Alabama Residential Eviction Process
A complete guide to issuing an eviction notice in Alabama, filing an unlawful detainer lawsuit, and legally removing a tenant for non-payment.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Removing a tenant is never a fun process, but if a renter stops paying or breaks the rules, you must issue a proper eviction notice in Alabama to start the formal legal process. Under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA), which became effective on January 1, 2007, landlords must follow specific statutory procedures to regain possession of their property.
Formally Delivering the Notice
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are strictly configured under the Code of Alabama § 35-9A-421. Landlords must always ensure their lease agreements directly adhere to this state code.
If the tenant fails to pay rent, you must serve them with a 7-Business-Day Notice to Pay or Quit (as per § 35-9A-421(b)). This notice explicitly gives them seven business days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) to cure the balance or move out.
If they break a lease term (like smuggling in an unauthorized pet), you must serve a 7-Business-Day Notice to Cure or Quit (§ 35-9A-421(a)). If the tenant fixes the issue within that window, you cannot proceed with the eviction. However, if they commit the exact same violation again within 6 months, you can issue an unconditional 7-day notice to quit without giving them another chance to fix it.
The Unlawful Detainer Filing
If the 7-business-day notice expires and the tenant is still inside, you must file an Unlawful Detainer action (§ 6-6-330) in your local district court. You cannot turn off the power, remove their belongings, or change the locks yourself. Doing so is an illegal "self-help" eviction under § 35-9A-407, and the tenant can sue you for an amount equal to not more than three months' periodic rent or twofold the actual damages sustained, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees.
Staying Updated on Alabama Property Laws
Keeping up with exactly how these rules evolve is vital to protecting your investment. Alabama regulations and local housing ordinances can shift, meaning what is perfectly legal today might require a new lease addendum tomorrow. Always ensure your rental operations align with the most recent local guidelines and statewide precedents to avoid easily preventable compliance fines and prolonged disputes with renters.
Sources & Official References
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