Alabama Bans Local Rent Control

Alabama is a strong rent-control-preemption state. Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1(b) provides that a "local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance, resolution, or rule that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private property." Subsection (a) defines a local governmental unit broadly to include any political subdivision, including a county, city, town, or municipality. The only carve-out preserves a local government's right to manage property in which it holds a property interest (for example, public housing it owns). Because the state legislature occupies this field, no Alabama municipality may impose rent control or a rent-increase cap on private landlords, and the state itself sets no statewide ceiling on rent or rent increases.

Any local rent control ordinance, resolution, or rule is void and unenforceable as preempted by Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1. A landlord or affected party could challenge such a measure in court, where it would be struck down; the state imposes no penalty mechanism because localities simply lack the authority to enact one.