Landlord kept your deposit? Entered without notice? Threatening eviction? Describe what happened in your own words and get a plain-English breakdown, severity rating, step-by-step next steps, and ready-to-send letters — specific to Alabama law.
Get My Alabama Action Plan — Free to StartUnder Ala. Code § 35-9A-201, landlords have 60 days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return the deposit with an itemized list of deductions; a missed deadline exposes the landlord to up to double the amount wrongfully withheld. Alabama has no statutory minimum entry-notice number — the statute requires only 'reasonable' notice, which courts and practice universally treat as 48 hours. There is no statutory rent grace period, so late fees can be assessed from the due date, though the landlord must give 7 business days' written notice to pay before filing for nonpayment. Self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs) is illegal under § 35-9A-407, which can yield up to three months' rent or actual damages plus attorney's fees.
60 days after move-out, with an itemized statement for any deductions.
Landlords must generally give 48-hour notice before entering, except in emergencies.
No. Eviction requires a court process — lockouts, belongings removal, and utility shutoffs without a court order are illegal.
Legal Services Alabama at (866) 456-4995. You can also call or text 211 for local referrals.