Updated March 10, 2023
An Alabama lease agreement is a rental contract between a landlord that rents their property to a qualified tenant. The landlord is recommended, although not required, to obtain the individual’s credit, background, and employment information before signing any real estate contract to ensure that the agreed-upon rental payment will be paid on time.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (6)
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument
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Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
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Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument |
Required Disclosures (2)
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Required for all housing structures built before 1978.
Owner/Manager Identification (§ 35-9A-202) – All agreements must state the person in charge of maintaining the premises, whether the landlord or someone instructed to act on their behalf.
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount (§ 35-9A-201(a)) – The landlord may request a maximum amount of one (1) month’s rent. This does not include any other fees for pets, extra liabilities based on the tenant, or any changes requested by the tenant on the premises.
Returning (§ 35-9A-201(b)) – The landlord must return the deposit within sixty (60) days after the termination of the agreement.
When is Rent Due? (Grace Period)
Rent is due on the day mentioned in the lease agreement, usually the 1st day of the month (§ 35-9A-161). If rent is not paid, the landlord can start eviction proceedings by administering a 7-day notice to quit.
There is no grace period for rent in Alabama.
Late Fees
Maximum Penalty – There is no statutory limit on the late fee amount if the rent is late. Any late fee is recommended to be written in the lease agreement.
NSF Fee (§ 12-17-224) – $30
Right to Enter (Landlord)
The landlord must present two (2) days’ notice before accessing the property for maintenance, repairs, or showings (§ 35-9A-303).
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Resources
- Title 35, Chapter 9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) – Alabama Statutes.
- The Alabama Tenants’ Handbook – Provided by the Alabama Appleseed, Arise Citizen’s Policy Project, and Legal Services Alabama.