the date of the violation. Don't wait. Gather documentation and act promptly. After the statute of limitations expires, you lose your legal right to recover the deposit.
Alabama landlords must provide a written, itemized statement listing each deduction with a specific dollar amount. Vague descriptions like "repairs: $500" are generally insufficient; the statement should identify what was repaired and why. This itemization must be provided within 60 days.
| State | Deadline | Penalty | Small Claims |
|---|---|---|---|
AlabamaYou | 60 days | Civil | $6,000 |
| 15 days | Forfeiture | $8,000 | |
| 30 days | 3× | $15,000 | |
| 60 days | 2× | $5,000 | |
| 21 days | 3× | $12,500 | |
| 30 days | 3× | $20,000 |
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