Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Alabama

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Alabama, mainly from the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code title 35 chapter 9A). Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1 month's rent1,2Ala. Code 35-9A-201(a)

A landlord may not charge a security deposit of more than one month's rent. Extra deposits are allowed for pets, changes to the unit or added liability risk.

Deposit return deadline

60 days1,2Ala. Code 35-9A-201

The landlord must return the deposit, or give an itemized list of deductions, within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out. A landlord who misses the deadline owes the tenant double the original deposit.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3,4Ala. Code 35-9A-441(b)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3,4Ala. Code 35-9A-441(b)

A landlord must give the same written notice, at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

2 days5,6Ala. Code 35-9A-303(c), (d)

The landlord must usually give at least two days' notice before entering and may post it on the main entry door. No notice is needed in an emergency, under a court order or after the tenant abandons the unit.

Notice for unpaid rent

7 business days7,8Ala. Code 35-9A-421(b)

If rent is unpaid, the landlord must give written notice of the amount due, including late fees, and that the lease will end if it is not paid within seven business days after the tenant receives the notice.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Ala. Code 35-9A-201 (2025 code), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  2. Ala. Code 35-9A-201, FindLaw (quotes state code), 2024-12-30secondary
  3. Ala. Code 35-9A-441, Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  4. Ala. Code 35-9A-441, FindLaw (quotes state code), 2024-12-30secondary
  5. Ala. Code 35-9A-303 (2025 code), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  6. Ala. Code 35-9A-303, FindLaw (quotes state code), 2024-12-30secondary
  7. Ala. Code 35-9A-421 (2025 code), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  8. Ala. Code 35-9A-421, FindLaw (quotes state code), 2024-12-30secondary

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.