Home is where the heart is, but a grievance with your landlord can quickly turn your sweet home Alabama into a nightmare. Whether you're considering entering into a residential lease, or you're already a renter, take some time to understand Alabama's laws defining tenants' rights.

Alabama Tenants' Rights Overview

Alabama statues detail the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Alabama. This includes provisions about collecting and returning security deposits, collecting rent, and terminating or renewing a lease.

However, Alabama doesn't recognize certain tenants' rights that many other states do. For example, some states allow a tenant to "repair and deduct," meaning if a landlord refuses to make essential repairs, the tenant can do so and deduct the cost of the repair from rent. Notably, Alabama doesn't recognize this right, so tenants that withhold rent for essential repairs put themselves at risk of being in breach of the lease. However, tenants are not without legal rights in this situation and have the right to bring an action against a landlord for failing to keep the unit in a habitable condition.

Another distinction in Alabama law is that the state has chosen to adopt the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination by landlords against tenants on the basis of race, religion, gender, or other classifications. While some states include their own laws regarding discrimination in renting, often expanding such protections to LGBTQ individuals and other groups, Alabama chooses to incorporate the federal statute instead.

The below chart provides details of Alabama's tenants' rights laws at a glance.

Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Related Alabama Tenant's Rights Resources

• Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections: Alabama
• Alabama Leases and Rental Agreements Laws
• Fair Housing: Federal Laws
• Landlord Tenant Disputes FAQs
• Tips for Protecting Your Tenant Rights

Get a Free Evaluation of Your Landlord/Tenant Case

If your rights as a tenant have been violated, there may be legal recourse available to you. An important first step is to understand your rights and obligations as an Alabama tenant. Also consider speaking with an experienced landlord/tenant attorney for your free case evaluation.