Alabama Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Alabama security deposit demand letter that follows Alabama law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Alabama law says
| Deposit return 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 last known address or the rental address if none was given. Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(e) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord does not mail a timely refund or accounting within 60 days, the landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the tenant's original deposit. Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(f) |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(e), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(f).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.