Alabama Statewide Rule

Alabama Eviction Grounds Governed by Statewide URLTA

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alabama (2026)

Key Facts

Governing act: Ala. Code Title 35, Ch. 9A
Nonpayment notice: Seven days
Noncompliance notice: Fourteen days
Month-to-month termination: Thirty days, no cause needed
Forum: District or circuit court

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A) provides the exclusive statutory framework for residential evictions. The act sets uniform notice requirements and grounds, and Alabama courts have consistently treated landlord-tenant law as a matter of statewide concern.

This chapter applies to and is the exclusive remedy to regulate and determine rights, obligations, and remedies under a rental agreement, wherever made, for a dwelling unit located within this state. No resolution or ordinance relative to residential landlords, rental housing codes, or the rights and obligations governing residential landlord and tenant relationships shall be enacted or enforced by any county or municipality, and any such resolution or ordinance enacted both prior to or after January 1, 2007, is superseded by this chapter. Notwithstanding these provisions, a county or municipality may enact and enforce building codes, health codes, and other general laws that affect rental property provided that such codes equally affect similarly situated owner-occupied residential property.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Adopted in 2006 and codified at Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 through 35-9A-603, the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act establishes uniform notice periods, termination grounds, and unlawful detainer procedures statewide. Landlords may terminate for nonpayment with seven days' notice (§ 35-9A-421) or for material noncompliance with fourteen days' notice. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated with thirty days' notice without cause (§ 35-9A-441). Because URLTA is a comprehensive state framework, municipalities cannot impose additional just-cause requirements that conflict with the act. Eviction litigation proceeds in district or circuit court, not local administrative bodies.

Violations & Penalties

Local just-cause ordinances conflicting with URLTA are subject to challenge as preempted. Improper notice or non-URLTA termination grounds expose landlords to dismissal of unlawful detainer actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alabama require just cause to evict?

No. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with thirty days' notice for any lawful reason, and fixed-term leases end at expiration without further cause.

Can a city require additional eviction protections?

Local rules conflicting with URLTA are preempted. Cities cannot lengthen statutory notice periods or impose just-cause grounds beyond those in Title 35, Chapter 9A.

What is the notice period for nonpayment of rent?

Seven days under § 35-9A-421(b). If rent is not paid within seven days of written notice, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action.

Sources

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