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Alabama

An Alabama lease agreement is a rental document that outlines the terms and conditions between a landlord and a tenant. This contract includes essential details such as the rent amount, applicable late fees, grace periods, and the obligations of both parties.

SimpleBasicLease_Alabama

SimpleBasicLease_Alabama

Rental Lease Laws Overview

In Alabama, there are no rent control laws, and landlords are not subject to a limit on late fees. While late fees can be included in the rental agreement, there is no grace period for rent payments. Additionally, landlords are not required to hold a license.

Before finalizing a lease, landlords typically use a rental application to evaluate potential tenants.

Required Lease Disclosures

Alabama landlords must provide specific disclosures when entering a lease:

  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For properties built before 1978, landlords must inform tenants about potential lead-based hazards.
  • Identification of Landlord or Authorized Agents: Landlords are required to disclose in writing the name and address of the person managing the property and the property owner.

Security Deposit

Landlords in Alabama may request a security deposit of up to one month’s rent, and additional fees such as pet deposits are permitted. There are no requirements for landlords to provide receipts for security deposits, pay interest on them, or hold them in a specific bank account.

Security deposits must be returned within 60 days after the lease termination. If a tenant does not provide a forwarding address, the deposit should be sent to their last-known address or the rental property. Any deposits not claimed within 90 days will be forfeited. Landlords may withhold part of the security deposit if the tenant violates the lease or withholds rent without justification, but they must provide an itemized list of deductions within 60 days.

Rent Payments

Rent is generally due on the 1st of each month, as specified in the lease agreement. Alabama does not have rent control policies, allowing landlords to set rent amounts freely. If included in the lease, landlords can charge late fees at any amount they choose. In cases of unpaid rent, landlords can initiate eviction with a 7-day notice to pay rent or vacate. Tenants are not allowed to withhold rent for necessary maintenance or repairs.

Landlord Right of Entry

Landlords must provide at least two days’ notice before entering the property for maintenance or repairs. Emergency entry without notice is permitted in situations such as fire, serious water leaks, or other significant health or safety issues.

Property Repairs

Landlords are responsible for providing a rental unit that meets local health and safety regulations and for making timely repairs as requested. Tenants are required to maintain the premises, perform minor repairs, and clean the premises within seven days if requested by the landlord. If tenants fail to address a health and safety issue within seven days, the landlord may enter the property, make the repairs, and charge the tenant for the costs. Leases may stipulate that tenants must notify the landlord of any absence exceeding 14 days, during which the landlord may enter the property.

Terminating a Lease

For month-to-month tenancies, either party can terminate the agreement with a 30-day notice. After lease termination, landlords must store the tenant’s belongings for 14 days. If the property is not claimed within that time, the landlord may sell it.

Statutes

FAQs

In Alabama, landlords must provide a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for properties built before 1978 and disclose the name and address of the landlord or authorized agents in writing.

Landlords in Alabama can request a security deposit of up to one month’s rent. Additional fees, such as pet deposits, are also permitted.

In Alabama, landlords must return a tenant’s security deposit within 60 days of lease termination. If the tenant does not provide a forwarding address, the deposit should be sent to their last-known address or the rental property.

Yes, landlords in Alabama can charge late fees if included in the rental agreement, and there are no state-imposed limits on the amount. However, late fees are optional and must be specified in the lease.

Landlords in Alabama must provide at least two days’ notice before entering a rental property for maintenance or repairs. Emergency entry without notice is allowed in cases of serious health or safety issues.

Tenants in Alabama are responsible for maintaining the premises and making minor repairs. They must also clean the property within seven days if requested by the landlord.

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy in Alabama, either party must provide a 30-day notice to the other party.

After lease termination in Alabama, landlords must store a tenant’s belongings for 14 days. If the property remains unclaimed after this period, the landlord may sell it.