Two ways to rent in Alabama
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Alabama? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Alabama residential tenancies are governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Chapter 9A of Title 35.
Alabamalease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Alabama caps the base security deposit at one month's periodic rent under Ala. Code 35-9A-201. The landlord may charge more only for pets, for tenant-requested changes to the premises, or for activities that pose an increased risk to the property. The deposit, less any itemized deductions, must be returned within 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered.
Late fees
Alabama has no statute that caps late fees or sets a mandatory grace period. A late fee is enforceable only if the lease spells it out, and it should be a reasonable estimate of the cost the landlord incurs when rent is late. Stating the fee and any grace period clearly in the lease keeps it enforceable.
Landlord entry & notice
Under Ala. Code 35-9A-303, the landlord must give the tenant at least two days' notice of the intended time and purpose before entering, and may enter only at reasonable times. No advance notice is required for an emergency, a court order, or where the tenant has abandoned the unit.
Required disclosures
Before or at the start of the tenancy, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and business address of the person authorized to manage the premises and of an owner (or agent) authorized to receive notices and demands, as required by Ala. Code 35-9A-202. For homes built before 1978, the federal lead-based-paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet are also required.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date, under Ala. Code 35-9A-441.
Does it need notarizing?
No. An Alabama residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Code of Alabama Title 35, Chapter 9A).
How to write a Alabama lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit (capped at one month's rent in Alabama) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (owner or manager identity, and lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Alabama lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Alabama lease agreement FAQ
Does an Alabama residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Alabama doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama caps the base security deposit at one month's rent under Ala. Code 35-9A-201. The landlord may charge more only for pets, tenant-requested changes to the unit, or activities that increase risk to the property.
How long does an Alabama landlord have to return the deposit?
60 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession. If the landlord keeps any of it, an itemized written notice of the deductions must be provided within that same 60-day period. Failing to comply can make the landlord liable for double the deposit.
How much can a late fee be in Alabama?
Alabama sets no statutory cap on late fees, so the fee must simply be reasonable and stated in the lease. A reasonable late fee reflects the actual cost to the landlord when rent is paid late.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Alabama?
At least 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant, given before the periodic rental date, under Ala. Code 35-9A-441.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering in Alabama?
Yes. Ala. Code 35-9A-303 requires at least two days' notice of the time and purpose before entry, and entry must be at reasonable times. Emergencies and a few other situations are exceptions.
What must an Alabama lease disclose?
The name and business address of the property manager and of an owner or agent authorized to receive notices, under Ala. Code 35-9A-202, plus the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
Is this Alabama lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.