Summary (Ala. Code §§ 35-9A): Many states, including Alabama, have adopted these generic laws in regards to the landlord-tenant relationship but have adopted them to be more specific in the following areas:

• Maintenance of the property – Landlord & Tenant are both required to uphold their responsibility to maintain a clean and safe property and follow local housing codes.
• Security Deposits – Requires the landlord to return the security deposit after 60 days from the tenant vacating the property.
• Form 401 – This form is a request for Medical Utilization Redetermination First Appeal form for Alabama Medicaid

Summary (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201): Landlords in Alabama may charge any amount for a security deposit but whatever the amount, it must be returned (minus any deductions for damage) to the tenant after vacating when the lease ends.

• 60 Days – Amount of time landlord has to return deposit.
• Deductions for damages must be written on an itemized list and given to the tenant as proof.
• Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from security deposit.
• Tenant may sue up to double the security deposit amount if landlord holds for more than 60 days.

Summary (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441): Both landlords and tenants have special rights to cancel a lease if there is warrant to do so, with the landlord having more powers than the tenant.

• Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
  • 7-day notice to to pay or be evicted.
  • 14-day notice to fix a violation or be evicted.
• Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
  • With proof of domestic violence, a tenant can terminate the lease early.
  • Provide 30-days notice to terminate if the lease is month-to-month.

Summary (Ala. Code § 35-9A-303): Landlords must provide 2-days notice to the tenant before entering the property unless for emergencies. Tenants may not deny the landlord access unreasonably.

Summary (Ala. Code § 35-9A-161): Alabama does not specify when due dates should be implicated, that is up for the landlord and tenant to agree upon. If no grace periods exist in the agreement, the landlord may charge a late fee immediately 1 day after rent is late.

Summary (Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-421 to 35-9A-461): After a lease termination is sent and the tenant does not remedy the fault (late payment or violation) the landlord must go through their local court to formalize an eviction before a tenant can be removed.

Summary (Ala. Code § 35-9A-204): The landlord is required to make repairs (upon written notice from the tenant) and maintain an habitable living environment, failure to do so allows the tenant to the following:

• Terminate lease or seek damages if repairs aren’t made 14 days after delivering written notice.

Tenants who decide to fix repairs with their own money are not legally entitled to deduct the cost from their rent payment.

Summary:

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & EPA Brochure (§ 35-9A-201(a)) – This disclosure form and EPA brochure are required for all properties built before 1978.
2. Owner/Manager/Landlord Identification and Mailing Address (42 U.S. Code § 4852d) – The agreement must include this individuals full legal name and mailing address for tenant notices.