Renters' Rights in Alabama: The Ultimate Guide

There is much more about the "The Heart of Dixie" state than what you have heard or seen. With a near population of 5 million, the state has a significant number of tenants, and that's why today we want to discuss .

The Alabama tenancy laws commence applying as soon as the landlord accepts rent payment from the rental unit occupant. In this case, the tenants and the landlord should start doing their part of the responsibilities as stated in the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

This article will cover the should enjoy. And how DoNotPay's Landlord Protection product can help both renters and landlords protect themselves against violation of lease terms or Alabama landlord-tenant laws.

Alabama Landlord-Tenant Laws

Landlords in Alabama have a legal duty to continually ensure the rental unit they own is in inhabitable conditions. This includes following building codes, conducting timely repairs, guaranteeing a clean and safe rental unit, etc. The list below has the responsibility of a landlord in Alabama.

Landlord Responsibilities

Tenant Responsibilities

Ensure the structure meets health and safety codes
Ensure that the occupant is informed of the rules before they sign the lease
Supply running water in the rental unit
Maintain HVAC systems, plumbing works, and sanitation system
Ensure proper electrical wiring
Ensure cleanliness and safety of the common areas
Make the necessary repairs within a reasonable time to ensure the property is always livable and safe.
Ensure proper garbage management
Prevent and eliminate pest infestation
Disclose the concentration of lead paint if the building is old
Reveal all people allowed to manage the property

Maintain cleanliness of their area
Follow the landlord's rules within the property
Should not disturb other tenants
Keep the property free of any hazards
Shouldn't intentionally damage the structure or fixtures
Conduct only legal dealing within the property

Alabama Security Deposit Laws

only allow landlords to take a maximum amount equivalent to one month's rent as a security deposit before allowing the renter to move in. However, this doesn't include other charges, such as a pet deposit. Additionally,

The landlord should reimburse the security deposit within 60 days after the end of the lease, failure of which the renter can sue the landlord to get the security deposit back.
When the security deposit is not returned on time, the landlord is obligated to pay double the initial amount.
The landlord can make sensible deductions from the security deposit if the tenant has rent arrears or has caused damage to the rental unit besides normal wear and tear.

What Can Lead to Eviction in Alabama?

A landlord in Alabama cannot wake up one morning and decide to evict a tenant. First, there must be a violation of the lease agreement or other allowable reasons before a landlord can lawfully evict a tenant. This includes:

Rent nonpayment	If the renter is late on rent payment, the landlord should give a 7-day notice to comply before pursuing eviction.
Violation of lease agreement	The landlord should allow the tenant up to 7 days to cure the problem before issuing an eviction notice.
False information	If a tenant intentionally provides misleading or wrong information, the landlord can evict them after giving them a 7-day notice to quit.
End of lease	For month-to-month tenants, the landlord should provide a 30-day notice to move out, while those who make payment on a weekly basis should be given a 7-day notice to quit.
Violation of safety/health code	Alabama allows property owners to evict tenants based on practices that render the building unsafe or unhealthy for living. However, they must provide a 7-day notice.
Illegal dealings	Tenants engaging in unlawful business and activities within the property can be evicted after the landlord issues a 7-day notice.

Other Rights as a Tenant in Alabama?

To better comprehend your rights as a tenant in Alabama, we'll answer a few questions for you.

Can a landlord evict me for reporting health or safety issues to the authorities?	No. And the landlord cannot increase the rent to force you out for reporting them or demanding repairs. Additionally, they cannot cut services, threaten to evict, change locks, or shut off utilities to force you to quit.
When can a tenant legally terminate their lease early?	You're allowed to terminate your lease if you have been called to active military duty, the unit is uninhabitable, the landlord is harassing you, or when there exists a termination clause within the lease.
Can a landlord increase my rent during the lease?	While there are no laws in Alabama capping how much landlords can charge or the amount of late fees that the landlords can add, they cannot increase the rent during the lease (unless the lease itself states so).
Can a landlord enter my Alabama rented property without notice?	No. Unless it's an emergency, they must give at least 2-day notice before they can legally access your house.
Can I withhold the rent or repair-and-deduct in Alabama?	Alabama doesn't allow tenants to pursue any of the above strategies if the landlord fails to make repairs. Instead, they can report to the local authorities for enforcement or choose to sue the landlord for damages.

What to Do If the Landlord Violates Renters Rights in Alabama

If the landlord in Alabama violates any of your rights as a tenant, you have a right to fight back. However, this can be a challenging and stressful task to deal with alone. Therefore, DoNotPay has uniquely tailored the solutions you need for each problem you might have when dealing with an uncooperative landlord or roommate.

Get back your security deposits
Learn about your state's eviction laws and what protections apply in your case
Resolve disputes regarding repairs with your landlord
Resolve disputes with roommates by filing demand letters or going through small claims court
Break your lease early

Fight for Renters Rights in Alabama Using DoNotPay

If you want to fight for your renter's rights in Alabama but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 4 easy steps:

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

And that's it! You should hear back from your landlord directly once your demands are sent.

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