Alabama Eviction Process: A Landlord's Step-by-Step Guide

Alabama provides landlords with a relatively straightforward eviction process. All evictions must go through the court system — self-help evictions are illegal. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from notice to writ of possession.

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.

Legal Grounds for Eviction

Alabama landlords can evict tenants for the following reasons:

Step-by-Step Eviction Process

Step 1: Serve Written Notice

The type of notice depends on the reason for eviction:

7-Day Notice to Pay or Quit (Nonpayment)

• Tenant has 7 calendar days to pay all overdue rent
• If paid in full within the 7-day period, the eviction process stops
• Best practice: exclude late fees from the notice amount to avoid invalidating it

7-Day Notice to Cure or Quit (Lease Violations)

• Tenant has 7 calendar days to remedy the violation
• Applies to the first occurrence of a curable violation

7-Day Notice — No Opportunity to Cure

• For repeat violations of the same type within a 6-month period
• For serious violations: illegal activity, substantial property damage, or threats to health and safety

30-Day Notice (No-Fault Termination)

• For terminating month-to-month tenancies without stating a specific cause

Step 2: File an Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit

If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer action in the local district court. To file, the landlord needs:

• A copy of the notice served to the tenant
• Proof of service (how and when the notice was delivered)
• The lease agreement (if written)
• Documentation of any unpaid rent or damages

Step 3: Court Hearing

• The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 2–4 weeks of filing
• Both the landlord and tenant can present evidence
• If the tenant fails to appear, the court may issue a default judgment in the landlord's favor

Step 4: Judgment and Writ of Possession

If the court rules in the landlord's favor:

• A writ of possession is issued
• The tenant typically has 7 days to vacate after the writ is issued
• If the tenant still does not leave, the sheriff or constable will carry out a physical eviction

Prohibited Actions (Self-Help Evictions)

Alabama law strictly prohibits landlords from taking matters into their own hands. The following actions are illegal:

• Changing the locks without a court order
• Shutting off utilities (water, electricity, gas)
• Removing a tenant's belongings
• Physically threatening or intimidating a tenant
• Any other action intended to force a tenant out without going through the court system

Engaging in self-help evictions can expose landlords to civil liability and potential criminal charges.

Retaliatory Evictions

Under Alabama law (§ 35-9A-501), landlords cannot evict a tenant in retaliation for:

• Complaining about code violations or habitability issues
• Contacting local housing or health authorities
• Exercising any legal rights under the AURLTA

Timeline Summary

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Keep meticulous records — Document all communication, notices, and lease violations
2. Serve notices properly — Use methods that create proof of delivery (certified mail, hand delivery with witness)
3. Follow the law exactly — Even small procedural errors can delay or invalidate an eviction
4. Never use self-help — Always go through the court system
5. Consult an attorney — For complex situations or if the tenant contests the eviction
6. Exclude late fees from pay-or-quit notices — Include only the base rent owed

How Landager Helps

Landager helps landlords document lease violations, track notice timelines, and maintain organized records — ensuring you have the documentation you need if an eviction becomes necessary.

Back to Alabama Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.