Moving From Rent-Controlled to Market Rent in Alabama: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re renting in Alabama and are worried about rent increases or losing protection when your unit moves from a rent-controlled (or stabilized) rate to a market-rate lease, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. Alabama’s rental landscape is unique: unlike some other states, Alabama does not have state-wide rent control or rent stabilization laws. Most rental increases are governed by your lease terms and Alabama’s landlord-tenant law. This article explains what happens if your rent moves to the market rate, covers the relevant laws, and outlines what steps you can take if you need support.

Does Alabama Have Rent Control or Rent Stabilization?

Alabama has no state or city rent control. This means landlords are generally allowed to set and raise rent without government-imposed limits, provided they give proper legal notice. If your current rent was temporarily restricted (such as under special emergency regulations or local programs), the transition to a higher market rent may be a concern. However, these situations are rare in Alabama compared to states with official rent regulation programs.

How and When Can Landlords Raise the Rent?

According to the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords cannot raise your rent during an active lease term unless the lease itself allows for it. Once your lease expires or if you’re on a month-to-month agreement, your landlord may increase the rent, but must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before the new rent takes effect.

• Fixed-term leases: Rent generally cannot change until renewal.
• Month-to-month leases: Landlords must provide a 30-day written notice before increasing rent.

Your Rights When Rent Moves to Market Rate

If your rent is going up because any local rent cap or subsidy is ending, or if your landlord is ending a below-market arrangement, you are entitled to:

• Written notice before any rent increase
• No increase in rent until your current lease ends (unless otherwise specified in your lease)
• No retaliatory eviction for asserting your legal rights

Required Notices and Forms

There are no specific state-issued forms for rent increase in Alabama; however, landlords must provide a written notice. Here’s what you should look for:

• 30-Day Written Notice of Rent Increase

Example: If you are on a month-to-month lease, your landlord should give you a 30-day written letter or email stating the new rent amount and the effective date. Keep a copy for your records.

If you receive an eviction notice related to nonpayment after an increase, the official process uses the Alabama Eviction Notice Form (CV-99). See Alabama Unified Judicial System Forms for more details.

What If I Can’t Afford the New Rent?

If you are unable to pay the increased rent, you have some options:

• Negotiate with your landlord for a more gradual increase or a payment plan
• Contact rental assistance programs, such as ADECA Rental Assistance
• Seek alternative housing in advance to avoid disruption

How to Respond If You Receive a Rent Increase or Eviction Notice

If you receive a written notice of rent increase or an eviction notice after a rent hike:

• Review your lease and compare it to what’s required by Alabama law
• Confirm that you received at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase
• If you choose to move, provide your own written notice (usually 30 days for month-to-month agreements)
• If you have questions or concerns, contact the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution or your local Alabama Legal Services office

The main dispute-handling body in Alabama is the Alabama Civil Court, where eviction and rent disputes are officially heard.

FAQ: Alabama Rent Control, Rent Increases, and Market Rent

1. Does Alabama have any rent control laws?
   Alabama does not have state or municipal rent control. Rent is set by landlords and can be increased with proper written notice once a lease ends.
2. What is the required notice period for a rent increase in Alabama?
   Landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month tenancy.
3. Can I be evicted for not paying the increased rent?
   Yes, if you do not pay the new rent after the required notice and legal process, your landlord may initiate eviction per Alabama law.
4. What forms should I receive if the landlord is increasing my rent?
   You should receive a written 30-day notice for any increase. For eviction proceedings, the landlord must provide the CV-99 Eviction Notice Form.
5. What if I think my landlord did not follow the proper process?
   Contact your local Civil Court or seek free legal support from Alabama Legal Help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (official legislation)
• Alabama Unified Judicial System Forms (including eviction notices)
• Alabama Emergency Rental Assistance
• Alabama Legal Help (free legal support)
• Alabama Civil Court (handles landlord-tenant disputes)

---

1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Alabama Unified Judicial System: Official Forms
3. Alabama Civil Court
4. Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA): Rental Assistance

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations