If a landlord in Alabama wants to evict a tenant, the landlord generally must follow a legal process rather than simply changing the locks or forcing the tenant out. The first step is usually a written notice that gives the tenant the time required by Alabama law to pay, correct a problem, or otherwise respond. [1] For other Alabama legal topics, visit our Alabama state laws hub.
For unpaid rent, Alabama law generally requires a written notice giving the tenant at least seven business days after receiving the notice to remedy the nonpayment before the lease terminates under the notice. Most curable material lease violations also use a seven-business-day notice period. [1]
Last reviewed: September 2026
What Are the Main Alabama Eviction Notice Periods?
Alabama’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets different rules depending on why the landlord is terminating the rental agreement.
| Situation | General rule |
|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | Written notice giving at least 7 business days after receipt to remedy the nonpayment. |
| Most curable material lease violations | Written notice giving at least 7 business days after receipt to remedy the breach. |
| Certain non-curable defaults | The statute permits termination on a 7-day notice in specified circumstances. |
| Periodic tenancy termination | Different notice rules can apply under Ala. Code § 35-9A-441. |
The exact statutory language matters. In particular, the seven-business-day rule for unpaid rent and many curable violations is different from older Alabama eviction articles that may still describe a 14-day period. The Legislature changed the statute in 2018. [1][3]
How Does an Eviction for Unpaid Rent Work?
When rent is unpaid when due, Alabama law allows the landlord to deliver a written notice stating the amount of rent and late fees owed and explaining that the rental agreement will terminate on a date not less than seven business days after the tenant receives the notice. [1]
If the tenant remedies the nonpayment within that period, the rental agreement does not terminate on that notice. If the tenant does not remedy the breach, the landlord can move forward with the remedies allowed by law. [1]
What Should a Tenant Check?
- Is the amount claimed actually correct?
- Were the rent and any late fees calculated according to the lease and applicable law?
- When did you actually receive the notice?
- Does the notice clearly identify the amount needed to remedy the nonpayment?
- Do you have proof of payments, bank records, receipts, or messages?
What If the Tenant Violates the Lease?
For a material noncompliance with the rental agreement, certain intentional misrepresentations, or a tenant violation materially affecting health and safety, Alabama law generally allows a written termination notice providing at least seven business days after receipt to remedy a curable breach. [1]
If the tenant adequately remedies a curable breach before the termination date specified in the notice, the rental agreement does not terminate on that notice. [1]
Are All Lease Violations Curable?
No. Alabama law identifies certain conduct as non-curable defaults. Examples listed in § 35-9A-421 include specified illegal drug activity, certain illegal firearm conduct, criminal assault of another tenant or guest, and a substantially similar breach occurring within six months after a previous breach was cured. [1]
The statute also limits how often a tenant may cure breaches: generally, a tenant may not cure a breach more than two times in a 12-month period without the landlord’s express written consent. [1]
Can a Landlord Change the Locks Instead of Evicting a Tenant?
A landlord should not treat an eviction notice as permission to bypass the court process. Alabama provides a judicial process for recovering possession when a tenant does not leave voluntarily.
In other words, receiving an eviction notice and being physically removed from the property are not the same thing. A landlord generally must use the lawful court process to obtain possession when the tenant remains in the property and does not voluntarily surrender it. [2]
What Happens After the Notice Period Ends?
If the tenant does not remedy the problem or leave when required, the landlord may proceed with the court process available under Alabama law. The case can involve an unlawful-detainer action and service of court papers.
Alabama’s judicial system provides official court rules and self-help resources, while the landlord-tenant statute establishes the substantive eviction requirements. [2][4]
Do Not Ignore Court Papers
If you receive a summons, complaint, or other court document, read it carefully and note every deadline. Missing a court deadline can affect your ability to present your side of the case.
Keep the lease, payment records, notices, photographs, repair requests, text messages, emails, and any other documents related to the dispute.
Can a Tenant Fight an Alabama Eviction?
