Alabama Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rentAlabama generally caps residential security deposits at 1 month's rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Alabama law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Alabama compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Alabama compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 1 month's rent |
| Alaska | 2 months' rent (units at $2,000/month or less) |
| Arizona | 1.5 months' rent |
| Arkansas | 2 months' rent (unfurnished units, landlords with 6+ properties; 3 months furnished) |
| California | 1 month's rent (most landlords) |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?
- Alabama generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Security deposit limited to one month rent, excluding pet deposits or deposits for alterations. Must be returned within 60 days. Failure to return results in double damages.
- Does Alabama require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Alabama does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Alabama?
- Alabama landlords generally must return the deposit within 60 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Alabama Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Alabama law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Alabama lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Alabama for your specific situation.