General info, not legal advice. Details

Alabama Notice to enter

Last reviewed 2026-10-23

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Alabama?

At least 2 days' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times (posting a note on the main door counts), except emergencies, court orders, abandonment, or tenant-requested repairs.

Verified Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 · last checked 2026-10-23

How this works in Alabama

In Alabama you give at least 2 days' notice of your intent to enter, and you may enter only at reasonable times. Posting a note on the main door counts. No notice is needed in emergencies, under a court order, after abandonment, or for repairs the tenant asked for.

Worked example for Alabama

Say you want to show the unit on Thursday. Post a notice on the main entry door by Tuesday at the latest to give at least 2 days. If a pipe bursts on Wednesday night, that emergency doesn't need the 2 days.

Alabama timelines and limits

NoticeAt least 2 days
TimingReasonable times only
DeliveryPosting on the main door counts
No notice neededEmergencies, court orders, abandonment, tenant-requested repairs

Alabama FAQ

How much notice must an Alabama landlord give before entering?

At least 2 days' notice, under Ala. Code § 35-9A-303.

Can I post the notice on the door?

Yes. Posting a note on the main door counts.

When can I enter without notice?

Emergencies, court orders, abandonment, or repairs the tenant requested.

Sources for this section: Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 (checked 2026-10-23)

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

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

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.

Verified Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-407 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Alabama lockouts and utility shutoffs page

Retaliation protections

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.

Verified Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-501 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Alabama retaliation protections page

Repairs and habitability remedies

For material noncompliance with the lease, or noncompliance with § 35-9A-204 materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may give written notice that the lease ends on a date at least 14 days after receipt unless the breach is remedied first. The tenant may also recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, and on termination the landlord must return recoverable security and unearned prepaid rent.

Verified Source: Ala. Code § 35-9A-401 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Alabama repairs and habitability remedies page

Rental inspections

No state statute requiring rental inspections was found in the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603), reviewed by full-text search (all 48 sections).

Verified Source: Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603; see Ala. Code § 35-9A-121 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Alabama rental inspections page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Alabama landlord-tenant law · Alabama landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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