Alabama Lease Laws Overview
Each state has its own lease and landlord-tenant laws that govern rental and lease agreements. View the table below for an overview of the most relevant Alabama lease laws.
| Topic | Regulations | Law | 
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | None | None | 
| Security Deposit | One month's rent | AL Code § 35-9A-201 | 
| Grace Periods | No legal requirements. Subject to terms of the lease. | AL Code § 35-9A-161 | 
| Late Fees | No legal limits. Subject to terms of the lease. | AL Code § 35-9A-161 | 
| Landlord License | Not required | None | 
| Withholding Rent | Tenants cannot withhold rent | AL Code § 12-17-224 | 
Alabama Lease Agreements- By Type
Depending on the property being leased, the agreement may have slightly different considerations. Residential, commercial, and partial properties benefit from having a more specific document. Consider the various types of Alabama lease agreements to determine which one best suits your needs.
Alabama Standard Lease Agreement
Used between a landlord and tenant renting residential property.
Alabama Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Outlines the terms and conditions for the rental of a property on a month-to-month basis.
Alabama Commercial Lease Agreement
Designed for businesses leasing properties in the state.
Alabama Room Rental Agreement
Used when someone is looking to rent out a room in their property.
Alabama Sublease Agreement
Allows the subtenant to rent all or part of the rented property for a specific period.
Alabama Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Provides a unique arrangement for tenants who want to eventually own a property but are not ready to make an immediate purchase.
Alabama Rental Payment Laws
Alabama does not have set rent control laws, but state laws suggest a due date on the first of the month. In addition, landlords should set reasonable market rates to avoid disputes. Other payment terms, such as grace periods and late fees, are up to the landlord and must be specified in the lease contract.
Alabama also allows the landlord to pursue eviction for unpaid rent. If the tenant fails to pay, the landlord may send a 7-day notice to pay or quit. The notice period in Alabama is seven business days, as opposed to calendar days.
Security Deposit Regulations in Alabama
In Alabama, security deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent. This limit ensures the landlord does not overcharge tenants. However, the landlord also has the authority to charge for pet deposits, liability risks, or changes to the property. Providing a receipt or keeping the deposit in a specific account is not legally required.
At the end of the lease term, the landlord must return the deposit to the tenant within 60 days of the tenant’s move-out date. If the tenant fails to claim their return within 90 days, it’s considered forfeited. Any deductions that the landlord uses to cover tenant damage must be presented in an itemized list within 60 days. Landlords can also partially withhold deposit funds if the tenant has withheld rent without a valid reason or if they have violated the lease.
Alabama Entry and Repair Requirements
Both the landlord and tenant assume responsibility for maintenance and repairs. The landlord must provide a property that meets local health and safety regulations and is responsible for making the requested repairs. If the landlord needs to enter the property, they must give at least two days’ notice before entering. Emergency entry without notice is permitted for fires, serious water leaks, or severe health risks.
Tenants also must maintain and clean the unit and make any minor repairs necessary. If a tenant finds a health or safety concern, it is up to them to report it within seven days of a notice from the landlord. If the tenant fails to report it, the landlord has the legal right to enter, perform repairs, and bill the tenant for costs.
Required Disclosures for Alabama Lease Agreements
Disclosures offer transparency and peace of mind for leasing properties. Alabama requires landlords to provide the following disclosures to the tenant before entering into a lease:
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for buildings constructed before 1978
 - Identification of Landlord or Authorized Agents
 
Terminating an Alabama Lease Agreement
Ending an Alabama lease agreement requires a notice to inform the receiving party of the desire to terminate. For month-to-month leasing arrangements, either party may use a 30-day notice to signal termination.
After termination, the landlord must store belongings left by the tenant for 14 days. If the property remains unclaimed after this period, the landlord can sell it.
Alabama Lease Agreement Sample
Legal Templates offers a free Alabama lease agreement sample, complete with state-specific terms and requirements. Easily customize and download our sample form, available in PDF and Word format.
