Alabama Abandoned Property Rules: What Happens When Property is Left Behind?

It’s not as rare as you’d think—property left behind in rental homes, storage units, or even found on public land. In Alabama, figuring out what to do with abandoned property can be tricky. Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, business owner, or just a curious neighbor, understanding Alabama’s abandoned property rules will help you avoid headaches and legal trouble. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the law, real-world examples, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you stumble upon abandoned stuff.

What Counts as “Abandoned Property” in Alabama?

In Alabama, “abandoned property” usually refers to personal items left behind with no intention of returning or claiming them. This can be anything from furniture in a rental unit, cars parked for months, to lost items on public land. Legally, the key is whether the owner clearly meant to give up their rights to it.

Personal property: Clothes, appliances, electronics, vehicles, and valuables left behind in a rental, hotel, storage unit, or on private/public land.
Real property: (land or buildings) isn’t considered “abandoned” the same way—those rules are much more complicated, involving property taxes, foreclosure, and “adverse possession.”

Landlord and Tenant: Rules for Abandoned Property After Move-Out

This is where it gets real for most people. Under Alabama landlord-tenant law (Alabama Code § 35-9A-423):

When a tenant moves out and leaves personal property, the landlord must give the tenant written notice describing the items and where to claim them.
The landlord must store the items for at least 14 days after sending notice.
If the tenant does not claim the items (and pay any reasonable storage costs) after 14 days, the landlord can dispose of, donate, or sell the property.
If sold, the landlord can keep money owed for unpaid rent, damages, or storage fees, but any leftover proceeds must be sent to the tenant (if they can be found) or the state as unclaimed property.

Pro tip: Always make a detailed list and take photos before disposing of anything. It protects you if the tenant later claims you kept something valuable.

Storage Units: What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Alabama has specific “self-storage facility” laws. If you rent a storage unit and stop paying, the operator can:

Send written notice to your last known address about the overdue rent and the risk of losing your belongings.
If you don’t pay within a certain period (often 14+ days), the facility can auction your items to cover unpaid rent and fees.
Any extra money from the auction, after costs are covered, must be returned to you—or turned over to the Alabama Unclaimed Property Division if you can’t be found.

Lost and Found: Finders, Keepers?

“Finders, keepers” is a catchy phrase, but Alabama law doesn’t quite work that way. If you find lost property (like cash, jewelry, or valuable items):

You must make a reasonable effort to find the true owner (for example, turn it in to the police or the business where you found it).
If the property goes unclaimed after a certain time (usually 6–12 months, depending on the value and local police policy), it may legally become yours—but there’s paperwork.
If you keep found property without trying to return it, it could be considered theft.

Vehicles: Cars Left Behind

Abandoned vehicles are a big deal in Alabama. If a car is left on public property or private land without permission:

It can be reported to local law enforcement or the Alabama Department of Revenue.
After notice and a waiting period (usually 7–30 days), the vehicle may be towed and auctioned.
Owners are notified by certified mail and given a chance to reclaim their vehicle by paying fees before it’s sold.
After sale, surplus funds must be returned to the owner or handled as unclaimed property.

Unclaimed Property: What Happens to Forgotten Funds?

Sometimes, abandoned property is money—like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, old insurance payments, or safe deposit boxes. In Alabama:

Banks, employers, and businesses must turn over unclaimed money or property to the Alabama State Treasury Unclaimed Property Division after 1–5 years, depending on the property type.
You can search for and claim unclaimed property on the state website. It’s free—never pay a finder’s fee unless you really want to.

Can You Claim Abandoned Real Estate in Alabama?

Taking over abandoned homes or land is much more complicated. Alabama has “adverse possession” laws, but you generally need to openly possess, maintain, and pay taxes on property for 10–20 years before you can claim legal ownership. Even then, court action is required.

Real-World Tips for Handling Abandoned Property in Alabama

Landlords: Always follow the letter of the law—notify tenants, document everything, and store items for the required period.
Tenants: Don’t just walk away. You can lose valuable items fast if you abandon them after move-out.
Finders: Always report valuable lost property to the authorities. If nobody claims it, you may get it eventually—legally.
Storage unit renters: Communicate with the facility if you’re struggling. Auctions happen fast and you might lose everything for a small unpaid bill.
Vehicle owners: If your car is towed as abandoned, act quickly to reclaim it—storage and towing fees add up fast.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Alabama’s Abandoned Property Rules in Plain English

Alabama law tries to balance the rights of owners, finders, and property managers. The key is notice, patience, and paperwork. If you’re ever unsure, check the law or ask a lawyer. With a little caution and respect for the rules, you can avoid legal trouble and maybe even reunite someone with lost treasures—or, at the very least, handle abandoned property without drama.