An Alabama lease agreement is a rental document that must include the terms and conditions between a landlord who rents the property and their tenant. The contract outlines vital information, such as the rent, applicable late fees and grace periods, and landlord and tenant obligations and responsibilities.
Other details to establish concern health, safety, and other occupational hazards, as well as whether pets are prohibited or allowed on the premises.
Laws
Required Lease Disclosures
Alabama imposes specific requirements for landlords and tenants when entering a Lease Agreement. For example, the Code of Alabama provides that:
- All Alabama landlords of any building constructed before 1978 must notify tenants of the potential existence of lead-based hazards.
- Landlords must disclose to the tenant in writing the name and address of the person in charge of managing the premises and the owner of the property.
Security Deposit
Alabama landlords can request up to one month’s rent as a security deposit from tenants. Pet deposits and other additional fees are allowed as well. Landlords are required to return a tenant’s security deposit within 60 days of termination of the lease (§ 35-9A-201).
Landlord Right of Entry
Alabama law requires landlords to give at minimum two days’ notice before entering the property for maintenance and repair purposes. Emergency entry without notice is permitted. The emergency entry includes if there is a fire, serious water leak, or another serious health or safety issue (§ 35-9A-303).
Small Claims Court
Alabama tenants may sue their landlord in small claims court for up to $6,000 after a landlord fails to return a deposit (Guide to Alabama Small Claims Courts).
If you want to acquaint yourself with Alabama landlord and tenant obligations, check out The Alabama Tenants’ Handbook, which will help clarify any outstanding rental questions.
Sample
The Alabama residential lease agreement template below defines all necessary rental terms.
