Alabama Landlord Required Disclosures: What You Must Tell Tenants

Alabama law requires landlords to provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the beginning of a tenancy. While Alabama's disclosure requirements are less extensive than some states, failure to comply can expose landlords to legal liability. This guide covers every required disclosure.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney in Alabama for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Required Disclosures Summary

1. Agent and Owner Identity

Under Alabama Code § 35-9A-202, landlords must disclose in writing:

Property Manager

• The name and business address of the person authorized to manage the premises
• This person acts as the landlord's agent for purposes of receiving notices and service of process

Property Owner

• The name and business address of the owner of the premises
• Or the name and address of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner for receiving service of process and notices

Keeping Information Current

• This information must be kept current throughout the tenancy
• If the property manager or owner changes, the tenant must be notified of the updated information
• Until the tenant receives this updated information, the previous agent or owner continues to be responsible

2. Material Defects and Hazards

Alabama landlords have a duty to disclose known material defects and hazards within the rental property. This includes:

• Structural issues — Known problems with the foundation, roof, walls, or load-bearing elements
• Environmental hazards — Mold, asbestos, or other known environmental concerns
• Pest infestations — Known issues with termites, rodents, or other pests
• Safety hazards — Any conditions that could pose a risk to the tenant's health or safety
• Flood risk — If the property is in a known flood zone

Failure to Disclose

If a landlord knowingly conceals material defects:

• The tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease
• The landlord may be liable for damages resulting from the undisclosed condition
• Courts may consider non-disclosure as evidence of bad faith

3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal)

For any property built before 1978, federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires landlords to:

1. Disclose known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the property
2. Provide an EPA-approved pamphlet — "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home"
3. Include a lead disclosure form — in the lease agreement
4. Provide any available records — reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint in the property
5. Allow a 10-day inspection period — Tenants must be given a 10-day opportunity to conduct a lead paint inspection (unless waived)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of the federal lead-based paint disclosure requirement can result in:

• Fines of up to $19,507 per violation (adjusted for inflation)
• Treble damages (triple the actual damages) in private lawsuits
• Criminal penalties in certain cases

Additional Recommended Disclosures

While not required by Alabama state law, landlords should consider disclosing the following as a best practice:

• Mold history — Any known past or current mold issues
• Crime statistics — If the property is in a high-crime area
• HOA rules — If the property is governed by a homeowners association
• Planned renovations — Any upcoming construction or major repairs
• Utility responsibilities — Which utilities the tenant is responsible for
• Smoking policy — Whether smoking is permitted on the property

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Put all disclosures in writing — Even when not strictly required, written disclosures protect you
2. Include disclosures in the lease — Create a dedicated disclosure section or addendum
3. Get the tenant's signature — Confirm that the tenant received and acknowledged each disclosure
4. Keep copies on file — Store signed disclosures for the duration of the tenancy and beyond
5. Disclose proactively — When in doubt, disclose; it's always better to over-disclose than under-disclose
6. Update as needed — If new defects or hazards are discovered, notify the tenant promptly

How Landager Helps

Landager helps you manage required disclosures by storing lease documents, tracking compliance checklists, and ensuring no critical disclosure requirements are missed across your properties.

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