An Alabama rental lease agreement is a written and oral contract between the Landlord and Tenant(s). Oral agreements are considered tenancy-at-will with no specific end date. Using a written agreement provides more safeguards for the property owner.

Rental Application – Tenant(s) should complete this form before signing lease agreement. This application will confirm the Tenants credit and employment.

Options By Type

Standard Residential Lease Agreement

Download: PDF

Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement

Download: PDF

Law Alert

Landlord must reference the Lease ID on all invoices.
Tenant(s) must submit a Lease Abstract to Comptroller.
Landlords must register through VVS. Landlords must be approved in order to accept rental payments.
Landlords only to receive rental payments through STAARS.
Must submit the State of Alabama Disclosure Statement PDF.

What to Include in a Alabama Standard Lease Agreement

Rent Schedule

rent-schedule-example

Tenant Improvements

Must include an itemized list, costs, fees and calculations.

Early Termination Penalty

Unamortized Tenant Improvements and Tenant Broker Commissions.

Security Deposits

Owners may not charge a security deposit equal to more than one month’s rent.
The security deposit must be placed in an escrow account with a bank or lending institution.
A security deposit must be returned, in total, within 60 days after the termination of the lease.

security-deposit

Source: §35-9A-201

Landlord’s Entry

To enter a property for repairs, maintenance, pest control, or service relating to health and safety, at least two days advanced notice must be given.

Source: § 35-9A-303

Breach of Agreement

The landlord is required to give the tenant 7 business days’ notice to fix any breach of contract. If the tenant fails to fix the violation within the specified period, the landlord can terminate the lease.

Source: §35-9A-421

Repairs and Maintenance

It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that their property is habitable and to bear the cost of any necessary repairs to maintain the habitable condition of the property.

Source: § 35-9A-204

Rental Market

Alabama’s real estate market is more affordable compared to other states. This state offers housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and rural properties. Cities such as Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile have the most active real estate markets.

Traveling Short-Term Tenants

Travel – Alabama Travel

Recommended Services

Alabama Real Estate Commission – Alabama.gov

lease-agreement-rental-market

What is Alabama Known For?

Alabama Football! Website: Alabama Football Schedule

What Factors Affect Real Estate in Alabama?

Affordability – The cost of living and housing tends to be lower in Alabama compared to many other states, making it an attractive option for homebuyers.
Economic Factors – The state’s economy, including aerospace, manufacturing, birthrate, and healthcare, can influence the real estate market.
Job Market – Employment opportunities and job growth in certain areas can drive demand for housing.
Population Trends – Population changes affect real estate. Growing cities have higher housing demand.
Interest Rates – Interest rates for mortgages can affect both the affordability and demand for real estate.
Local Regulations – Zoning laws, property taxes, and other local regulations.

Alabama Landlord-Tenant Laws

Code of Alabama – outlines important lease laws that protect both landlords and tenants during a specific period (lease term).

Source: §35-9A

Sample

Alabama Standard Residential Lease Agreement