Landlord Rules in Alabama: Renting Out Property (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Alabama · Last updated 2026-05-18
Owning rental property in Alabama is governed end-to-end by Alabama law. The state sets a deposit refund clock (60 days), an entry-notice minimum (two days' notice), and a month-to-month termination notice (30 days) that all sit on top of federal fair-housing rules. This guide walks the Alabama-specific obligations in order.
Key Considerations
A Alabama owner who lets a unit must navigate registration first. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Deposit handling is the next gate. 1 month's periodic rent Once the tenant leaves, the clock starts running. 60 days
Operating an existing tenancy in Alabama requires honoring two notice timers. The first is the entry timer. two days' notice The second is the periodic-termination timer. 30 days
If cause to terminate arises, Alabama channels the dispute through a specific court track. Unlawful Detainer Actions are the remedy for eviction in a landlord tenant relationship---Title 6, Code of Alabama. [.] Landlord must first give written notice to tenant to vacate premises. [.] Notice gives tenant SEVEN (7) business days to comply if notice was to vacate for failure to pay rent. Notice gives tenant FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to comply if notice was to vacate for any other reason. [.] If tenant fails to move or to make arrangement with landlord, the landlord ay sue for possession of property and for money damages in the same action. Discrimination claims travel a different pipeline. Tenants file
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Relevant Documents
Alabama landlord paperwork tracks the statute. The lease carries the state's required disclosures, the entry-notice template matches the state's minimum-notice rule, the deposit accounting form mirrors the statutory deadline, and the eviction notice follows the form the Alabama court demands.
Landlord's Rules and Regulations
A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.
Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist
A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.
Notice of Entry Form
A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.
Rental Application Form
A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.
Residential Lease Agreement
A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.
Security Deposit Receipt
A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.
Relevant Laws
Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)
This is Alabama's primary law governing residential rental relationships. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including security deposit limits (one month's rent for unfurnished units), required disclosures, and proper notice periods for terminating tenancies. As a landlord in Alabama, you must comply with these provisions to avoid legal issues.
Alabama Security Deposit Law
Under Alabama law, landlords must return security deposits within 60 days of lease termination, along with an itemized list of any deductions. If you fail to comply with this requirement, you may be liable for damages. This law is crucial for properly managing tenant deposits and avoiding disputes at the end of tenancies.
Alabama Fair Housing Laws
Alabama follows federal Fair Housing Act provisions, making it illegal to discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. As a landlord, you must ensure your tenant selection process, lease terms, and property management practices comply with these anti-discrimination requirements.
Alabama Eviction Laws
Alabama requires specific legal procedures for evicting tenants, including proper notice periods (7 days for non-payment of rent, 14 days for lease violations) and filing an unlawful detainer action. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal and can result in liability for the landlord.
Alabama Rental Property Maintenance Requirements
Landlords in Alabama must maintain rental properties in compliance with building and housing codes, make necessary repairs to keep the premises in habitable condition, and provide essential services like heat and water. Failure to meet these obligations can result in tenant remedies including rent withholding or lease termination.
Regional Variances
Northern Alabama
Huntsville has specific rental property registration requirements. Landlords must register their rental properties with the city and pay an annual fee. Additionally, Huntsville enforces stricter building code compliance for rental properties, with regular inspections that may be more frequent than other Alabama cities.
Birmingham has enacted additional tenant protections beyond state law, including more stringent requirements for security deposit handling. Landlords must provide an itemized list of deductions within 35 days (instead of the state's 60 days) and may face higher penalties for violations. The city also has specific lead paint disclosure requirements for older buildings.
Central Alabama
Montgomery has implemented a rental property license program requiring landlords to obtain a business license before renting property. The city also enforces specific noise ordinances that landlords must include in their lease agreements, making them responsible for tenant compliance with these regulations.
Due to the large student population, Tuscaloosa has special zoning restrictions limiting the number of unrelated individuals who can live in a single-family home in certain neighborhoods. Landlords must also comply with additional parking requirements and may need to provide proof of adequate off-street parking for tenants.
Southern Alabama
Mobile has stricter flood zone regulations affecting rental properties. Landlords with properties in designated flood zones must provide additional disclosures to tenants and may face higher insurance requirements. The city also has specific hurricane preparation requirements for rental properties, including storm shutter installation options.
As a coastal tourist destination, Gulf Shores has specific regulations for short-term rentals, including additional taxes, licensing requirements, and occupancy limits. Landlords must register with the city, collect and remit lodging taxes, and comply with special trash collection and noise ordinances designed for vacation rentals.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Confirm registration or rental-license status at the state and city level
Before listing days after startingNo state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.
Calculate the security deposit so it stays under the legal ceiling
Before signing days after starting1 month's periodic rent
Deliver every required pre-lease disclosure in writing
At lease signing days after startingName and business address of the person authorized to manage the premises and an owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner.
Document advance notice for any non-emergency entry
Ongoing days after startingtwo days' notice
Use the correct termination notice for any month-to-month tenancy
As needed days after starting30 days
Refund or itemize the deposit before the statutory cut-off
At move-out days after starting60 days
If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence
If eviction needed days after startingUnlawful Detainer Actions are the remedy for eviction in a landlord tenant relationship---Title 6, Code of Alabama. [.] Landlord must first give written notice to tenant to vacate premises. [.] Notice gives tenant SEVEN (7) business days to comply if notice was to vacate for failure to pay rent. Notice gives tenant FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to comply if notice was to vacate for any other reason. [.] If tenant fails to move or to make arrangement with landlord, the landlord ay sue for possession of property and for money damages in the same action.
Apply fair-housing rules across advertising, screening, and tenancy decisions
Ongoing days after startingThe state complaint forum is
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm registration or rental-license status at the state and city level | No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. | - | Before listing |
| Calculate the security deposit so it stays under the legal ceiling | 1 month's periodic rent | - | Before signing |
| Deliver every required pre-lease disclosure in writing | Name and business address of the person authorized to manage the premises and an owner of the premises or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner. | - | At lease signing |
| Document advance notice for any non-emergency entry | two days' notice | - | Ongoing |
| Use the correct termination notice for any month-to-month tenancy | 30 days | lease-termination-letter | As needed |
| Refund or itemize the deposit before the statutory cut-off | 60 days | - | At move-out |
| If eviction becomes necessary, follow the statutory notice and filing sequence | Unlawful Detainer Actions are the remedy for eviction in a landlord tenant relationship---Title 6, Code of Alabama. [.] Landlord must first give written notice to tenant to vacate premises. [.] Notice gives tenant SEVEN (7) business days to comply if notice was to vacate for failure to pay rent. Notice gives tenant FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to comply if notice was to vacate for any other reason. [.] If tenant fails to move or to make arrangement with landlord, the landlord ay sue for possession of property and for money damages in the same action. | - | If eviction needed |
| Apply fair-housing rules across advertising, screening, and tenancy decisions | The state complaint forum is | - | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
two days' notice.
Unlawful Detainer Actions are the remedy for eviction in a landlord tenant relationship---Title 6, Code of Alabama. [.] Landlord must first give written notice to tenant to vacate premises. [.] Notice gives tenant SEVEN (7) business days to comply if notice was to vacate for failure to pay rent. Notice gives tenant FOURTEEN (14) DAYS to comply if notice was to vacate for any other reason. [.] If tenant fails to move or to make arrangement with landlord, the landlord ay sue for possession of property and for money damages in the same action. Source: state code.
60 days.
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