Can I withhold rent if the elevator in my building is out?

In Alabama, you cannot legally withhold rent without first giving written notice and allowing your landlord time to make repairs. Instead, request repairs in writing and explore tenant remedies.

What if I have a disability and the elevator outage makes my apartment inaccessible?

You have a right to request reasonable accommodations. If the landlord does not respond, you may file a fair housing complaint with the Alabama Attorney General or HUD.

How long does my landlord have to fix the elevator?

The law requires "prompt" repairs. While no exact timeframe is set, necessary repairs for health and safety must be addressed as soon as possible.

What agency can help me if I face ongoing issues with elevator outages?

The Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division can provide guidance on tenant rights and complaints.

Can my landlord relocate me or provide help during an elevator outage?

Yes, especially if you have a disability. Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations under federal and state laws.

Alabama Renters' Rights: Elevator Outages in High-Rises

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Alabama published: June 21, 2025

Living in a high-rise building in Alabama brings unique benefits, but elevator outages can create significant barriers—especially for renters with disabilities or mobility needs. Understanding your rights and the landlord’s responsibilities is essential to ensuring accessibility and a safe living environment. This article guides Alabama renters through what to do when elevators are out of service, what laws protect you, and how to request accommodations or file complaints effectively.

Elevator Outages: Landlord Responsibilities in Alabama

In Alabama, landlords are required by law to keep rental properties safe and habitable. In multi-story buildings, this includes ensuring that elevators are properly maintained and repaired quickly when an outage occurs.

Habitability: Under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 35-9A-204, landlords must keep common areas in a safe condition and make repairs in a timely manner^[1].
When essential facilities like elevators are out of service, landlords must act “promptly” to restore them, especially if it affects tenants’ ability to access their units.

Extra Protections under Disability Laws

The federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities^[2]. For example, if you use a wheelchair or cannot use stairs due to a disability, your landlord may need to offer alternative accommodations if the elevator is out.

This could include temporary relocation to a ground-floor unit (if available) or assistance moving groceries, packages, or essentials.
If you are denied a reasonable modification or accommodation, you can file a fair housing complaint with the Alabama Attorney General’s Fair Housing Division or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How to Address Elevator Outages as a Renter

If the elevator in your Alabama high-rise is out of service:

Report the outage to your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible.
Keep records of all communication—dates, times, and responses.
If you have a disability, state your accommodation needs clearly in your written request.
Document any additional expenses or hardships caused by the outage (e.g., missed work, inability to get groceries).

If your landlord does not fix the elevator or denies a reasonable accommodation, Alabama law provides steps you can take.

Official Forms: Making Maintenance or Accommodation Requests

Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form (HUD-90064):
When and how to use: Submit this form if you have a disability and need your landlord to provide a reasonable accommodation due to an elevator outage (e.g., temporary relocation, physical assistance). Attach medical documentation if possible. Example: "Jane, who uses a walker, completes HUD-90064 to ask for help with groceries while the elevator is down."
Download from HUD.gov
Notice to Landlord of Failure to Repair (No Official Form):
When and how to use: Alabama does not have an official form. You should give written notice describing the elevator outage, when it began, and request repairs. Keep a copy for your records. Example: "Mike emails his landlord: 'The elevator in Building B has not worked since June 1. Please repair it immediately.'"

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Remedies

If issues persist and the landlord does not respond, renters in Alabama can file complaints with the appropriate agencies:

Alabama Attorney General’s Fair Housing Division: Handles housing discrimination, accessibility, and accommodation complaints.
HUD Fair Housing Complaint system: For filing discrimination or reasonable accommodation cases under federal law.

The official body overseeing tenant-landlord disputes in Alabama is the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division.

Tenant Remedies under Alabama Law

Under Section 35-9A-164 of the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, tenants may be entitled to reduced rent or the right to end their lease early if essential services are not restored in a reasonable time, provided proper written notice is given^[1].

If the elevator outage affects your health or safety and isn’t addressed in a timely manner, consider contacting legal aid or filing a formal complaint. Always give written notice first and keep copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withhold rent if the elevator in my building is out?
In Alabama, you cannot legally withhold rent without first giving written notice and allowing your landlord time to make repairs. Instead, request repairs in writing and explore tenant remedies.
What if I have a disability and the elevator outage makes my apartment inaccessible?
You have a right to request reasonable accommodations. If the landlord does not respond, you may file a fair housing complaint with the Alabama Attorney General or HUD.
How long does my landlord have to fix the elevator?
The law requires "prompt" repairs. While no exact timeframe is set, necessary repairs for health and safety must be addressed as soon as possible.
What agency can help me if I face ongoing issues with elevator outages?
The Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division can provide guidance on tenant rights and complaints.
Can my landlord relocate me or provide help during an elevator outage?
Yes, especially if you have a disability. Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations under federal and state laws.

Key Takeaways for Alabama Renters

Landlords must repair elevator outages promptly and ensure habitability in high-rise buildings.
Tenants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations during outages.
Always give written notice and keep records of all communications.
Help is available if your landlord doesn’t act—contact the Alabama Attorney General or file a fair housing complaint.

Prompt communication and documentation help protect your rights during elevator outages in Alabama high-rises.

Need Help? Resources for Alabama Renters

Alabama Attorney General’s Fair Housing Division: For disability accommodation and discrimination complaints.
Alabama Attorney General Consumer Interest Division: For tenant-landlord dispute assistance.
HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process: File a federal complaint online for housing discrimination or accessibility issues.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Line: ADA rights and guidance.
Legal Services Alabama: Free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible tenants.