Alabama 14-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Alabama is one of fewer than 15 states that use a genuine 14-day cure period for residential lease violations. The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA), codified at Ala. Code §35-9A-101 through §35-9A-461, governs the landlord-tenant relationship for most residential rental properties in the state. Under §35-9A-421, when a tenant commits a material noncompliance with the rental agreement, the landlord must deliver a written notice specifying the violation and allowing the tenant 14 days to cure the breach before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
Alabama's cure-or-quit framework balances landlord property rights with tenant protections. If the tenant remedies the violation within 14 days, the lease remains in effect. If the same or a substantially similar violation recurs within six months, the landlord can issue an unconditional 14-day quit notice with no opportunity to cure (§35-9A-421(b)). This repeat-offense provision gives landlords meaningful enforcement power while still giving first-time violators a chance to correct their behavior.
14 Days
Cure period
$46–$301
District Court filing
Written
Notice required
4–6 Wks
Total eviction timeline
When a 14-Day Notice Applies in Alabama
Alabama's 14-day cure notice applies specifically to material lease violations under AURLTA §35-9A-421. This is distinct from the 7-day notice used for non-payment of rent (§35-9A-421(b) for second offense) and the 7-day unconditional quit notice available for imminent health or safety threats. Understanding which notice period applies to your situation is critical because using the wrong notice type will invalidate your eviction case in Alabama District Court.
Situations Requiring a 14-Day Cure Notice in Alabama
- Unauthorized pets when the lease prohibits animals or exceeds the pet limit
- Unauthorized occupants not listed on the rental agreement
- Excessive noise or nuisance complaints documented by neighbors or law enforcement
- Operating a home business in violation of a residential-use-only clause
- Failure to maintain the unit (hoarding, unsanitary conditions, lawn care obligations)
- Parking violations such as inoperable vehicles or blocking shared spaces
Important AURLTA Distinction
Not all Alabama counties have adopted AURLTA. Counties that have not adopted the act operate under Alabama common law, which provides fewer tenant protections and different notice requirements. As of 2025, AURLTA has been adopted by 28 of Alabama's 67 counties, including Jefferson (Birmingham), Madison (Huntsville), Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Baldwin counties. In non-AURLTA counties, landlords should follow the terms of the lease agreement and general Alabama unlawful detainer statutes (§6-6-310).
AURLTA Notice Requirements (§35-9A-421)
For the 14-day cure notice to be enforceable in Alabama District Court, it must satisfy every element prescribed by AURLTA. Courts in Jefferson County, Madison County, and other Alabama jurisdictions routinely dismiss unlawful detainer actions when the notice is deficient.
Mandatory Notice Elements
- Tenant Identification: Full legal names of every adult tenant listed on the lease, plus any known occupants, and the complete street address of the rental property including unit number
- Specific Violation Description: A factual, dated account of the lease violation—Alabama courts require enough detail that the tenant understands precisely what conduct must stop or what condition must be remedied
- Lease Clause Reference: Identify the specific section or paragraph of the rental agreement that has been violated
- 14-Day Cure Deadline: State both that the tenant has 14 days to cure and the exact calendar date by which the cure must be completed
- Consequence Language: Explicitly state that failure to cure within 14 days will result in termination of the rental agreement
- Landlord Contact: Name, mailing address, and phone number of the landlord or property management company, as required by AURLTA §35-9A-202
- Date and Signature: The notice must be dated and signed by the landlord or an authorized agent
How to Serve a 14-Day Notice in Alabama
AURLTA §35-9A-141 specifies the permissible methods for delivering notices in Alabama. The method of service directly affects when the 14-day clock starts running, so landlords must choose carefully and document every step.
Personal Hand Delivery
Deliver the notice directly to the tenant. This is the strongest method in Alabama courts. The 14-day period starts immediately on the day of delivery. Have a witness present or use a professional process server.
Delivery to a Resident of Suitable Age
If the tenant is not home, leave the notice with any person of suitable age and discretion residing at the premises. Alabama courts generally consider anyone 16 or older to be of suitable age. Document the recipient's name.
Post and Mail (Last Resort)
Affix the notice conspicuously on the main entry door of the dwelling AND mail a copy via first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. Under AURLTA, the notice is deemed received when both steps are complete. Photograph the posted notice with a timestamp.
Certified Mail (Optional Enhancement)
While not required by AURLTA, sending an additional copy via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested creates a paper trail that Alabama District Court judges find persuasive. This costs approximately $4.15 at Alabama post offices.
Alabama Eviction Timeline After the 14-Day Notice
Alabama's eviction process from notice to sheriff-enforced removal typically spans 4 to 6 weeks for uncontested cases and 6 to 10 weeks for contested ones. Here is the step-by-step breakdown:
The tenant may appeal an Alabama District Court eviction judgment to Circuit Court within 7 days of the ruling (Ala. Code §6-6-350). An appeal bond is required. Appeals can add 30–90 days depending on the Circuit Court's docket. In practice, most Alabama eviction cases resolve without appeal.
Alabama Eviction Fees & Court Costs
Filing fees vary by county but fall within ranges set by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Below are the typical costs a landlord can expect when pursuing an eviction in Alabama District Court.
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $46 – $301 |
| Sheriff Service of Summons | $25 – $50 per defendant |
| Private Process Server | $40 – $75 |
| Writ of Restitution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees (if retained) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Appeal Bond (if tenant appeals) | Amount of rent owed + costs |
Sample Alabama 14-Day Cure-or-Quit Notice
Below is a preview of an AURLTA-compliant 14-day cure notice. The final document will include all mandatory fields and statutory language required for enforceability in Alabama District Court.
14-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF ALABAMA
Pursuant to Ala. Code §35-9A-421
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Unit: [Street Address, City, AL ZIP]
VIOLATION DESCRIPTION:
You are in material noncompliance with your rental agreement dated [Date], specifically Section [#], due to: [Detailed violation description]
CURE DEMAND
You have fourteen (14) days from delivery of this notice—until [Date]—to remedy the above violation. If the violation is not cured within this period, your rental agreement will terminate and you must surrender possession of the premises.