Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Alabama

Alabama: return the deposit within 60 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. Interest: no. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 2x the deposit. (Ala. Code 35-9A-201)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 60 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the deposit if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

Upon termination of the tenancy, money held by the landlord as security may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered ... all as itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due 60 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession.

Ala. Code 35-9A-201(b). Source: Code of Alabama 35-9A-201 Security deposits; prepaid rent, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Text read on the FindLaw mirror (current as of 2024-12-30); history: Act 2006-316, Act 2014-279. The official ALISON code site is script-rendered and could not be fetched.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: November 29, 2026
60 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Ala. Code 35-9A-201 (Alabama)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   November 29, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Ala. Code 35-9A-201.

Settle a deposit in Alabama

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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