Alabama Eviction Notice Templates

An Alabama eviction notice is a state-specific form utilized when a landlord wants to remove a tenant from their rental unit for breach of contract. Violations that call for such a measure include nonpayment of rent, property damage, illegal activity, and any additional failures to uphold the lease conditions.

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Last updated January 25th, 2026

An Alabama eviction notice is a state-specific form utilized when a landlord wants to remove a tenant from their rental unit for breach of contract. Violations that call for such a measure include nonpayment of rent, property damage, illegal activity, and any additional failures to uphold the lease conditions.

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Pay or Quit – This notifies the tenant that they must vacate the premises by the date specified in the letter if they do not satisfy the money owed.

Cure or Quit – If a tenant violates any of the rental contract’s terms, they must resolve the issue or face eviction.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Informs the tenant that the landlord wishes not to renew the tenancy.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – This is issued when a tenant commits or allows illegal activity to occur on the premises.

Eviction Laws

Before filing an eviction case, the landlord must give the tenant written notice. Alabama law does not provide a statutory grace period for rent unless the lease says otherwise.

  • Grace Period for Rent: None required by statute.[1]
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 7-day notice.[2]
  • Lease Non-Compliance: 7-day notice.[3]
  • Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30-day notice.[4]
  • Illegal Activity: 7-day notice.[5]

The notice must clearly state the reason for eviction and what the tenant must do to avoid it (if allowed).

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Alabama (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Complete the Proper Notice

Once a lease violation occurs, the landlord prepares the appropriate notice to quit. This notice must match the violation and comply with Alabama law.

Step 2: Deliver the Notice to the Tenant

The notice may be served by:

  • Personal delivery
  • Certified mail
  • Posting on the tenant’s door

The tenant must be given the full notice period to pay, correct the issue, or move out (unless the violation involves illegal activity).

Step 3: File a Statement of Claim (Unlawful Detainer)

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a Statement of Claim – Eviction/Unlawful Detainer (Form C-59) with the local court. Filing fees vary by county.
After filing:

Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing

If the tenant files an answer, the court schedules a hearing. Both parties present their case to a judge.

If the landlord wins:

  • The court sets a move-out deadline
  • The tenant has 7 days to appeal the decision

Step 5: Request a Writ of Possession

Landlords may not remove tenants themselves. If the tenant does not move out or appeal:

  • The landlord requests a Writ of Possession
  • The Sheriff’s Office carries out the physical eviction

 

Actions Landlords Are Prohibited From Taking

Alabama strictly forbids “self-help” evictions.

  • Utility Shutoffs: Landlords may not shut off: Water, Electricity, Gas, Heat, or hot water. Unauthorized shutoffs can result in damages of up to three times the tenant’s rent or actual damages.[6]
  • Changing the Locks: Landlords may not change locks for unpaid rent or lease violations. Eviction must go through the court and the sheriff.

 

Court Forms & Resources

Sources

  1. § 35-9A-161
  2. § 35-9A-421(b)
  3. § 35-9A-421(a)
  4. § 35-9A-441(b)
  5. § 6-6-310 to § 6-6-353
  6. § 35-9A-407