Alabama requires a written notice stating the rent and any late fees owed. The rental agreement terminates on a date not less than seven business days after the tenant receives the notice, if that amount is not paid.
Worked example for Alabama
Example: Rent is unpaid when due, and the tenant receives your written notice on May 6, 2026. The notice states the rent and any late fees owed. If that amount is not paid, the rental agreement terminates on a date not less than seven business days after the tenant received the notice.
Alabama timelines and limits
Notice contents
Written notice specifying the rent and any late fees owed to remedy the breach
Deadline to pay
A date not less than seven business days after the tenant receives the notice
Alabama FAQ
How much notice does an Alabama landlord have to give for nonpayment?
The rental agreement terminates on a date not less than seven business days after the tenant receives the written notice, if the rent and late fees stated in the notice are not paid, under Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b).
What must the notice say?
It must specify the amount of rent and any late fees owed to remedy the breach.
This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.
Related Alabama rules
Eviction court process & timeline
Evictions are filed in district or circuit court in the county where the property is located and get scheduling priority over other civil cases. If personal service fails, the notice can be posted on the door and mailed. Either party may appeal a district court judgment to circuit court within 7 days, and the appeal is set for trial within 60 days. A tenant who appeals must pay rent into court to stay the writ. After judgment, the writ of possession is automatically stayed for 7 days.
Eviction cases are filed in district court and pay the civil filing fee set by the amount claimed: $35 on the small claims docket for $1,500 or less, $109 for over $1,500 up to $3,000, and $198 for over $3,000 up to $20,000, plus $50 per additional plaintiff (Ala. Code § 12-19-71(a)(1)-(3), (11)). Local acts may add fees.
Unlawful removal or exclusion, or willful interruption of heat, water, hot water, electricity, gas or other essential services, lets the tenant recover possession or terminate, plus up to 3 months' rent or actual damages (whichever is greater) and attorney's fees.
Yes. A landlord may not discriminatorily raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a code agency or to the landlord about maintenance violations, or joined a tenants' union. Retaliation is a defense to eviction.
If a tenant stays after the lease ends or is terminated without the landlord's consent, the landlord may sue for possession. If the holdover is willful and not in good faith, the landlord may also recover up to 3 months' periodic rent or actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Not allowed. A tenant may not withhold rent from the landlord while in possession to enforce any right under the landlord-tenant act. Alabama has no rent-escrow procedure in the act.
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