Alabama Repair & Habitability Laws
Under the Alabama URLTA, landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, but the repair-and-deduct remedy is not expressly available to most tenants.
Key Rules
- 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[ not confirmed ]
- Notice Required
- 14 days written notice to landlord before tenant may exercise remedies
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Landlord's duty to maintain premises in a habitable condition, including compliance with applicable building codes, maintaining structural components, and ensuring essential services such as heat, running water, and electricity.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Tenant remedies for landlord noncompliance: tenant may terminate the rental agreement or seek damages if landlord materially breaches a duty to maintain habitable premises.
Source confirmed
View archived excerpt
“§Section 35-9A-401 Noncompliance by the Landlord.(a) Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a material noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement…”
Legal Aid Resources
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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.