Suing for Invasion of Privacy by a Landlord in Alabama

If you rent a home or apartment in Alabama, your privacy rights are protected by law. Sometimes, landlords may enter your rental unit without permission or misuse your personal information. Understanding how Alabama law handles privacy and what renters can do if their privacy is invaded can help you protect your home and peace of mind.

What Is Considered Invasion of Privacy in Alabama Rentals?

Invasion of privacy by a landlord typically includes:

• Entering your rental unit without proper notice or lawful reason
• Repeatedly entering in a way that harasses or intimidates you
• Disclosing your personal information (such as Social Security number) without consent
• Using surveillance inside your private living area without permission

Alabama’s landlord-tenant laws, found in the Alabama Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, set rules for how and when landlords may enter a tenant’s home. Landlords generally must provide at least two days’ notice before entering, unless there is an emergency.^[1]

What Legal Protections Do Renters Have?

Under the Alabama Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 35-9A-303, landlords can only enter rental units for specific reasons, such as inspections, repairs, or showings. Entry must be reasonable and with appropriate notice. Violating these rules can form the basis for a privacy invasion claim.

Examples of Illegal Landlord Behavior

• Entering your apartment without giving notice or at unreasonable hours
• Repeated unannounced entries without valid justification
• Installing cameras inside your apartment without your consent

If you experience repeated unauthorized entry or privacy violations, you may have grounds to take legal action.

How to File a Complaint or Sue for Invasion of Privacy

If you believe your landlord has invaded your privacy, Alabama renters have several steps they can take to address the issue.

1. Document the Incident(s)

• Keep a log of every incident, including dates, times, and what happened
• Gather any written communications or photos as evidence

2. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Send a formal letter describing the privacy invasion and request that it stop
• Keep a copy of this letter for your records

3. File a Complaint or Take Legal Action

If the problem continues, you may file a claim in one of Alabama’s District Courts (small claims division) for invasion of privacy or for breach of the rental agreement.

• Form: Statement of Claim (Ala. Unified Judicial System Form C-10)
  Download the Statement of Claim form
  Use this form to begin a small claims action in your county’s District Court. For example, if you want your landlord to stop unauthorized entries or seek compensation for damages, complete and file this form at the courthouse.

The official tribunal handling landlord-tenant issues in Alabama is your local District Court (small claims division).

Tip: Always try to resolve the situation with your landlord first. Written records strengthen your case if you need to take further action.

4. Attend Any Required Hearings

The District Court will schedule a hearing once your claim is filed. Bring all evidence, including your written log and any correspondence.

Privacy Rights and Landlord Entry Under Alabama Law

Alabama law (Section 35-9A-303) requires landlords to provide "at least two days’ notice of their intent to enter," except in an emergency, and to enter only at reasonable times.^[2]

• If your lease gives you greater privacy rights (longer notice, restricted entry times), those terms apply.
• If your landlord repeatedly ignores this law, you may be entitled to break your lease or seek damages.

Understanding these rules can help you protect your privacy at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice in Alabama?
   No, landlords must give at least two days’ notice except for emergencies, according to Alabama law.
2. What should I do if my landlord keeps entering without permission?
   Document each incident, notify your landlord in writing, and consider filing a small claims complaint if the behavior doesn’t stop.
3. What damages can I recover if I sue my landlord for invasion of privacy?
   You may be entitled to compensation for actual damages (e.g., cost of changing locks, emotional distress) as determined by the court.
4. Where do I file a complaint about my landlord invading my privacy?
   File your complaint in your local District Court (small claims division). Use the Statement of Claim form (Form C-10).
5. Are there exceptions to the notice requirement for landlord entry?
   Yes, landlords may enter without notice if there is an emergency, such as a fire or water leak.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Alabama law protects renters’ privacy and limits landlord entry to specific reasons, with at least two days’ notice.
• If your privacy is invaded, you can document the incidents and file a formal complaint in District Court.
• Use official forms, such as the Statement of Claim (C-10), and seek support from Alabama legal resources if needed.

Understanding your rights helps ensure your home remains a private and secure space.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama District Courts (Small Claims) - Find your local court to file a privacy-related complaint.
• Alabama Legal Help - Free legal information and support for renters.
• Legal Services Alabama - Free and low-cost legal help for qualifying residents.
• Read the Alabama Residential Landlord and Tenant Act - Access the full text of the governing law.

---

1. Alabama Residential Landlord and Tenant Act Overview – AlabamaLegalHelp.org
2. Alabama Code § 35-9A-303 – Landlord’s Right of Entry

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