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States/Alabama/1-Month Limit
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Alabama renter guide

Alabama One-Month Security Deposit Limit

Section 35-9A-201(a) says a landlord may not demand or receive security in excess of one month’s periodic rent, except for pets, changes to the premises or increased liability risks to the landlord or premises.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited
General maximum1 month’s periodic rent

Listed statutory exceptions can increase the amount.

ExceptionsPets / changes / liability risk

Read the exact lease charge and reason before applying the cap.

Separate the charge by purpose

  • Base security deposit.
  • Pet-related security.
  • Charge tied to tenant-requested changes.
  • Additional security tied to increased liability risk.
  • Non-deposit fees that may require a separate analysis.
Verify the trigger and mailing facts. Alabama’s 60-day rule depends on termination and delivery of possession, and the forwarding-address/mailing record can matter. Educational information only.

Official sources

Alabama LegislatureAla. Code § 35-9A-201 — Security deposits; prepaid rent ↗

Official Alabama code page stating the one-month security-deposit cap, 60-day accounting/refund framework, written forwarding-address process and statutory remedy.

Alabama LegislatureAct 2014-279 / SB291 — enrolled text ↗

Official enrolled act that amended § 35-9A-201 and increased the deposit-return/accounting period to 60 days.

Related Alabama guides

Security Deposit →60-Day Rule →Forwarding Address →Damage Itemization →