Limit: no more than one month's rent unless an additional fee is required for pets.

Termination of Lease: Money held by the landlord as security may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of noncompliance with the tenant's obligations under the Act. 

Failure to Return: If the landlord does not refund the entire deposit, the landlord, within 35 days after termination of the tenancy, must provide the tenant with an itemized list of amounts withheld. If the landlord fails to mail a timely refund or accounting within the 35 day period, the landlord must pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit;

Damages: While the Alabama Landlord is required to keep the unit in a safe and habitable condition, the Alabama Tenant is required to maintain the unit they live in - not to damage the unit and to immediately notify the landlord of any problems and to provide access for emergency repairs.

When you move out of a unit, it should be returned in the same condition, less normal wear and tear. The tenant may be charged for damages NOT considered normal wear and tear.

Always do a walk through WHEN YOU MOVE IN and 
AGAIN WHEN YOU MOVE OUT. TAKE PICTURES.