DisputeKit / States / Alabama
Your consumer rights in Alabama
What Alabama and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
60 days. Under Code of Alabama § 35-9A-201, a landlord must refund the security deposit together with an itemized list of any amounts withheld within 60 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award double the amount of the tenant's original deposit if the landlord does not mail a timely refund or itemized accounting within the 60-day period.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Alabama has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and Alabama's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in Alabama
- Alabama consumer law
- Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Code of Alabama § 8-19-5
- Where to file a complaint
- Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Interest Division
- Filing fee
- Set by claim amount and varies by county; ask the district court clerk in the county where you file