Alabama Move-In Checklist
Moving into a new apartment in Alabama? Your landlord has 35 days to return your deposit after you move out. The photos you take today are what protects your money then.
Return deadline: Your landlord has 35 days to return your deposit in Alabama under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201.
Penalties: Alabama law allows you to recover up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount if your landlord misses the 35-day deadline.
Already moved in and need to move out? See the Alabama move-out checklist →
Before you unpack anything
- Take photos of EVERY room — walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures
- Open every cabinet and closet, photograph inside
- Test every faucet, light switch, outlet, and door lock
- Check for existing damage — cracks, stains, holes, mold
- Record a video walkthrough with narration and the date visible on screen
- Note the condition of carpet, paint, appliances, countertops, and windows
This is the most important step. Once your furniture is in the room, the opportunity to document what was there when you arrived is gone.
What your landlord can't charge you for later
- Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint
- Carpet worn from normal foot traffic
- Paint fading after 2+ years
- Appliances that break from normal use
- Pre-existing damage that you documented at move-in
These protections apply in Alabama under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201. If your landlord tries to charge you for any of these, your move-in photos are your first line of defense.
What your landlord CAN charge you for
- Holes in walls beyond small nail holes
- Stains or burns on carpet
- Broken fixtures from misuse
- Pet damage
- Unreturned keys
Be honest with yourself. If you broke it, it's yours. The goal isn't to escape responsibility — it's to make sure you don't pay for things that were already broken when you arrived.
Store your evidence somewhere safe
- NOT just your phone — phones break, get lost, and photos get deleted
- Cloud storage with timestamps (Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox all work)
- Email the photos to yourself on move-in day — that creates a timestamped record
- Keep everything until at least one year after you move out
DepositHawk stores your move-in photos, monitors your lease, and generates a demand letter if your landlord keeps your deposit. $3/mo.
Protect My Deposit — $3/moAlabama deposit rules you need to know
- Your landlord has 35 days to return your deposit after move-out under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
- Alabama law allows you to recover up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount if your landlord misses the 35-day deadline.
- Alabama requires an itemized statement of any deductions within 35 days
- Violations of deposit law can be filed in small claims court without an attorney
Check your full rights under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201
Check My Alabama Deposit RightsFrequently Asked Questions
How many photos should I take when moving into a Alabama apartment?
As many as possible — 50 to 100 is not too many. Photograph every wall, floor, fixture, appliance, and inside every cabinet. Timestamped photos stored in cloud backup are your strongest defense if your landlord tries to charge you for pre-existing damage at move-out.
What if my landlord doesn't do a move-in inspection in Alabama?
Alabama does not require a formal move-in inspection, so do your own. Photograph everything, then email the photos to your landlord with the date. A landlord who ignores your email still can't claim the damage didn't exist at move-in if the timestamp proves otherwise.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit after I move out of a Alabama apartment?
Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, your landlord has 35 days to return your deposit after your tenancy ends. Alabama law allows you to recover up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount if your landlord misses the 35-day deadline.
When should I do the move-in checklist?
Before you unpack a single box. Once furniture is against walls and rugs cover floors, you've lost the chance to document what's underneath. The window is narrow — do it the moment you get the keys.
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. This information is based on Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 as of 2026. Laws change. Verify current statutes at Alabama's legislature website.