Alabama Security Deposit Demand Letter (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Code of Alabama § 35-9A-201, a landlord must refund the security deposit, with a written, itemized accounting of any amounts withheld, within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for double the amount of my original deposit.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Alabama
Alabama landlords have 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant hands back possession to return the security deposit. A landlord may apply the deposit only to unpaid rent and to damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet their obligations under the lease and state law, and must itemize anything withheld in writing. Deposits are capped at one month's rent, except for extra amounts tied to pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks.
If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, it must provide an itemized list of the amounts withheld within the same 60 days. When you move out, you must give the landlord a valid forwarding address in writing; otherwise the refund goes by first-class mail to your last known address or to the rental itself. A deposit or refund check that goes unclaimed for 90 days is forfeited, so watch your mail and cash any refund check promptly.
If the landlord fails to mail a timely refund or accounting within the 60 days, the statute says the landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the original deposit. Alabama's deposit statute does not require landlords to pay interest on deposits. Disputes of $6,000 or less go on the small claims docket of district court, where people may appear with or without representation.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Alabama's own deadline under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 is 60 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Alabama limit: $6,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Alabama, the rules are set out in Code of Alabama § 35-9A-201. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award double the amount of my original deposit.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Alabama the limit is $6,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Alabama security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Code of Alabama § 35-9A-201, a landlord must refund the security deposit, with a written, itemized accounting of any amounts withheld, within 60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was October 30, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for double the amount of my original deposit.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Alabama landlord have to return a deposit?
60 days after the tenancy ends and you return possession of the unit. Within that time the landlord must mail either the full deposit or the balance along with an itemized list of everything withheld.
What happens if my Alabama landlord misses the 60-day deadline?
The statute provides that a landlord who fails to refund the deposit or send the itemized accounting within 60 days owes the tenant double the amount of the original deposit. Keep proof of your move-out date and of when you gave your forwarding address.
Do I need to give a forwarding address in Alabama?
You should. The landlord mails the refund or accounting to the address you provide in writing, or to your last known address. A refund that goes unclaimed for 90 days may be forfeited, so make sure the landlord knows where to reach you.
Can I sue for my deposit in Alabama small claims court?
Yes. The small claims docket of Alabama district court hears claims up to $6,000, not counting interest and costs, which covers most deposit disputes, including a claim for double the deposit. Bring your lease, move-in and move-out photos, and a copy of this letter.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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