The Alabama security deposit deadline is usually 35 days after two things happen: the tenancy ends, and you give the rental back to the landlord.
If the landlord keeps any money, the itemized accounting must be mailed within that same 35-day period.
What "delivery of possession" means
In plain English, delivery of possession means you gave the place back.
That usually means you moved out and returned keys, access cards, garage openers, or anything else that gave you control of the rental. If the landlord says possession was not returned, the deadline can become harder to prove.
Keep a record of how and when you returned possession.
Give your forwarding address in writing
When you move out, give the landlord a valid forwarding address in writing.
If you do not, the landlord may mail the refund or accounting to your last known address. If there is no last known address, the landlord may use the rental property address.
That is a reason to make the address record clean. Send it in writing and save proof.
First-class mail can satisfy the rule
Alabama allows first-class mailing within the 35-day period to count.
If a dispute develops, the important question may be whether the landlord mailed the refund or accounting on time, not just whether you personally received it on the day you expected.
Save envelopes, postmarks, checks, itemized accountings, and any returned-mail record.
The 180-day issue
Alabama has a 180-day rule for unclaimed deposits and outstanding checks.
If a refund check or deposit mailing is not claimed, the money can eventually be forfeited. Do not let the mail sit unresolved. If you expected a refund or accounting and nothing arrives, follow up in writing.
If the 35-day deadline was missed
If the landlord did not mail a timely refund or itemized accounting, Alabama law provides a strong remedy: double the amount of the tenant's original deposit.
Before making that demand, organize the timeline:
- when the tenancy ended
- when possession was returned
- when you gave a forwarding address
- whether anything was mailed
- what the landlord kept
Official Sources Used
- Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act PDF
- Alabama Administrative Code reference to Ala. Code section 35-9A-201
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Related Pages
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.