Understand Alabama’s 30-Day and 7-Day Eviction Notices

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Alabama, receiving an eviction notice can feel overwhelming. Knowing the difference between 30-day and 7-day eviction notices—and what they mean for you as a renter—can help you protect your rights, act quickly, and find support during stressful times. This article explains Alabama’s eviction notice rules, key legal protections, and practical renter steps, all based on the latest laws and government guidance.

Eviction Notices in Alabama: 30-Day and 7-Day Explained

In Alabama, landlords must follow specific rules when evicting tenants. They must give renters written notice before starting the eviction process. The length of notice depends on the reason for eviction. Generally, the most common types for renters are:

• 30-Day Notice: Used to end a month-to-month lease without stating a specific reason.
• 7-Day Notice: Used for lease violations (like not paying rent or breaking a significant lease term).

The main eviction law in Alabama is the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1]. All notice periods and renter protections come from this Act.

When is Each Notice Used?

• 30-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy: If you have a month-to-month rental, your landlord can end your tenancy for any lawful reason—not because you did something wrong. You must get a written 30-day notice before your lease ends. This gives you time to move or talk to your landlord about staying longer.
• 7-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate: If you violate your lease—such as not paying rent—the landlord can give you a 7-day written notice. You usually have seven days to fix ("cure") the problem, such as paying overdue rent or stopping a lease violation.
• 7-Day Unconditional Quit Notice: For certain serious violations (like illegal activity or intentionally damaging property), the landlord can give a 7-day notice to move out without the option to fix the problem.

Official Forms for Alabama Eviction Notices

Landlords use official notice forms to start the eviction process. You should always receive any eviction notice in writing.

• 30-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy
  Form name: 30-Day Notice to Quit (no official form number)
  When used: If you rent month-to-month, you might receive this notice for reasons like the landlord selling the property or choosing not to renew your lease.
  Where to find: Review sample notice wording in Alabama Housing Finance Authority Landlord Resources.
• 7-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate
  Form name: 7-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (no official form number)
  When used: Most often for overdue rent. For example, if rent is due on the 1st and unpaid, your landlord can give this written notice as early as the 2nd.
  Where to find: Guidance on required notice is in Section 35-9A-421 of the Alabama Code.
• 7-Day Unconditional Quit Notice
  Form name: 7-Day Unconditional Quit Notice (no official form number)
  When used: Used when there are more serious breaches like criminal activity or willful destruction of property. Example: Drug activity on the premises.
  Where to find: Learn more on the Alabama Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant page.

Right after you receive a notice, read it carefully and keep a copy. The clock starts ticketing once a notice is delivered.

What Should Renters Do If They Receive an Eviction Notice?

• Read the notice for the date served, deadline, and reason.
• If it’s a 7-day notice to cure, you may have the right to fix the issue (such as paying back rent or correcting a violation) within the notice period.
• Keep written records—take photos of the notice, and save all related texts or emails.
• Contact your landlord in writing if you dispute the issue or think the notice is a mistake.
• If you can’t resolve the problem or need legal help, consider reaching out to legal aid or tenant support groups.

For unresolved cases, your landlord must file an eviction lawsuit in the district court. The official tribunal for residential tenancies is the Alabama District Court. The court may schedule a hearing, where you have the right to share your side.

Alabama Eviction Timeline at a Glance

• Notice Served: Landlord gives written notice (7 or 30 days, depending on reason)
• Remedy Period: If permitted, you can fix the issue (usually 7 days for lease violations)
• Court Filing: If not fixed or after the notice expires, landlord files for eviction in district court
• Court Hearing: Both sides may attend and present evidence

Notices are only the first step—eviction is not final until a judge’s order. You have the right to respond and appear in court.

FAQ: Alabama Eviction Notices

1. Can I avoid eviction after a 7-day notice to pay rent?
   You may stop the eviction by paying all overdue rent and fees within the 7-day period, unless you have already received such a notice within the past six months.
2. Does my landlord have to give a reason with a 30-day notice?
   For a month-to-month lease, landlords may end the tenancy without giving a reason, but cannot do so for illegal discrimination or retaliation.
3. What should I do if I believe the notice is incorrect?
   Write to your landlord right away explaining the mistake. Keep a copy for your records. You may also contact tenant support or seek free legal advice.
4. Is there an official Alabama eviction form tenants must fill out?
   There is no required tenant form to respond to eviction notices in Alabama, but you can submit a written reply to your landlord and present evidence in court if needed.
5. Can the landlord change the locks after serving a notice?
   Alabama law prohibits landlords from changing locks or removing belongings without a court order. Only a sheriff can lawfully remove a tenant after an eviction judgment.

Conclusion: What Alabama Renters Should Remember

• The type of notice you receive (7-day or 30-day) depends on your lease and the reason for eviction.
• Always keep copies of all notices and communicate promptly with your landlord.
• You have legal rights and should seek help if you don’t understand or disagree with a notice.

Staying informed helps you respond confidently and protect your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alabama District Courts – Official courts handling eviction lawsuits
• Alabama Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources – Renter rights, complaint forms, and education
• Alabama Housing Finance Authority Renter Resources – Educational materials and links to legal help
• Legal Services Alabama – Free and low-cost assistance for eligible tenants

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1. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Sections 35-9A-101 through 35-9A-604, see official Alabama Code.
2. Alabama Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Consumer Protection.
3. Alabama District Courts – Eviction Court Information.
4. Alabama Housing Finance Authority – Renter Education Resources.

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