Birmingham, AL Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Section 7-1-10 of Birmingham's General Code adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, with local amendments, to regulate the conditions and maintenance of every rented property in the city. 1 requires every habitable space to have at least one window facing directly to the outdoors or a court, with a minimum glazed area of 8 percent of the room's floor area; an obstruction closer than 3 feet to the window that rises above the ceiling line disqualifies that window from counting toward the requirement. 3 puts the heating duty on the owner or operator of any building who rents, leases, or lets a dwelling unit: heat must be supplied from September 1 through May 31 to keep a temperature of not less than 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms, dropping only to 65°F where the monthly average outdoor temperature stays above 30°F, or where the heating system is already running at full design capacity below the local winter design temperature.

4 extends a 65°F minimum to occupiable work spaces during the same September-to-May window. The Department of Community Development enforces the Code, and its Director serves as the Property Maintenance Code Official. A tenant or owner cited for a violation can appeal under Section 111 to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals, arguing the Code's intent was misapplied, that a provision does not apply, or that the requirement is otherwise satisfied by other means.