how to evict someone in alabama without using an attorney

by Michale Olson 7 min read

No matter where you live in Alabama, you must send the person a clear written notice if they are to live. Fill out the forms to process their eviction. Provide assistance to the tenant.

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How long does the eviction process take in Alabama?

Dec 22, 2021 · Alabama eviction laws vary from county to county, but they still follow the same general eviction process: Send a clear written notice; Fill out the forms; Serve the tenant; Attend the trial; Wait for judgement; Every eviction process is different and dependent on the lease/rental agreement signed by the tenant and the landlord.

How to bond someone out of jail in Alabama?

Oct 18, 2021 · Alabama landlords must have legal cause to evict a tenant, if the landlord does not have cause, the landlord must wait until the lease has ended. Below are the individual steps of the eviction process in Alabama. Step 1: Notice is Posted. Landlords in Alabama can begin the eviction process for several reasons, including:

How to evict someone in 5 steps?

No matter where you live in Alabama, you must send the person a clear written notice if they are to live. Fill out the forms to process their eviction. Provide assistance to the tenant. You have to find out where the rental property is located by visiting a justice court. Call or write to complain. You will need to pay the fees. Table of contents

Is it legal to cut someones pay in Alabama?

How do I evict someone in Alabama? Steps of the eviction process in Alabama: Notice is posted to correct the issue/vacate. If uncured and tenant remains, complaint is filed and served. Answer is filed. Hearing is held and judgment issued. If granted, writ of execution is posted. Possession of property is returned to landlord.

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Can a landlord evict you without a court order in Alabama?

In Alabama, landlords cannot evict a tenant or force them to vacate the property without probable cause. ... But if they stay in the property even a day after their lease/rental agreement ends and have not arranged for a renewal, landlords can issue a written notice to move.Dec 22, 2021

Can I kick someone out of my house in Alabama?

Introduction. Alabama landlords must have legal cause to evict a tenant, if the landlord does not have cause, the landlord must wait until the lease has ended.Oct 18, 2021

Can I be evicted without a court order?

In most cases your landlord still has to get a court order before they can evict you and they can't apply for a court order until the notice period has run out. The court order is called a 'possession order'.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Alabama?

Each county in Alabama determines its own filing fees. These can range from $240 up to $302 or more. In addition, each county charges fees for having the sheriff serve the complaint on the tenant, ranging from $5 to $50.

How do I evict a family member in Alabama?

If you want a family member to leave your home, you must follow an eviction process similar to the one for a formal tenant.Gather documents relating to your home and the person you wish to evict. ... Give written notice to the family member, informing him or her that you wish them to leave. ... Wait out the notice period.More items...•Feb 5, 2022

Is there a squatters law in Alabama?

Alabama has no specific laws recognizing squatters but under "adverse possession" laws someone can gain ownership of a property if they pay the taxes on it for ten years. Bottom line, if you've got vacant property, you need to make sure someone is keeping an eye on it.Mar 22, 2013

Can you evict a lodger immediately?

Your lodger can end the tenancy by giving you notice. They cannot do this during the fixed term of the tenancy, unless there's a break clause. The amount of notice they need to give depends on the tenancy agreement, if there is one. ... You and your tenant can end a tenancy at any time if you both agree.

What rights do I have without a tenancy agreement?

A tenant without a written contract is still entitled to all the statutory rights a regular tenant with a contract is, including water, heating, a safe environment etc. In a similar vein, the tenant is still obligated to pay rent on time and take reasonable care of the property.

Can a landlord just kick you out?

The notice period given by your landlord can not be shorter than the one provided in the lease agreement. It normally ranges from 20 to 30 days. ... You may need to engage your landlord if the notice to vacate is lawful. The landlord cannot evict you for no reason - merely because they want you out.Oct 2, 2020

What is the law on eviction in Alabama?

In Alabama, the landlord is required to give a seven-day notice in all of these situations. ... The notice must inform the tenant that rent must be paid or the tenant must move out within seven days, or the landlord will terminate the lease or rental agreement and file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant.

