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.

Alabama Just Cause Eviction Law: Statewide Rental Property Rules Rules (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

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.

Alabama Eviction Grounds Governed by Statewide URLTA

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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