Landlord Tenant Laws in Alabama (AL)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Alabama's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of D (Landlord-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Alabama follows the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) with modifications. Landlords must maintain fit and habitable premises but tenant remedies are limited compared to many states.
Security Deposit Rules in Alabama
Alabama limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 60 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Alabama
In Alabama, a landlord must provide 7 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Alabama.
Tenant Rights in Alabama
Alabama does not provide rent withholding or repair-and-deduct remedies for tenants. When a landlord fails to maintain the property, the tenant's primary recourse is to file a complaint with local code enforcement or pursue a civil lawsuit. This puts tenants at a significant disadvantage when facing habitability issues.
Rent Control in Alabama
Alabama has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Alabama
Landlords in Alabama are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 2 days notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 60 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Alabama
Many cities in Alabama have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Birmingham
No local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond state law. Housing code enforcement through city inspections.
Huntsville
Follows state law. Growing rental market with no additional local tenant protections.
Montgomery
State capital follows Alabama landlord-tenant law without local modifications.
Mobile
No additional local tenant protections. City housing code applies to rental properties.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Alabama scores 38 out of 100, earning a grade of D (Landlord-Friendly).
How Alabama Compares
Below is a comparison of Alabama with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Alabama falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (AL) | 38 | D | 1 month's rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Oklahoma (OK) | 37 | D | No statutory limit | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| North Dakota (ND) | 41 | D | 1 month's rent (2 months if landlord can show risk) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Florida (FL) | 42 | D | No statutory limit | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Georgia (GA) | 33 | D | No statutory limit | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Utah (UT) | 33 | D | No statutory limit | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Alabama?
In Alabama, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 60 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Alabama?
For nonpayment of rent, Alabama requires 7 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Alabama if my landlord won't make repairs?
No, Alabama does not allow tenants to withhold rent. Tenants should consult a local attorney about available remedies.
Does Alabama have rent control?
No, Alabama prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Alabama?
Landlords in Alabama must give 2 days notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Alabama are primarily found in Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.