Alabama Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Alabama facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives up possession. The landlord mails the refund and/or itemized accounting by first-class mail to the forwarding address the tenant gave in writing, or to the… Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(e)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Written notice to terminate that states the rent and any late fees owed. The rental agreement terminates on a date not less than 7 business days after the tenant receives the notice, unless the tenant pays (cures)… Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b)

Small claims limit

$6,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Ala. Code § 12-12-31(a); Escambia County Circuit Clerk small claims page

Small estate affidavit

Alabama uses a short court process rather than a simple affidavit. Under the Revised Alabama Small Estates Act, if the decedent owned no real estate (other than property passing automatically, such as by survivorship)… Ala. Code §§ 43-2-691, 43-2-692, 43-2-693, 43-2-694

Cost of a protective order

Free. No court costs or fees may be charged to file, issue, register, change, enforce, dismiss, withdraw, or serve a protection order, or for witness subpoenas. Ala. Code § 30-5-5(g)

Minimum wage

Alabama has no state minimum wage law. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table; Code of Alabama § 25-7-41(b)

Final paycheck if fired

No Alabama law sets a deadline. Final wages are generally due on the next regular payday under the employer's normal pay practice. No Alabama statute; U.S. Department of Labor payday table lists no Alabama rule

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for actions founded on promises in writing not under seal, such as a signed loan or credit agreement. Ala. Code § 6-2-34(4)