An Alabama security deposit demand letter is a written request asking your landlord to return your deposit, send the required itemized accounting, or explain what was mailed and when.
The letter should be direct and factual. It should not try to argue every detail at once.
When to send a demand letter
Send a demand letter if:
- you moved out and returned possession
- more than 35 days have passed
- you did not receive a refund
- you received deductions without a clear itemized accounting
- the landlord says something was mailed, but the record is unclear
If you have not already given a forwarding address in writing, include it in the letter.
What to include
Include the facts the landlord needs to respond:
- your name
- the rental address
- the date the tenancy ended
- when and how you returned possession
- your forwarding address
- the deposit amount
- what you received, if anything
- what you are asking for now
Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery.
Sample Alabama demand letter
[Your Name]
[Your Current Mailing Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
Re: Security Deposit for [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I am writing about the security deposit for [Rental Address].
My tenancy ended on [Date]. I returned possession by [returning keys / moving out / other fact] on [Date].
My forwarding address is:
[Your Current Mailing Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
My security deposit was $[Amount]. I have not received my full deposit refund or a complete itemized accounting explaining any amount withheld.
Please send the deposit balance of $[Amount Owed], or a complete itemized accounting with any remaining balance, within [reasonable number] days.
Please send any payment and correspondence to the forwarding address listed above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why one letter is often not enough
Sometimes one clear letter resolves the problem.
Other times, the landlord ignores it, sends vague deductions, or says a refund or accounting was mailed without a clean record. That is why the Alabama Recovery System uses a sequence instead of relying on one letter to do all the work.
Step 1 documents move-out and forwarding address. Step 2 follows up after the deadline. Step 3 presses the Alabama rule more firmly. Step 4 is the final demand before deciding whether to file in small claims or take another legal step.
You can write a letter yourself. This organizes the Alabama letters, timing, and follow-ups into a clear 4-step sequence.
Related
- Alabama security deposit deadline
- Alabama security deposit law
- Deposit not returned in Alabama
- Alabama small claims guide
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.