How do I file an eviction notice in Alabama?

Eviction notices in Alabama must include the legal reason for the eviction, the dollar amount of overdue rent (if applicable), and the number of days the tenant has to cure the problem or leave. An eviction notice must also be legally served to the tenant.

How long does an eviction take?

It can take between six weeks and 18 months to obtain an eviction order, depending on whether the eviction is unopposed or opposed. Rental insurance products commonly include cover for legal fees.Aug 24, 2016

Can I force a tenant to move out in Alabama?

No. A landlord could be sued for forceful eviction of a tenant if they skip the proper eviction processes.In the state of Alabama, tenants can sue...

Which eviction methods are illegal in Alabama?

Self-help eviction is illegal. Examples of such acts include (but are not limited to):Cutting off the tenant's electric, water, and/or heat supplyC...

What are the penalties for a self-help eviction in Alabama?

According to Alabama Civil Code, you may be liable for Tenant’s Court Costs & Attorneys’ Fees. The statute also gives the tenant the right to stay....

What other laws should I be aware of in Alabama?

Landlords should be aware of the changes made to the Eviction Policies in the state of Alabama. Especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. I...

Can a landlord evict you immediately in Alabama?

Can a landlord evict you immediately in Alabama? No, a landlord cannot evict you immediately in Alabama. Even if you (or a roommate) failed to pay...

Can you evict a tenant without a lease in Alabama?

Can you evict a tenant without a lease in Alabama? Yes, a landlord can evict a tenant without a lease in Alabama, but you may still be required to...

How much does it cost to evict someone in Alabama?

How much does it cost to evict someone in Alabama? Each county in Alabama determines its own filing fees. These can range from $240 up to $302 or m...

Can you kick someone out of your house in Alabama?

Can you kick someone out of your house in Alabama? You may be able to kick someone out of your house in Alabama if there’s no landlord/tenant relat...

Can a landlord evict someone for no reason in Alabama?

Can a landlord evict someone for no reason in Alabama? Yes, a landlord can evict someone for no reason in Alabama if their lease has expired. In th...

What is the eviction code in Alabama?

For additional questions about the eviction process in Alabama, please refer to the official state legislation, AL Code §§ 35-9A-421 through 461 and §§ 6-6-310 through 353, for more information.

How long does it take to get evicted in Alabama?

In these instances, the landlord is required to provide the tenant with a 7-Day Notice to Comply , giving the tenant 7 business days to correct the issue.

How much does it cost to evict a landlord in Alabama?

As the next step in the eviction process, Alabama landlords must file a complaint in the appropriate court. In Mobile County, this costs $256 in filing fees, though other counties may vary.

Do you have to give notice to a tenant in Alabama?

In the state of Alabama, if tenants “hold over,” or stay in the rental unit after the rental term has expired, then the landlord must give tenants written notice before evicting them. The amount of time required in the notice depends on the type of tenancy.

Can a tenant be evicted in Alabama?

A tenant can be evicted in Alabama if they violate a health, building, safety, or housing code. In these instances, the landlord is required to provide the tenant with a 7-Day Notice to Comply , giving the tenant 7 business days#N#(a) Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a…noncompliance with Section 35-9A-301 materially affecting health and safety, the landlord may deliver a written notice to terminate the lease to the tenant specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than seven business days after receipt of the notice…#N#AL Code §35-9A-421 (2019)#N#to correct the issue.

What is illegal drug activity?

Illegal drug activity includes: the manufacture, cultivation, importation, transportation, possession, furnishing, administering, or use of illegal drugs. Tenants involved in illegal activity don’t have the option to stay in the rental unit, even if they correct the violation.

How long do you have to give a tenant a notice to quit?

Tenants of a rental unit who are involved in illegal drug activity, criminal assault, or illegal firearm activity must be given a 7-Day Notice to Quit before the landlord can proceed with an eviction action.

How long do you have to respond to an eviction notice?

