Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

Introduction

An Alabama lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that establishes the terms under which residential property is rented. This document outlines rights, responsibilities, and obligations under the ^[1].

Required Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

For all residential dwellings constructed prior to January 1, 1978, federal law requires landlords to disclose any known lead-based paint hazards. ^[2]

Owner/manager Identification

Every rental agreement must state the name and address of the property owner or authorized manager. ^[3]

Extended Absence Notification (Optional)

Landlords may include an optional provision requiring tenants to notify of absences exceeding 14 days. ^[4] This is optional, not required by statute.

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount

A landlord may not demand a security deposit exceeding one month's rent. ^[5] Exceptions exist for pets, property changes, or increased liability risks.

Return Timeline

The landlord has 60 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized accounting. ^[6]

Itemized Statement

If deductions are made, an itemized statement must be provided. ^[7]

Forwarding Address

Tenants must provide a forwarding address. If unclaimed for 90 days, deposits are forfeited. ^[8]

Rent Payments

Payment Due Date

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease. There is no statutory grace period. ^[9]

Returned Check Fees

Landlords may charge a maximum fee for NSF checks. ^[10]

Withholding Rent Prohibited

Tenants cannot withhold rent while in possession to enforce their rights. ^[11]

Landlord's Right to Enter

Standard Access

Landlords must provide two days' notice for inspections, repairs, or showings. ^[12]

Emergency Access

Immediate entry is permitted in emergencies or with a court order. ^[13]

Breaking a Lease

Non-Payment of Rent

For non-payment, landlords may issue a 7-day notice to quit. ^[14]

Non-Compliance

For lease violations, a 7-day notice to quit may be delivered. ^[15]

Tenant Maintenance Failures

If tenants fail health/safety maintenance, landlords may make repairs and bill tenants. ^[16]

Prohibited Lockouts

Self-help evictions are illegal. Landlords must obtain court orders. ^[17]

Early Termination

Tenants who break leases remain liable for rent and damages. ^[18]

Landlord Duty to Mitigate

Landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent abandoned properties. ^[19]

Lease Termination

Month-To-Month Tenancy

Either party may terminate with 30 days' written notice. ^[20]

Abandonment Determinations

Property is abandoned if electric service is terminated for 7 consecutive days. ^[21] Additionally, failure to notify of 14+ day absences allows landlord entry. ^[22]

Unclaimed Property

Property left 14+ days after termination is abandoned. Landlords may dispose of it. ^[23]

Additional Tenant Obligations

Tenants must comply with all material provisions of ^[24], including maintaining habitability, proper use of facilities, and preventing damage.