Montgomery, AL Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited conduct includes
- Loud music, boisterous gatherings, brawling
- Requires
- At least one written warning first
- Warning window
- Summons only if warned within 30 days
- Owner defense
- Eviction filed within 30 days of notice
- Penalty
- Fine $1.00-$500.00, jail, or hard labor
Summary
Montgomery treats a rental property as a 'disruptive residential rental property' and a public nuisance when loud music, boisterous gatherings, or other conduct that disturbs the neighborhood happens there. Sec. 18-286 lets code enforcement, police, or fire officials issue a written warning before seeking a municipal court summons against the owner or tenant.
Prohibited conduct means situations created, originating, or conducted within a building or within the boundaries of the property on which a building is located by the owner, owners employees, owners representatives, occupants, tenants, or customers thereof, or the visitors to any such owner, occupant tenant, or customer, which would unreasonably disturb the community, the neighborhood, or an ordinary individual of normal sensitivities at or beyond the property line, including but not limited to: (1)Loud music and/or excessive, loud, or unnecessary noises audible beyond the property line;(2)Boisterous gatherings;(3)Altercations occurring on the property, such as fighting, disruptive conduct, brawling, or other similar activities which may include any alleged violation of the criminal code of the state or this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18, division 4, targets leased or rented homes where 'prohibited conduct' occurs, and Sec. 18-286 defines that conduct to include, among other things, loud music and/or excessive, loud, or unnecessary noises audible beyond the property line, boisterous gatherings, and altercations such as fighting or brawling on the property. The definition also reaches any conduct so loud, untimely as to the hour of the day, offensive, riotous, or that otherwise disturbs other persons of reasonable sensibility in their peaceful enjoyment of their premises such that a report is made to the police.
An 'enforcement officer,' who can be a code inspector, police officer, fire marshal, or fire inspector, must have probable cause before acting. Sec. 18-287 requires at least one written warning to the owner and occupants before a summons can be sought, and a magistrate cannot issue that summons unless the warning was given within the prior 30 days. Sec. 18-288 lets the city serve notice by summons or certified mail, and if neither reaches the parties, the mayor can appoint a curator to file a lien or suit against the property.
Sec. 18-290 gives the owner a defense if eviction proceedings begin within 30 days of the notice, and gives a tenant a defense if the responsible individuals no longer live at the property. Sec. 18-289 punishes a violation under the Code's general penalty, section 1-6.
Violations & Fines
A disruptive residential rental property violation under Sec. 18-289 is punished under section 1-6's general penalty: a fine of $1.00 to $500.00, up to six months in city jail, or hard labor, imposed after the required written warning under Sec. 18-287 and a municipal court hearing. An owner who starts eviction within 30 days has a defense under Sec. 18-290.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Montgomery cite a landlord for a tenant's loud party?
Does the city have to warn a property before citing it for a loud party?
Can a landlord avoid a fine by evicting a disruptive tenant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery
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