If they are being evicted for any other reason, they will have only seven days to respond. If they ignore you completely and don’t respond at all, the judge will probably rule in your favor.

Can you evict someone in Alabama?

You cannot evict someone for violating terms that have been added to the lease without written agreement. You also cannot evict anyone as a form of retaliation.

When does a landlord have to give notice to evict a tenant?

When a landlord does not have legal cause to evict a tenant, the landlord must wait until the lease or rental agreement has expired before expecting the tenant to move. The landlord might still need to give the tenant written notice to move in some cases.

How can a landlord remove a tenant from a rental unit?

The only way a landlord can remove a tenant from a rental unit is by winning an eviction lawsuit against the tenant. Even then, the landlord must not actually evict the tenant. That can only be done by a law enforcement officer with a court order. It is illegal for the landlord to force the tenant to move out of the rental unit, ...

How long do you have to give a tenant a quit notice?

Seven-day unconditional quit notice: In some cases, the landlord does not need to give the tenant an opportunity to fix a violation or bad behavior. In those cases, the landlord can give the tenant a seven-day notice informing the tenant that because of the tenant's behavior, the landlord is terminating the lease, and the tenant has seven days to move out. If the tenant does not move out, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant. This type of notice can be given to the tenant in the following situations:#N#the tenant intentionally misrepresented facts in the rental agreement or application#N#the tenant possessed or used illegal drugs on the premises of the rental unit#N#the tenant discharged a firearm on the premises of the rental unit (with some exceptions, such as self-defense), or#N#the tenant criminally assaulted another tenant or guest on the premises of the rental unit (with some exceptions, such as self-defense) 1 the tenant intentionally misrepresented facts in the rental agreement or application 2 the tenant possessed or used illegal drugs on the premises of the rental unit 3 the tenant discharged a firearm on the premises of the rental unit (with some exceptions, such as self-defense), or 4 the tenant criminally assaulted another tenant or guest on the premises of the rental unit (with some exceptions, such as self-defense)

What happens if a tenant doesn't move out?

If the tenant does not move out, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant. This type of notice can be given to the tenant in the following situations: the tenant intentionally misrepresented facts in the rental agreement or application. the tenant possessed or used illegal drugs on the premises of the rental unit.

How long do you have to give notice to pay rent?

However, the tenant's options will vary depending on the reason they are receiving the notice. Seven-day notice to pay rent: If the tenant fails to pay rent when it is due, the landlord can give the tenant a seven-day notice to pay rent.

Can a landlord evict a tenant in Alabama?

A landlord who is attempting to evict a tenant in Alabama must carefully follow all state rules and procedures governing the eviction process; otherwise, the eviction might not be valid. This article will explain the basics of Alabama eviction law.

How long does a landlord have to give notice to a tenant?

Seven-day notice to remedy: If the tenant violates the lease or rental agreement, the landlord can give the tenant a seven-day notice to remedy. This notice must inform the tenant that the tenant has seven days to remedy the violation or move out. If the tenant does neither, the landlord will file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant.

Alabama Eviction Notice Types

A legal eviction in Alabama can only be made for a number of acceptable reasons. This means that landlords must provide a valid basis along with the correct amount of days’ notice in order to comply with the legal eviction process within the state.

Alabama Eviction Laws

Your Alabama eviction notice must follow the state’s rental property laws, in order to be valid. There are a number of important requirements that are obligatory when proceeding with the eviction of a rental tenant.

Alabama Eviction Process

The Alabama eviction process must be followed precisely to ensure that the tenant is legally removed from the property. Therefore the landlord must take the correct steps and follow the right procedures, as detailed by AL state law. To correctly complete an eviction in Alabama, the landlord must do the following:

FAQs About Alabama Eviction Notices

Before starting your eviction notice for real, it is sensible to understand the ins and outs of these important legal documents. Read more about Alabama’s eviction notices in our FAQs below and learn how to use these forms effectively.

What is an Alabama eviction notice?

