Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Alabama
Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.
What Alabama law says
| Itemized deductions | If the landlord does not refund the whole deposit, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized list of the amounts withheld within the 60-day period. Deductions are limited to accrued rent and damages from the tenant's failure to meet the duties in § 35-9A-301. Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(c) |
|---|---|
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | The statute does not define normal wear and tear. A landlord may deduct from the deposit only accrued rent and damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet the tenant's duties, such as deliberately or negligently damaging the premises or failing to keep the unit clean and safe. The deductions must be itemized. No statute addresses cleaning, painting or carpet replacement specifically. Ordinary deterioration from normal use is not a breach of the tenant's duties listed in § 35-9A-301. |
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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]
Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]
Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]
Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________
Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________
Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________
Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]
Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________
Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Alabama tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.