Alabama 7-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Alabama is one of the states where a 7-day eviction notice is the actual statutory requirement. Under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA), codified at Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A, landlords must provide tenants with at least 7 days written notice before filing an eviction lawsuit. This applies to both non-payment of rent (Section 35-9A-421(a)) and material noncompliance with the lease agreement (Section 35-9A-421(b)).
The AURLTA was enacted in 2006 and has been adopted by counties and municipalities across Alabama, including major population centers like Birmingham (Jefferson County), Huntsville (Madison County), Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. In counties that have not adopted AURLTA, the older Alabama ejectment statutes under Ala. Code 6-6-310 govern, which may have different procedural requirements. Landlords should verify which law applies in their county before serving notice.
7 Days
Notice period
~$256
Filing fee
AURLTA
Governing law
District
Court level
AURLTA Legal Framework
The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA) provides the statutory basis for the 7-day eviction notice. This law modernized Alabama's landlord-tenant framework when it was enacted, replacing the patchwork of common law rules in participating jurisdictions.
AURLTA Adoption Requirement
AURLTA only applies in counties and municipalities that have formally adopted it. If your rental property is in a jurisdiction that has not adopted AURLTA, the older Alabama ejectment statutes (Ala. Code 6-6-310 et seq.) govern, and the notice requirements differ. Contact your county courthouse or consult a local attorney to confirm which law applies before proceeding.
Key AURLTA Provisions for Eviction
- Section 35-9A-421(a) — Non-Payment: Tenant has 7 days after written notice to pay rent in full or face eviction proceedings
- Section 35-9A-421(b) — Lease Violations: Tenant has 7 days to cure a material noncompliance with the rental agreement
- Section 35-9A-421(d) — Repeat Violations: If the same violation recurs within 6 months, the landlord may terminate with a 7-day unconditional quit notice
- Section 35-9A-141 — Service: Defines acceptable methods of delivering notices, including personal delivery, leaving with a suitable person, or first-class mail
- Section 35-9A-461 — Unlawful Ouster: Prohibits landlords from self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) without a court order
Alabama 7-Day Notice Requirements
To be valid in Alabama courts, a 7-day eviction notice must contain specific information and be served using an approved method. Alabama district court judges will scrutinize the notice at any eviction hearing, and deficiencies can result in dismissal.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Complete street address including unit number of the rental premises in Alabama
- Tenant Names: Full legal names of all tenants on the lease or rental agreement
- Reason for Notice: Specific grounds — either the exact amount of rent owed (with dates) or a detailed description of the lease violation
- 7-Day Deadline: Clear statement that the tenant has 7 days to pay rent or cure the violation, or the landlord will proceed with eviction
- Landlord Identification: Name and address of the landlord or property manager, plus contact information
- Date of Service: The date the notice is served, which starts the 7-day clock under AURLTA
How to Serve a 7-Day Eviction Notice in Alabama
Under AURLTA Section 35-9A-141, Alabama provides multiple acceptable service methods. Proper service is critical because improper service is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in Alabama unlawful detainer actions.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver the written notice directly to the tenant. This is the most reliable method and is preferred by Alabama district courts. Bring a witness or use a process server to establish proof of delivery.
Substitute Service
If the tenant is not home, leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion residing at the premises. Document the name of the person who received the notice.
First-Class Mail
Mail via USPS first-class mail to the tenant's last known address. Under AURLTA, mailed notice is deemed received 5 days after mailing. Certified mail with return receipt provides stronger proof of delivery.
Post and Mail
Affix the notice to the main entry door of the rental unit and simultaneously mail a copy via first-class mail. This method is acceptable when the tenant cannot be personally located.
Create Proof of Service
Prepare a certificate of service documenting the date, time, method of delivery, and any witnesses. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of service for your court filing. Alabama courts require evidence that service was properly completed.
Alabama Eviction Timeline
The Alabama eviction process under AURLTA follows a predictable sequence, though contested cases can extend the timeline significantly. Here is a typical uncontested eviction timeline in Alabama:
Serve the 7-day written notice on the tenant per AURLTA Section 35-9A-141
If tenant has not paid or cured, file unlawful detainer complaint in Alabama district court
Tenant is served with court summons; has 7 days to file an answer with the court
Court hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
7-day post-judgment period; if tenant remains, landlord obtains writ of execution from sheriff
In total, an uncontested Alabama eviction takes approximately 4-6 weeks from notice to physical removal. Contested cases can take 2-4 months, especially if the tenant appeals to Alabama circuit court. Appeals must be filed within 14 days of the district court judgment and may require the tenant to post a bond.
Alabama Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Alabama district court. Fees may vary slightly between counties.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $236 - $276 |
| Sheriff Service of Process | Included or $20 - $50 |
| Private Process Server | $30 - $75 |
| Writ of Execution | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,500 |
| Appeal Bond (if appealed) | Varies by judgment amount |
Sample Alabama 7-Day Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of our Alabama-specific 7-day notice that complies with AURLTA requirements. Your customized document will include all fields and language required by Ala. Code 35-9A-421.
7-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF ALABAMA
Pursuant to Ala. Code 35-9A-421
LANDLORD / PROPERTY MANAGER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Alabama Address]
Phone: [Contact Number]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
County: [Alabama County]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified that you are in violation of your rental agreement for the above-described premises. Specifically: [Describe violation or state rent amount owed]
You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from the date of service of this notice to cure the above violation or vacate the premises. Failure to do so will result in the commencement of legal proceedings for your eviction pursuant to AURLTA.
ALABAMA COMPLIANCE NOTE
This notice is issued pursuant to the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Ala. Code 35-9A-421. The tenant's right to cure expires 7 days after proper service.