A tenant may have defenses or claims depending on the reason for the eviction and whether the landlord followed the applicable requirements.
For example, the tenant may dispute the amount of rent claimed, show that a curable violation was remedied within the required period, challenge whether the notice complied with the statute, or present evidence concerning the landlord’s own legal obligations.
The appropriate defense depends heavily on the facts. A tenant facing an active court case should consider obtaining qualified legal assistance rather than relying only on a general online explanation.
What Evidence Should You Keep?
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lease and addenda | Shows the agreed rental terms. |
| Rent receipts and bank records | Can help establish what was paid and when. |
| Eviction notice | Shows the stated reason, amount, and deadline. |
| Emails and text messages | Can document agreements, payments, repairs, and communications. |
| Photos and videos | May help document the property’s condition. |
| Court documents | Contain deadlines and the claims being made in the case. |
Step-by-Step: What Should a Tenant Do After Receiving an Eviction Notice?
- Read the entire notice. Identify the stated reason, amount owed if applicable, and deadline.
- Check the date you received it. The statutory notice period can depend on receipt of the notice.
- Compare the claim with your records. Check your lease, payment history, and communications.
- Fix a curable problem if possible. If the notice concerns unpaid rent or a curable lease violation, act promptly within the statutory period.
- Document what you do. Keep proof of payment, repairs, communications, or other corrective action.
- Do not ignore court papers. If a lawsuit is filed, follow the court’s instructions and deadlines.
- Seek help when needed. A qualified Alabama attorney or legal-aid organization can evaluate the specific facts.
What If the Landlord and Tenant Agree to Move Out?
Sometimes the parties agree on a move-out date instead of continuing the dispute. If you reach an agreement, put the important terms in writing.
The agreement should clearly state the move-out date, possession and key-return arrangements, any agreed payment, treatment of the security deposit, and whether the parties are releasing particular claims.
Common Alabama Eviction Questions
If the dispute involves repairs or habitability, see our guide to Alabama landlord repair rights.
How many days’ notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in Alabama?
For unpaid rent, Alabama Code § 35-9A-421 generally requires written notice giving the tenant at least seven business days after receipt to remedy the nonpayment before the rental agreement terminates under the notice. [1]
Can an Alabama landlord evict a tenant without going to court?
A landlord should not bypass the lawful judicial process when a tenant remains in possession and does not voluntarily leave. Alabama provides a court process for recovering possession. [2]
Can a tenant stop an eviction by paying the rent?
For an unpaid-rent notice under § 35-9A-421(b), paying the amount required to remedy the nonpayment within the applicable seven-business-day period prevents the rental agreement from terminating on that notice. [1]
How many times can a tenant cure a lease violation?
Alabama law generally does not allow a tenant to cure a breach more than two times in a 12-month period without the landlord’s express written consent. Certain specified defaults are non-curable. [1]
What if the eviction notice is wrong?
Do not ignore it. Preserve the notice and your supporting records, and consider obtaining legal assistance promptly. Whether a notice is legally sufficient depends on the reason for termination, the lease, the statutory requirements, and the facts.
Where can I find official Alabama court information?
The Alabama Judicial System provides official court rules, court information, and self-help resources. [2][4]
Key Takeaways
- Alabama generally requires written notice before a landlord can terminate a rental agreement for nonpayment or many lease violations.
- The general notice period for unpaid rent and many curable violations is seven business days after receipt. [1]
- Some specified violations are non-curable and have different consequences. [1]
- A tenant should keep the lease, payment records, notices, and communications.
- An eviction notice is not the same thing as a court order removing a tenant.
- If a court case has been filed, do not ignore the summons or deadlines.
Official Alabama Sources
- Alabama Legislature — official source for the Code of Alabama and legislative materials.
- Act 2018-473 / HB421 — legislation amending Alabama’s eviction notice rules.
- Alabama Judicial System — official court system and court resources.
- Alabama Rules for Civil Procedure — official court rules and procedural resources.