The other Alabama eviction notice is a 7-Day Notice for nonpayment of rent only. It is also called a 7-Day Cure Notice. If all rent due and owing, even from past months, is not paid within the 7 days, the landlord may then file a court action. The landlord should not accept a partial payment of rent during this time. Accepting a partial payment will likely invalidate the notice. This means the tenant can remain in the unit at least until the following rental period has expired and the rent has not been paid or some other reason arises for eviction.

What is self eviction?

In some cases, an unruly tenant who is causing major problems for the landlord or one who is consistently late on the rent have led landlords to take unilateral action to remove the tenant.

How long does a lease last in Alabama?

For example, if the lease is month-to-month, the Alabama eviction notice is 30-days.

How long does a tenant have to respond to a complaint?

If the complaint is for possession only and the reason is for material noncompliance with rental provision or conduct detrimental to the health and safety of others, the tenant has 7 days to respond. Should the complaint be for nonpayment of rent, the time to respond is 14- days. Failure to respond or object to the complaint will place ...

Who must prove that the notice was properly given?

A hearing on the unlawful detainer is held before a judge only. Both sides may present evidence and witnesses. It is the landlord who must prove that the notice was properly given. The landlord must also prove that the tenant breached the rental agreement. Common breaches are nonpayment of rent, some material noncompliance with the written lease, or by conduct or omission that materially affected the health and safety of others.

What is material noncompliance?

Material noncompliance may mean having unauthorized persons living on the premises, unauthorized pets, or failing to maintain the unit in a clean and safe manner. Substantially damaging the property is material noncompliance as is possessing, selling, or manufacturing controlled substances in the unit.

Can a landlord evict someone?

A landlord cannot evict someone for making complaints about the unit to him or her or to some other agency, or for joining a tenant’ rights union or similar organization. State and federal laws prohibit landlords from eviction or refusing to rent to someone based on a state or federally recognized protected class.

How long do you have to give notice to a tenant to vacate?

Serve your tenant with a notice to vacate that states when and why he must vacate; most places require filing a three- to 30-day notice that the tenancy has ended. Be specific, and state what he must do to reinstate his lease (if anything), and by what deadline.

Who is Lisa Kaplan Gordon?

Evicting a tenant eviction landlord renting. Lisa Kaplan Gordon is an award-winning writer who's covered real estate and home improvement for realtor.com, Yahoo, AOL, and many others. Follow @kaplan_lisa.

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Notice For Termination with Cause

  • Generally, the landlord's first step in the eviction processis to terminate the lease or rental agreement. This can only be done when the landlord has legal cause to evict the tenant. Alabama state law has defined legal cause as failure to pay rent, violation of the lease or rental agreement (including lying in the application process), and engagement in certain illegal activity. To termina…
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Notice For Termination Without Cause

  • When a landlord does not have legal cause to evict a tenant, the landlord must wait until the lease or rental agreement has expired before expecting the tenant to move. The landlord might still need to give the tenant written notice to move in some cases.
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Tenant Eviction Defenses

  • Even when a landlord has a valid legal cause to evict a tenant, the tenant might still decide to fight the eviction. The tenant could also have a valid legal defense to the eviction, such as the landlord evicting the tenant in retaliation or the landlord discriminating against the tenant. If the tenant decides to fight the eviction, this could increase the costs of the lawsuit and give the tenant mor…
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Removal of The Tenant

  • The only way a landlord can remove a tenant from a rental unit is by winning an eviction lawsuit against the tenant. Even then, the landlord must not actually evict the tenant. That can only be done by a law enforcement officer with a court order. It is illegal for the landlord to force the tenant to move out of the rental unit, and the tenant can sue the landlord for an illegal eviction. I…
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Rationale For The Rules

  • Landlords must carefully follow all the rules and procedures required by Alabama law when evicting a tenant; otherwise, the eviction might not be valid. Although these rules and procedures can seem burdensome to the landlord, they are there for a reason. Evictions often occur very quickly, and the end result is serious: the tenant has lost a place to live. The rules help ensure th…
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