Step-by-step eviction timeline, notice requirements, and court process for Alabama landlords. Updated April 2026.
| Ground | Notice Required | Curable? | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment of Rent | 7 days | Yes | Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(a) |
| Lease Violation (Health/Safety) | 7 days | No | Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b) |
| Lease Violation (Other) | 14 days | Yes | Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b) |
| Holdover Tenant | 30 days | No | Ala. Code § 35-9A-441 |
| Repeat Violation (within 6 months) | 7 days | No | Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(a) |
Deliver a written notice to the tenant specifying the grounds for eviction. For nonpayment, the tenant has 7 days to pay all rent due. For lease violations, the tenant typically has 14 days to cure the breach. The notice must be delivered in person, by mail, or by posting on the premises if the tenant is absent.
If the tenant does not cure the violation or vacate within the notice period, file an unlawful detainer complaint with the district court in the county where the property is located. The complaint must include the grounds for eviction, a copy of the notice served, and the lease agreement if applicable.
The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 7 to 14 days of filing. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence. The tenant may raise defenses such as improper notice, retaliation, or uninhabitable conditions. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession.
After a judgment in the landlord's favor, the court issues a writ of restitution directing the sheriff to remove the tenant. The tenant typically has a brief period to vacate voluntarily before the writ is enforced. The tenant may appeal within 7 days, which can delay the process.
If the tenant does not vacate after the writ is issued, the sheriff will physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the premises. The landlord must not attempt self-help eviction at any point in the process. Once the sheriff completes the removal, the landlord may change the locks and re-enter the property.
| Filing Fee | $100-$300 |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | $25-$75 |
| Attorney | $500-$1,500 |
Property managers in Alabama can handle the notice process, file the unlawful detainer action, and attend court hearings on behalf of the property owner, though some courts require the property owner or an attorney to appear for the hearing. A property manager should document all lease violations, maintain communication records, and ensure the notice complies with statutory requirements. Many Alabama property managers include eviction coordination in their management fee, while others charge a separate eviction fee ranging from $200 to $500 for managing the process.
No. Alabama law prohibits self-help evictions under Ala. Code § 35-9A-427. A landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities, remove doors or windows, or physically remove a tenant's belongings. All evictions must go through the court system via an unlawful detainer action.
The fastest possible timeline is approximately 14 to 21 days: 7 days for the notice period, 1-2 days to file, and 7-14 days for a court hearing and judgment. Contested cases or appeals can extend the timeline to 30-60 days or more.
Yes, for the first nonpayment notice. The tenant can cure the default by paying all rent due within the 7-day notice period. However, if the tenant defaults again within six months, the landlord may serve a 7-day unconditional notice that cannot be cured by late payment.
Common defenses include improper notice (wrong format or insufficient time), retaliatory eviction, the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions, acceptance of rent after the notice period, and discrimination. The tenant bears the burden of proving these defenses.
Knox-powered portfolio management keeps your leases, documents, and financials organized in one place.