Alabama Tenant Rights
Alabama has limited statutory tenant protections compared to most states — the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies only to counties that have specifically adopted it, leaving many renters covered solely by common law.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 30 days written notice for month-to-month tenancy termination
- Just Cause Required:
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 14 days to cure a lease violation before landlord may terminate
- Non Payment Notice:
- 7 days notice to pay or quit for nonpayment of rent (in counties that adopted URLTA)
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 1 month's rent
- Return Deadline:
- 60 days after tenancy termination and return of possession
- Interest Required:
- No
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Permissible Deductions:
- Unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not codified in state law under the general URLTA adoption
- Rent Withholding:
- Limited — tenant may terminate agreement after notice and failure to repair
- Habitability Standard:
- Landlord must maintain premises fit for human habitation per Ala. Code § 35-9A-204
- Notice Required:
- 14 days written notice to landlord before tenant may exercise remedies
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- No specific anti-harassment statute; general retaliation protections apply
- Penalties:
- Tenant may recover actual damages and obtain injunctive relief under retaliation statute
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — retaliation within 6 months of a protected tenant action is presumed retaliatory
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 2 days advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Emergency Entry:
- Landlord may enter without notice in case of emergency
- Permissible Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at reasonable times
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.