Create Document - $7.99
How It Works States Document Types Tools Guides Blog About Create Document - $7.99

Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

Create Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

Not a blank template - your details are filled in, formatted to Alabama law, and ready to sign.

Prepare a legally legally sound Residential Lease Agreement for Alabama that features all required disclosures and clauses under Alabama landlord-tenant law. Fill in your details and download your completed, ready-to-sign Residential Lease Agreement as a professional PDF for $7.99.

Alabama law requires specific provisions in rental agreements that safeguards both lessor and lessee. Security deposits are capped at 1 month (additional amounts allowed for pets, premises changes, or increased liability risk; Ala. Code 35-9A-201) and must be returned within 35 days. Alabama requires 5 specific disclosures in lease agreements.

Alabama Lease Requirements

Security Deposit Limit 1 month (additional amounts allowed for pets, premises changes, or increased liability risk; Ala. Code 35-9A-201)
Deposit Return Deadline 35 days
Deposit Interest Required Not required
Late Fee Cap No statutory cap
Grace Period No statutory grace period
Landlord Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days
Tenant Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days
Entry Notice 2 days notice required
Key Statute Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Required Disclosures Lead-based paint (pre-1978, federal); Landlord name and address (Ala. Code § 35-9A-202); Move-in checklist required; Owner/agent identity disclosure; Known defects affecting habitability

Alabama Residential Lease Agreement Checklist

Print this or save it as a PDF to use when preparing and signing the agreement.

Before you sign

  • Both parties read the entire agreement before signing.
  • Walk through the unit and document any existing damage in writing.
  • Confirm the move-in date and key handover arrangements.
  • Verify the security deposit amount and accepted payment method.

Alabama rules to know

  • Security deposit is capped at 1 month (additional amounts allowed for pets, premises changes, or increased liability risk; Ala. Code 35-9A-201) in Alabama.
  • Landlord must return the deposit within 35 days of move-out.
  • Landlord must give 2 days notice required before entering the unit.
  • To end a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give 30 days written notice.
  • To end a month-to-month tenancy, the tenant must give 30 days written notice.
  • Required disclosures: Lead-based paint (pre-1978, federal); Landlord name and address (Ala. Code § 35-9A-202); Move-in checklist required; Owner/agent identity disclosure.

In the agreement itself

  • Full legal names of all landlords and tenants.
  • Complete property address, including unit number.
  • Lease term: start date, end date.
  • Monthly rent amount and the due date.
  • Security deposit amount and the conditions for deductions.
  • Late fee amount and the grace period, if any.
  • Pet policy, smoking policy, and guest policy.
  • Utility responsibilities (which party pays each utility).
  • Signatures of all parties.

Both parties should keep a signed copy. Alabama landlord-tenant law governs this agreement (Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).

What to Include in a Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

Every Residential Lease Agreement in Alabama should include the following important provisions: identification of the rental property owner and occupant, a complete description of the rental property, the lease term and rent amount, security deposit terms including the amount and return deadline (35 days in Alabama), late fee policies that comply with state limits, utility responsibilities, rules regarding pets, smoking, and occupancy limits, maintenance and repair obligations, right of entry provisions, termination and renewal terms, and all state-required disclosures.

Alabama law requires landlords to disclose lead-based paint, landlord name and address, move-in checklist required, owner/agent identity disclosure, known defects affecting habitability. Landlord must provide written notice of termination 30 days in advance for month-to-month tenancies.

How to Complete a Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

To complete a Residential Lease Agreement in Alabama, start by gathering the necessary information: full legal names and addresses of all parties, the complete property address, the agreed-upon rent amount and payment terms, and the security deposit amount (limited to 1 month (additional amounts allowed for pets, premises changes, or increased liability risk; Ala. Code 35-9A-201) in Alabama). You will also need to decide on house rules such as pet policies, smoking restrictions, and quiet hours.

Our platform walks you through each section with a guided form that only shows fields required for Alabama. Once you have filled in all details, you can preview the document, choose from five professional document styles, and download your completed Residential Lease Agreement as a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum security deposit in Alabama?
In Alabama, security deposits are capped at 1 month (additional amounts allowed for pets, premises changes, or increased liability risk; Ala. Code 35-9A-201). Landlords must return the deposit within 35 days after move-out, minus lawful deductions for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama has no statutory cap on late fees, but they must be reasonable. Late fee terms must be clearly stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Alabama?
Alabama requires landlords to give 2 days notice required before entering a rental unit for non-emergency purposes. Entry without proper notice may violate tenant rights under Alabama landlord-tenant law. Emergency situations such as fire or flood allow immediate entry without advance notice.
What disclosures are required in a Alabama residential lease?
Alabama requires these disclosures in residential lease agreements: Lead-based paint (pre-1978, federal); Landlord name and address (Ala. Code § 35-9A-202); Move-in checklist required; Owner/agent identity disclosure; Known defects affecting habitability. Missing required disclosures can expose landlords to penalties or give tenants grounds to break the lease. Our platform automatically includes all required Alabama disclosures.
Does a residential lease need to be notarized in Alabama?
No. Alabama does not require residential leases to be notarized. A lease is binding once signed by both landlord and tenant. However, leases longer than one year may need to be witnessed or recorded depending on local requirements - check with a local attorney if your lease term exceeds 12 months.
How much notice is required to terminate a lease in Alabama?
For month-to-month tenancies, Alabama requires landlords to give 30 days notice and tenants to give 30 days notice. Fixed-term leases end on the agreed date without additional notice unless the lease says otherwise.
Does Alabama have a Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?
Alabama has a Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) that applies in counties with populations over 300,000 (including Jefferson, Mobile, and Madison counties). In counties not covered by the URLTA, common law applies - which provides fewer explicit tenant protections. The URLTA requires maintaining habitable premises, 2 days notice before entry, and deposit return within 35 days. Alabama has no rent control.

Ready to Create Your Alabama Residential Lease Agreement?

State-specific clauses, required disclosures, and professional formatting included. Download your PDF instantly.

Create Alabama Residential Lease Agreement - $7.99
State-specific clauses Required disclosures included Instant PDF download