Alabama (AL) law guide
Quick answer
Alabama landlord-tenant law is governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A). Security deposits are capped at 1 month's rent and must be returned within 60 days of move-out. Alabama has no statewide rent control and no cap on rent increases, though landlords must give 30 days' written notice before raising rent. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a 7-day pay-or-quit notice before filing for eviction.
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent
Deposit Return Deadline
60 days after move-out
Statewide Rent Control
None, prohibited by state law
Nonpayment Eviction Notice
7 days (pay or quit)
Alabama rental market snapshot
Population
5.1 million
Renter households
30%
Median rent
$1,117/mo (2BR)
Largest rental markets
Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa
Alabama is one of the most affordable rental markets in the US, with 2BR rents well below the national median. Huntsville is the fastest-growing market, driven by tech and defense sector jobs.
Alabama landlords may collect a security deposit of up to 1 month's rent. There is no separate cap for pet deposits, but the total deposit must not exceed one month's rent for standard residential leases.
Landlords must return the deposit (with an itemized written statement of any deductions) within 60 days of the tenant vacating and providing a forwarding address. Failure to comply entitles the tenant to double the wrongfully withheld amount.
Alabama has no statewide rent control, and state law (Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1) also bars cities and counties from passing local rent control ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount.
For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Increases cannot be used as retaliation against a tenant who has exercised a legal right.
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 7-day written pay-or-quit notice. If the tenant does not pay or vacate within 7 days, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action in district court.
For a lease violation other than nonpayment, the notice period is 14 days to cure or quit. For criminal activity or drug-related offenses, landlords may issue a 7-day unconditional quit notice with no right to cure.
Landlords must give at least 2 days' written notice before entering a rental unit for repairs, inspections, or showings. Notice is not required in a genuine emergency such as a fire or burst pipe.
Alabama law requires landlords to make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the tenant. There is no fixed statutory number of days, but 14 days is widely used as a benchmark for routine repairs.
Alabama landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition that meets local health and safety codes. Required elements include working plumbing, heat, weatherproofing, and structurally sound walls and roof.
Retaliation is illegal. A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction because a tenant complained to a housing authority, requested repairs, or exercised any right under the lease or state law.
Alabama follows the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Alabama does not add additional protected classes at the state level.
Tenants may break a lease early without penalty for qualifying reasons including active military deployment (under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), uninhabitable conditions, or documented landlord harassment. Small claims court in Alabama handles disputes up to $6,000 with a 6-year statute of limitations on written contracts.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Alabama FAQ
Alabama law caps security deposits at **1 month's rent**. The landlord must return the deposit within 60 days of move-out, along with a written itemized list of any deductions. If the landlord wrongfully withholds money, the tenant can sue for double the amount kept.
No. Alabama has **no statewide rent control**, and state law forbids cities and counties from creating local rent control ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must give **30 days' written notice** for month-to-month tenants before the increase takes effect.
A landlord must serve a **7-day written pay-or-quit notice** before filing for eviction. The tenant has 7 days to pay the full amount owed or vacate. If neither happens, the landlord can then file an unlawful detainer action in district court.
Alabama requires landlords to give **at least 2 days' written notice** before entering a rental unit for repairs, inspections, or showings. No advance notice is required during a genuine emergency, such as a fire or flooding.
Landlords in Alabama may deduct for **unpaid rent**, **damage beyond normal wear and tear**, and other lease violations specified in the lease agreement. They cannot deduct for ordinary wear and tear like minor scuffs or faded paint. All deductions must be listed in writing within 60 days of move-out.
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