What must a landlord pay a tenant if they fail to mail the deposit within 60 days?

In Alabama, if a landlord fails to return a tenant's security deposit within 60 days after the tenant vacates the property, they may be liable to pay the tenant double the amount of the deposit. This law is designed to protect tenants and ensure that landlords comply with the security deposit regulations. The intent behind imposing a double penalty is to encourage landlords to manage deposits responsibly and to provide tenants with a recourse if their deposits are mishandled or wrongfully withheld.

This rule emphasizes the importance of timely communication and action by landlords regarding the handling of deposits. If a landlord adheres to the law and processes the return of the deposit properly, they avoid such penalties. Therefore, understanding this legal requirement is crucial for both landlords and tenants in Alabama.