Renter's Rights in the State of Alabama
As of 2007, renters in Alabama have a concrete list of rights empowering them against fickle and eviction-happy landlords. Under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, renters and landlords are required to uphold individual responsibilities for the effective execution of a rental agreement. The law also provides avenues where disagreements and illegal rental practices may be settled in civil court.
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A Habitable Dwelling
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As of 2007, the Alabama Landlord-Tenant Law states that renters in the state have the right to a habitable dwelling at all times. This means a landlord is required to maintain the rental property's utilities in good working order and is required to make repairs to the property to ensure tenant safety. Tenants who feel a landlord is in violation of this act have the right to seek disposition by a municipal or district court and to recover any damages incurred as a result of the landlord's failure to maintain the property.
Illegal Rental Agreements
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If a landlord has included illegal clauses in your lease agreement such as phrases which would relieve him of obligations under the Landlord-Tenant Act, you have the right to have a municipal or district court dissolve the agreement. It is illegal in Alabama for a landlord to include any "unconscionable" clause in a rental agreement such as those which would require the tenant to pay a landlord's attorney fees and/or collection fees in an eviction. Such clauses may entitle the renter to recover any rent paid to the landlord under the invalid rental agreement.
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Rights to Security Deposit
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Your landlord has the right to use your security deposit to compensate for any non-payment of rent and damage to the property at the end of your tenancy. Damage to the property must be as the result of negligence and cannot be from normal wear and tear such as faded paint. A landlord has 21 days after the end of your tenancy to return you the balance of your security deposit.
House Rules
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A landlord has the right to enforce house rules under Alabama law which tenants in his rental property are required to comply with. An example of a house rule might be establishing quiet hours during the night. A tenant only has to comply with these rules if they are in place to promote the safety and welfare of all those living in the dwelling. It is illegal for a landlord to create a house rule which violates a tenant's right to access his rental dwelling at all times.
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