Alabama landlords have 60 days to return your security deposit. Learn what happens if they miss the deadline and how to recover what you're owed.
Analyze My Alabama Claim (Free)Law verified March 1, 2026
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Check My DepositUnder 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.
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.
A landlord who misses the 60-day deadline loses their ability to justify withholding funds. You can recover the full deposit in Alabama small claims court (up to $6,000) without a penalty multiplier, but recovery of the full amount is a strong outcome.
The statute of limitations to file a claim in Alabama is 6 years from the date of the violation. Do not delay. Document everything and act promptly.
Questions
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.
The 60-day clock starts on your move-out date under Ala. Code §35-9A-201. Your landlord must return the full deposit or a partial amount with an itemized statement within this window.
The 60-day deadline under Ala. Code §35-9A-201 is generally calculated as calendar days, including weekends and holidays. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, some courts may extend to the next business day, but it is safest to treat the deadline as calendar days.
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