Alabama's Lease Termination Laws
Tenancy laws vary from state to state and if you rent, you should always be aware of relevant law where you live. If you are in a bad situation with a landlord in Alabama, knowing Alabama's lease termination laws can help with a smooth transition out of a less-than-perfect situation. If you are having a particularly difficult time getting out of your lease, you should contact an attorney.
Other People Are Reading
-
Short-term Lease
-
It is far easier to terminate your tenancy when you have a short-term lease. These types of leases are generally known as "month-to-month" tenancies. You or the landlord can terminate a weekly rental agreement at any time by providing seven days' notice in writing. A monthly rental agreement must be terminated with a 30-day advance notice in writing. Landlords may terminate these types of tenancies for any legal reason or for no reason at all.
Landlord Noncompliance
-
One reason you may wish to terminate your lease in Alabama involves landlord failure to hold up his end of the lease. The process requires that your landlord be neglecting the building in a way that materially affects the safety and health of those living within. If this is the case, you may deliver your landlord a written notice of repairs necessary for the building to be habitable. The landlord then has 14 days to complete all maintenance before you can vacate.
-
Security Deposit
-
Alabama lease law allows your landlord to charge you as much as one month's rent for a security deposit against potential damage and unpaid rent. After your lease is terminated, the landlord has 35 days to return your security deposit to you. The landlord must also include an itemized list of every deduction made from the deposit. Your landlord may not make deductions for standard wear and tear. If the landlord fails to return your security deposit within 35 days, you may be eligible for damages as high as twice your security deposit.
Evictions
-
Your landlord must go through legal procedures to have you evicted and cannot evict you outside court. The landlord cannot change locks, shut off utilities or remove belongings from the premises in an attempt to get you to move out. State law also prohibits landlords from effecting a move-out through harassment. If you leave property in the building after you have left it due to eviction, this becomes the property of the landlord.
-
