Auburn, AL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- IPMC § 602.3, Auburn amendment (§ 5-174)
- Heat season
- September 1 through May 1
- Minimum temperature
- 68°F, or 65°F in warmer months
- Screen standard
- 16 mesh per inch, § 304.14
- Weed limit
- Growth over 12 inches prohibited
- Enforcement
- Inspection Services Dept.; misdemeanor § 5-5/§ 1-9
Summary
Auburn's rental habitability rules require every landlord to supply heat from September 1 through May 1, keeping habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, under the city's amendment to Property Maintenance Code Section 602.3. Landlords must also keep window and door screens intact and control weeds under 12 inches on the same property.
Section 602.3 Heat Supply is amended as follows: Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from September 1st to May 1st to maintain a temperature of not less than 68 Degrees F (20 Degrees C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Exceptions: 1.When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that the heating system is operating at full design capacity. The winter outdoor design temperature for the locality shall be as indicated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code.2.In areas where the average monthly temperature is above 30 Degrees F (-1 Degree C) a minimum temperature of 65 Degrees F (18 Degree C) shall be maintained.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 90).
Full Breakdown
3, Heat Supply, puts the heating duty squarely on the landlord: any owner or operator who rents, leases or lets a dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom, expressly or by implication, must supply heat from September 1 through May 1 to keep every habitable room, bathroom and toilet room at not less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Two exceptions temper that duty: when the outdoor temperature drops below the winter design temperature for the area (per the International Plumbing Code's Appendix D), the landlord is not in violation as long as the heating system is running at full design capacity, and in months when the average temperature is above 30 degrees Fahrenheit, a lower minimum of 65 degrees is acceptable instead of 68.
2 sets a baseline electrical service of 100 amps for dwelling units. The Inspection Services Department enforces these standards on landlord complaints and routine rental inspections.
Violations & Fines
A landlord who fails to supply the required heat, maintain screens, or control weeds above 12 inches violates the adopted Property Maintenance Code under Auburn Code § 5-5, a misdemeanor under § 1-9 punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail, with each day of the violation treated as a separate offense until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must my Auburn landlord keep my apartment at in winter?
Does my landlord have to fix broken window screens?
Who do I contact if my rental isn't being maintained?
Sources & Official References
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