What are tenant rights in Alabama?

Alabama tenant rights are governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA), Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq., enacted in 2006.

1. Security Deposit — Capped at 1 month's rent under § 35-9A-201 (separate pet deposits, increased deposits for tenants with poor credit, and last month's rent are excluded from this cap). Landlord must return within 60 days of move-out with itemized list of deductions.

2. Habitability — § 35-9A-204 requires landlords to comply with building and housing codes; make all repairs reasonably necessary to keep premises fit and habitable; maintain common areas; keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and appliances in good and safe working order; and supply running water and reasonable heat.

3. Tenant Remedies — § 35-9A-401 to § 35-9A-407 provide lease termination after 14 days' written notice for material noncompliance, repair-and-deduct (up to $100 or one-half of monthly rent, whichever is greater), and damages.

4. Notice for Entry — § 35-9A-303 requires 2 days' notice for non-emergency entry.

5. Eviction Notice — § 35-9A-421 requires a 7-day pay-or-quit notice for nonpayment of rent. 7 days for non-remediable violations; 14 days for curable lease breaches.

6. Termination of Month-to-Month — § 35-9A-441 requires 30 days' notice by either party.

7. Rent Control — Prohibited by Ala. Code § 11-80-8.5.

8. Discrimination — Federal Fair Housing Act applies. Alabama has no state fair housing act with broader protections; no source-of-income or sexual orientation protection.

9. Retaliation — § 35-9A-501 prohibits retaliation for tenant complaints to government or assertion of legal rights.

10. Lockouts — § 35-9A-407 prohibits self-help; tenant may recover possession plus 3 months' rent or treble damages.

This is legal information, not legal advice.