Alabama Lease Disclosure Requirements: What Renters Must Know

Understanding the disclosures your landlord must provide in Alabama can help protect your renter rights, prevent misunderstandings, and set clear expectations for your tenancy. As a renter, knowing what information you are legally entitled to receive gives you confidence when signing or renewing your lease agreement in Alabama.

What Disclosures Are Required in Alabama Residential Leases?

Alabama law mandates that landlords give specific written disclosures to tenants in residential leases. These help you make informed decisions before moving in and clarify rights while you live there.

1. Owner or Agent Identity Disclosure

• Requirement: Landlords must disclose, in writing, the name and address of the property owner and anyone authorized to manage the premises or accept notices.
• Why it matters: This lets you know who to contact for repairs, emergencies, or official communications.
• Where to find it: This disclosure is typically included in the lease agreement itself.

This is required under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 35-9A-202.

2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Applies to Homes Built Before 1978)

• Requirement: For rental units built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide a lead-based paint disclosure form and a pamphlet about lead hazards.
• Form Name/Number: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (No official state-specific form; the federal "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" pamphlet is required).
• How it's used: You and your landlord sign the form. It must be provided before you become obligated under the lease.
• Access the official federal lead disclosure form.

If the property was built after 1978, this disclosure is not required.

3. Security Deposit Details

• Requirement: While Alabama doesn't require a separate security deposit disclosure statement, state law limits security deposits to the equivalent of one month's rent (with some exceptions) and requires written notice of any claim on the deposit within 60 days after lease termination.
• Action step: Always get receipts and document the property’s condition at move-in and move-out.
• More information is available in the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 35-9A-201.

4. Notice of Code Violations (If Applicable)

• Requirement: If a landlord has received notice from a code enforcement agency about code violations that affect your health or safety and have not been fixed, they must inform you in writing before you sign the lease or pay a deposit.
• This enables you to make an informed choice about the risks involved.
• For more on this, see Section 35-9A-204 of Alabama’s Landlord-Tenant Act.

Other Recommended Disclosures (Not State-Mandated, but Useful)

Some disclosures may not be required by state law but are commonly included to protect both parties. Examples include:

• Presence of mold or environmental hazards
• Flood zone disclosure
• Policies on late fees or rent increases (these must still comply with lease and state law)

If these matters are important to you, ask your landlord to include them—or clarify them—in your lease agreement.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Used when renting homes built before 1978. For example, if you're moving into a 1970s-era apartment, you must review and sign this federal form before your lease is binding (access the federal lead disclosure form here).
• No standardized Alabama owner/agent disclosure form—this info is typically embedded in your written lease.

What Agency Oversees Residential Tenancy Issues in Alabama?

There is currently no single state-mandated "tenancy board" in Alabama. However, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office - Consumer Protection Section helps address complaints related to rental housing. Local city or county housing authorities may also offer support for habitability or code issues.

1. What disclosures must my landlord give me before I sign a lease in Alabama?
   Landlords must provide the owner or managing agent’s name and address, a lead-based paint disclosure if the property was built before 1978, and notice of unresolved code violations affecting health or safety. Security deposit details and other terms should be stated in the lease.
2. How do I know if I should receive a lead-based paint disclosure?
   If your rental was built before 1978, federal law requires your landlord to give you the lead-based paint disclosure form and pamphlet before you commit to the lease. Ask your landlord or check your lease dates to verify the requirement.
3. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t provide the required disclosures?
   You can submit a written request for the missing information and, if unresolved, contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section. In certain cases, you may have grounds for legal action or to void the lease.
4. Are there official forms I should complete as a renter in Alabama?
   The main form is the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure for homes built before 1978. Other critical disclosures are typically part of your written lease agreement.
5. Where can I get help if I have a rental disclosure problem?
   You can contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Section or your local city or county housing authority.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Office – file complaints, ask questions, and get guidance.
• For city or county-specific housing code questions, contact your local housing authority.
• Read the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Text) for detailed laws.
• See the EPA Lead Disclosure Requirements for federal guidelines on lead-based paint.

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1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 35-9A-202
2. EPA Lead Disclosure Rule
3. Section 35-9A-201 – Security Deposits
4. Section 35-9A-204 – Disclosure of Code Violations
5. Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section

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