Alabama Renters’ Guide to Emergency Exit Lighting Rules

Emergency exit lighting in Alabama apartments and rental units plays a vital role in renter safety during power outages, fires, and other emergencies. Understanding these standards helps renters ensure their homes meet essential safety codes, and equips them to take action if violations occur.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards in Alabama?

Emergency exit lighting involves illuminated signs and backup lights that show the way to the nearest exit during an emergency. In Alabama, these standards are set primarily by the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and local building codes. Most rental buildings—especially multifamily buildings—must comply with the International Building Code (IBC), which Alabama has adopted with modifications.

  • Exit signs must be illuminated at all times
  • Emergency lighting must turn on automatically when regular power fails
  • Lights and signs must remain visible and unobstructed
  • Functional testing is required regularly by the property owner or manager

For renters, these standards mean that exit signs in hallways, lobbies, and common areas should always be easy to see—even during a power outage. If you notice issues, your landlord is required to make repairs promptly according to basic habitability rules.

Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Exit Lighting?

Landlords and property managers must maintain all emergency lighting. This includes replacing bulbs, testing backup batteries, and keeping exit pathways clear. These duties fall under the wider obligation to provide a safe and habitable dwelling, as specified by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

If you notice a broken exit sign or nonworking emergency light, report it to your landlord in writing and keep a copy for your records.

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How to Report and Resolve Exit Lighting Problems

If your landlord does not respond to your maintenance request, there are further steps you can take. Alabama does not have a statewide tenant tribunal, but renters can file complaints or take legal action through district courts.

  • Contact your local fire marshal or building inspection office if missing or broken exit lighting is an immediate safety concern.
  • Document all communication and take photos, if possible.
  • If unresolved, you may consult an attorney or contact the Alabama State Bar for legal assistance.

Official Forms for Renters

  • Notice of Landlord’s Failure to Maintain Premises (No Standard Form Number)
    This written notice is used by renters to formally inform their landlord about issues like broken exit signs or emergency lights. It is a practical first step to resolve maintenance problems. There is no specific state-provided form, but renters should state the problem, request repair within a reasonable timeframe, and keep a copy. Guidance on composing such notices is available on the Alabama Department of Public Health Tenant and Landlord Resources page.
  • Complaint Forms to Local Fire Marshal
    Many cities and counties provide online or printable forms for reporting fire safety hazards. For example, check with your city’s fire department or the State Fire Marshal if you believe emergency exit lighting creates a safety risk.

Summary: Official forms help establish a record of your request. Using written documentation is key to protecting your rights if further action is needed.

Where to Get Help: Alabama Residential Tenancy Disputes

While Alabama does not have a single residential tenancies board, disputes are generally handled in local district courts. Renters may also contact the State Fire Marshal for fire code violations or seek help from the Alabama State Bar.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

The main law protecting renter safety and property maintenance—including exit lighting—is the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This act covers landlord obligations, renter rights, and processes for filing complaints or notices.[1]

  1. Are landlords in Alabama required to repair faulty emergency exit lights?
    Yes. Under Alabama law, landlords must keep rental properties in a safe and habitable condition. This includes ensuring that emergency exit lighting meets code requirements. If you’re concerned about nonworking lighting, notify your landlord in writing.
  2. What should I do if my building’s exit signs are not working?
    First, send your landlord a written repair request. If there’s an immediate safety risk or no response, contact your local fire marshal or building inspector. Document your steps and consider seeking legal help if the issue is not resolved promptly.
  3. Where can I report emergency exit lighting violations?
    You can report safety code violations, including exit lighting issues, to your city’s fire marshal or directly to the Alabama State Fire Marshal. For ongoing landlord disputes, the local district court has authority over tenancy matters.
  4. Do emergency exit lighting standards apply to all rental properties?
    Exit lighting requirements generally cover multifamily apartments and rental buildings with shared hallways or stairwells, but may not apply to single-family homes. Check with your local building or fire department for details about your situation.
  5. How can I learn if my rental meets Alabama safety codes?
    Ask your property manager for recent inspection records, or contact your local code enforcement office. The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office also provides safety resources and enforcement information.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.)
  2. Alabama State Fire Marshal (Emergency Lighting Enforcement)
  3. International Building Code – Alabama Adoptions
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.