Renting in Alabama: three rules to know before you sign

Alabama's renter law is the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Code of Alabama, Title 35, Chapter 9A). Most renters never read it. Here are three parts worth knowing before you hand over a deposit.

The security deposit is capped. A landlord generally can't ask for more than one month's rent as a security deposit. Deposits for pets, for changes you make to the unit, or for activities that raise the landlord's liability can be added on top (Section 35-9A-201).

You get it back, or an explanation, within 60 days. After you move out, the landlord has 60 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list of what was kept and why (Section 35-9A-201). Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing, and photograph the unit on the day you move in and the day you move out.

The landlord has to give notice before coming in. Except in an emergency, a landlord must give at least two days' notice before entering your home (Section 35-9A-303).

Before you sign anywhere in Birmingham, scan the address at getwurthit.com/birmingham to see who owns the building and where they're based, and what rent typically runs in that ZIP code.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. If you have a dispute, talk to a lawyer or a local legal aid office.