Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act of Alabama
The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets out the rules, rights, obligations and terms and conditions relating to relationships between residential landlords and tenants. In accordance with the act, landlords are responsible for the health and safety of dwelling units and maintenance of the dwelling units and premises, as well as ensuring that rental agreements do not violate tenant rights.
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Purpose of the Act
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The purpose of the act is to clarify, standardize and modernize the rules governing the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. It also is to support landlords and tenants in preserving and improving housing quality.
Rental Agreement Terms and Conditions
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The terms and conditions included in a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant can include the amount of rental payment, term of the lease and other conditions not prohibited by the act or other laws. Unless otherwise agreed upon, rent payment is based on the fair market rental value of the dwelling unit, shall be paid at the beginning of the rental term in equal installments on a monthly basis and the term of the lease shall be on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis.
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Prohibited Rental Agreements Inclusions
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Rental agreements between a landlord and a tenant must not include terms and conditions that violate or void the tenant rights set out in the act or have tenants agree to pay or accept responsibility for landlord rental claim judgments, liabilities or legal fees. If a landlord knowingly provides a tenant with a rental agreement that voids or violates the tenants rights, the tenant has the right to take legal action to recover up to three months of rental costs, damages and any associated legal fees.
Security Deposits
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In accordance with the act, a landlord can request no more than one month's rent as a security deposit unless otherwise agreed to between the landlord and the tenant. Upon termination of the rental agreement, the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant less any outstanding rent or damages to the dwelling unit occupied by the tenant. The landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of any damages within 21 days of termination of tenancy. If a landlord fails to return the security deposit, the tenant has the right to take legal action to recover the deposit, any damages resulting from the withholding of the deposit and attorney's fees.
Maintenance of Dwelling
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A landlord has the responsibility to ensure tenants' health and safety by assuring that the dwelling unit and premises are in compliance with building and housing code requirements; all necessary repairs are made; common areas are clean and safe; and the building's air-conditioning, electrical, heating, plumbing and ventilation systems, elevators and appliances are in safe working condition. Further responsibilities of the landlord regarding tenants' health and safety include overseeing building sanitation, including the maintenance and removal of waste receptacles, and providing safe drinking water.
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Comments
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can someone pls tell me what is their current fair value? also, it didn't mention as to what is the limit a landlord can charge as far as fees for late payment of rent. how much is too much raising a rent after the fact that the lease is expired. thanks!
