Landlord & tenant · Alabama
the short answer
Alabama pays double. A landlord who misses the deadline owes twice the original deposit, not just the part kept wrongly. The 60 days run from the day you hand back the place, and the itemized list of anything kept is due inside the same 60 days.
source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.
governing statute
Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.
deadline
60 days
source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.
Across the country. 2 of the 47 states written up answer this the same way as Alabama. The shortest is 14 days, as in Alaska; the longest is 60 days, as in West Virginia. Compare every state →
penalty
Miss the 60 days and the landlord owes double the original deposit (§ 35-9A-201(f)). The itemized list of anything withheld is due inside the same 60 days, and neither clock starts until you have delivered possession.
source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.
which court
District Court, small claims docket
source ↗Checked against the statute on 2026-08-25
small claims limit
$6,000
source ↗Checked against the statute on 2026-08-25
also
Give the landlord a written forwarding address when you leave — the statute puts that duty on you, and a deposit left unclaimed for 90 days is forfeited (§ 35-9A-201(d)).
source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.
your situation
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