What should I do if I get an eviction notice in Alabama?

Carefully read the notice. You may have a right to fix issues within 7 days or contest the eviction in court using the official answer form. Seek legal help as soon as possible.

Can I get free legal help for my housing issue?

Yes. If you meet income requirements, Legal Services Alabama and similar programs provide free legal support for renters facing issues such as eviction, repairs, or discrimination.

What are my rights regarding repairs?

Landlords must make essential repairs. Send a written request, and if it's not addressed within 14 days, you may be able to end your lease or seek help in court.

How do I dispute charges taken from my security deposit?

Request a written breakdown from your landlord. If you disagree, you can file a complaint at your local District Court with supporting evidence.

Where do I file a complaint if my landlord will not follow the law?

Most housing disputes go to the local District Court. For housing discrimination, you can also submit a complaint to HUD.

Legal Aid Options for Alabama Renters

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Alabama published: June 21, 2025

If you rent a home or apartment in Alabama, understanding your legal aid options can make a critical difference—especially if you are facing eviction, a sudden rent increase, or unresolved maintenance problems. Alabama renters are protected by state law, and several resources offer free or low-cost legal help. This article explains your rights under Alabama law, how to find legal support, and which official forms and bodies handle tenant-landlord disputes.

Renters' Rights and Protections in Alabama

Alabama’s main tenant-landlord law—the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—outlines the basic rights and responsibilities for both parties. For renters, this means:

The right to a safe and habitable home
Procedures that a landlord must follow for evictions
Rules for rent increases and security deposits
The right to ask for repairs and maintenance

Most tenant-landlord disputes are handled in local District Courts, which decide cases like eviction or non-payment of rent.

Official Legal Aid Resources for Alabama Renters

If you cannot afford a lawyer, several organizations and programs provide free or low-cost legal assistance, particularly for issues like eviction, discrimination, or unsafe housing conditions. Key resources include:

Legal Services Alabama: Offers direct legal help to low-income renters across the state.
Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Investigates landlord violations.
Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice: Provides helpful guides on renter rights and advocacy.

When and How to Get Legal Aid

Seek legal assistance if you:

Receive an eviction notice or summons to court
Experience threats, discrimination, or harassment
Are facing utility shutoffs or ongoing safety issues
Dispute charges for security deposit deductions

Tip: Contact Legal Services Alabama as soon as you get any legal paperwork relating to your tenancy. Early help can protect your credit and your home.

Official Forms Renters May Need

Several official state forms are important when dealing with disputes, repairs, or an eviction. Using the right form—and knowing when to use it—can protect your rights.

Notice to Terminate Tenancy (7-Day Notice):
- When to use: If your landlord is trying to evict you for unpaid rent or another issue, they must first serve you a 7-day written notice. Similarly, you can use a 7-day notice to terminate if your landlord fails crucial duties (like repairs).
- How it works: Write a simple letter stating you are providing "seven days' notice to terminate tenancy," citing the reason (e.g., uncorrected health or safety violation).
- Alabama 7-Day Notice to Landlord (Sample Form by Legal Services Alabama)
Answer to Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) Complaint:
- When to use: If you are served with an eviction lawsuit (called an "Unlawful Detainer"), you have 7 days to file an answer with the court explaining your side.
- How it works: Use the EJC-CV-200: Answer to Unlawful Detainer form provided by the Alabama Unified Judicial System. This must be filed at your local District Court.
Request for Repairs (Written Notice to Landlord):
- When to use: If repairs are urgently needed (such as plumbing or heating), you must provide a written request to your landlord. If they do not fix the problem within 14 days, you may have further legal rights.
- How it works: State the needed repair, the date, and that you expect timely action (see Section 35-9A-401 of the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
- Sample Request for Repairs Letter

Action Steps When Served an Eviction Notice:

Read the notice carefully and check the date.
If you want to contest, use the EJC-CV-200 form to respond within 7 days.
Seek legal help from Legal Services Alabama or visit your local District Court.

Which Board or Tribunal Handles Disputes?

Alabama does not have a specialized tenant board. Instead, most disputes (including eviction cases) are handled by your county’s District Court. If your issue is about discrimination, complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Understanding Your Rights Under Alabama Law

The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (last updated in 2023) is the foundation for all renter protections. This law:

Defines minimum notice periods for eviction or rent hikes
Requires landlords to maintain properties in a habitable condition
Gives tenants the right to enforce repairs or end the lease if serious issues are not fixed

When facing any rental dispute—don’t ignore notices or deadlines. Getting prompt help increases your chances of keeping your housing or negotiating a fair outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I get an eviction notice in Alabama?
If you receive an eviction notice, review it right away. You may have the right to pay back rent or fix a problem within 7 days. For formal eviction lawsuits, respond with the EJC-CV-200 form and consider contacting Legal Services Alabama for guidance.
Can I get free legal help for my housing issue?
Yes, if your income qualifies, organizations like Legal Services Alabama will assist you with court forms, legal advice, and in some cases, representation. Start with their application or call their hotline.
What are my rights regarding repairs?
Your landlord must make repairs that affect health and safety. Provide written notice, and if repairs are not addressed within 14 days, you may be able to end the lease or take other legal action as allowed by the Landlord and Tenant Act.
How do I dispute charges taken from my security deposit?
Request a written explanation from your landlord. If it’s not provided, or you believe deductions are unfair, you have the right to file a case in District Court. Bring all documentation with you.
Where do I file a complaint if my landlord will not follow the law?
For most issues, Alabama District Courts are the place to resolve disputes. For discrimination, you can also file a complaint with HUD using their official website.

Key Takeaways for Alabama Renters

Understand your rights under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Use official forms and meet court deadlines for eviction or repair disputes
Free legal help is available statewide—reach out early to protect your home

Knowing where to find help and how to use the right legal tools can safeguard your housing and peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Legal Services Alabama – Free legal aid for eligible tenants across Alabama
Find Your County District Court – For filing or defending court actions
Alabama Attorney General's Consumer Protection – Address landlord violations and unsafe housing
HUD: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – File discrimination complaints
Alabama Appleseed: Tenant Resources – Guides on renter challenges and solutions