Eviction Protections for Mobile Home Owners in Alabama

Mobile and manufactured homeowners renting lots in Alabama face unique challenges and concerns—especially regarding eviction. Understanding eviction protections in Alabama can help you respond confidently if you receive a notice, whether you own your mobile home but rent the land or are renting the entire property. This guide covers your main protections, legal steps your park operator must follow, and official forms you can use.

Eviction Process for Mobile Home Owners in Alabama

Alabama’s landlord-tenant law applies to most mobile home lot rentals. Protections are set out under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] If your landlord or mobile home park wants you to move, they must follow several legal steps:

• Valid Reason (Cause): The landlord must have a legally recognized reason to evict—for example, nonpayment of rent, violating park rules, or not maintaining your lot.
• Proper Written Notice: You must be given a written notice before eviction proceedings begin. The type of notice and timeframe depend on the reason.
• Court Action Required: You cannot be forcibly removed until the landlord files an eviction lawsuit and receives a court order.

Types of Eviction Notices

If you fall behind on rent, or violate park rules, you may receive one of these official notices:

• 7-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate: Used for nonpayment of rent. If you pay what’s owed within 7 days, the eviction must stop.
• 7-Day Notice to Cure or Quit: For lease violations (such as not maintaining your lot or breaking park rules). You get 7 days to correct the issue or move out.
• 14-Day Unconditional Notice to Quit: Given for serious violations that can’t be fixed (such as repeated breaches). You must move out within 14 days.

Filing and Responding to an Eviction Lawsuit

If you don’t resolve the issue by the end of the notice period, your landlord may file an eviction ("unlawful detainer") action in the Alabama District Court for your county.^[2]

• You will receive a copy of the lawsuit ("complaint") and a court summons explaining your hearing date.
• You can respond by filing an "Answer" with the court if you disagree with the eviction or believe your rights are being violated.
• You have the right to appear at your hearing and present evidence.

Important Alabama Eviction Forms

• Answer to Unlawful Detainer (Form C-59): This form lets you respond to an eviction lawsuit and explain your side to the judge. Use it if you receive a court summons. Download and instructions at the Alabama Judicial System official site.^[3]
  If you believe your park owner made a mistake, or did not give you proper notice, use Form C-59 quickly—usually within 7 days of being served.
• Unlawful Detainer (Eviction) Complaint (Form C-59A): While usually used by landlords, knowing about this form helps you understand when a legal eviction case begins. View at Alabama Eviction Forms.

Your Rights Before, During, and After Eviction

• No Self-Help Eviction: Park owners cannot lock you out, shut off your utilities, or remove your home without a court order.
• Right to Written Notice: Any eviction must start with the correct written notice, served in person or by certified mail.
• Appeal Rights: If you lose in district court, you can appeal to the circuit court within 7 days, but strict filing deadlines apply.

Which Tribunal Handles Mobile Home Eviction Disputes in Alabama?

All eviction (unlawful detainer) cases—including those for mobile home owners renting land—are handled by the Alabama District Court in the county where the property is located.^[2] This court resolves disputes under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (see Title 35, Chapter 9A).

If You Receive an Eviction Notice or Lawsuit

Take prompt, organized action to protect your rights. Here are practical steps:

• Carefully read any notice or summons you receive.
• Respond within the stated period (often 7 days for court forms).
• Use Form C-59 to file an Answer if you want to dispute the eviction.
• Gather and bring any evidence (such as payment records or notices) to your court hearing.
• Contact the Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team if you suspect your landlord is acting illegally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What notice am I entitled to before my mobile home can be evicted in Alabama?
   Most mobile home lot renters must receive a written 7-day or 14-day notice explaining the reason before an eviction case can be filed.
2. Can a mobile home park owner evict me without going to court?
   No. Park owners cannot force you out, remove your home, or shut off utilities without a court order.
3. What if I believe I’m being evicted unfairly or did not get proper notice?
   File an Answer (Form C-59) with the court within 7 days and attend your hearing to explain your side to the judge.
4. Does the eviction process differ if I own my mobile home but rent the lot?
   The process is the same; however, you may have additional rights regarding removal or storage of your home. Consult Alabama’s landlord and tenant act.
5. Where can I get Alabama’s official forms and legal help?
   Official eviction forms and resources are at the Alabama Judicial System Forms Library; free legal guidance is available from the Alabama Legal Help portal and county legal aid.

Conclusion: Know Your Eviction Protections

• Eviction from a mobile home park in Alabama requires written notice and a court order.
• Responding quickly with official forms, like Form C-59, helps protect your rights.
• If you have questions, seek legal or advocacy help right away.

Understanding Alabama’s legal process gives you more control if you face eviction from your mobile home lot. Know your rights and the official path every park owner must follow.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama Judicial System Forms Library – Official eviction forms
• Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection – File landlord complaints
• Alabama Legal Help – Find legal aid providers and information
• Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 35, Chapter 9A)
• Alabama District Court Information – Locate your court

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1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A)
2. Alabama District Courts
3. Answer to Unlawful Detainer Form C-59 (Alabama Judicial System)

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