Landlord & Tenant Rights for the State of Alabama
When leasing property in Alabama, it is important to be aware of your rights on either side of the coin -- as a tenant or landlord. This is particularly true for areas of the state with high student populations, such as rental properties around Auburn or Troy universities or the University of Alabama. Even a sound lease signed by both parties doesn't protect you from certain issues that may crop up during the term of the rental. Being aware of landlord-tenant regulations in Alabama ensures that you are a more informed party in the agreement.
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Landlord Right: Lease Termination
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Alabama landlord-tenant law dictates that a landlord may choose not to renew your lease for any reason. This could happen even if you've paid your rent on time for the entire lease period and were an example of a model tenant. If you have a written lease, once the lease period is up, your landlord can ask you to leave. If you have a verbal agreement, your landlord can give you the boot with just one month's notice. However, if your landlord is evicting you for non-payment of rent, he can do so without waiting until the lease period is over in Alabama, according to RentLaw.com.
Tenant Right: Security Deposit
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Tenants in the state of Alabama have the right to either receive their security deposits back within 35 days of vacating the premises or a letter detailing charges related to damages done to the residence for which monies from the deposit were used. Deductions for this purpose are generally for larger issues; normal wear and tear on the home is expected.
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Landlord Right: Amount of Rent
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According to the ezLandlordForms website, landlords in Alabama can charge whatever they want to rent a residence. In other states, there are stipulations on how much a landlord can charge for a particular type of property, as well as a guidelines on security deposits. However, landlords in Alabama don't have those kinds of restrictions and can set rental rates by whatever guidelines they choose to utilize.
Tenant Right: Reasons to Vacate
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A landlord cannot just release you from your lease for any reason. In Alabama, the rules for releasing a tenant from a lease are fairly strict. It can only happen -- other than eviction for non-payment of rent -- if a fire or other major damage occurs and deems the property unfit for inhabitants. Then, your landlord may release you from your lease because it is simply unsafe for you to live in that residence any longer.
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