Alabama · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Alabama tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Alabama must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety, make repairs to keep the unit habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and supplied appliances working, provide trash containers and removal, and supply running water, reasonable hot water and reasonable heat.

Repair and deduct
Not allowed
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
2 days

Repairs in Alabama

The landlord's duty
The landlord must follow building and housing codes affecting health and safety, make repairs to keep the unit habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and supplied appliances working, provide trash containers and removal, and supply running water, reasonable hot water and reasonable heat. Ala. Code § 35-9A-204.
How to ask for repairs
Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed. If the landlord fixes it before that date, the lease continues. You can also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and a court order. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas after notice, you can end the lease with 14 days' written notice or sue for the reduced rental value. Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404.
Repair and deduct
Not allowed. Alabama's law does not include a repair-and-deduct remedy.
Withholding rent
Not allowed as self-help. If the landlord sues you for possession or rent while you live there, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, but you must pay the rent into court as it comes due. Ala. Code § 35-9A-405.
Law
Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-204, 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404, 35-9A-405

Landlord entry in Alabama

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. A note posted on your main door counts as notice. No notice is needed in an emergency, with a court order, or if the landlord reasonably believes you have moved out. If you ask for a repair, you are treated as agreeing to entry to make it. A general advance schedule for repairs, pest control or safety service (given more than 2 days ahead) also counts. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303.

Retaliation in Alabama

The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue or threaten to sue for possession because you complained to a housing code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs required by § 35-9A-204, or joined a tenants' union. You get the lockout remedies (up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. The statute sets no presumption period. The landlord may still evict if you are behind on rent, caused the problem, or have other material lease violations. Ala. Code § 35-9A-501.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Alabama: Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Alabama

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Alabama's rule on asking for repairs:Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed. If the landlord fixes it before that date, the lease continues. You can also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and a court order. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas after notice, you can end the lease with 14 days' written notice or sue for the reduced rental value. Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Alabama

Questions about repairs in Alabama

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Alabama?

Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and saying the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it if the problem is not fixed. If the landlord fixes it before that date, the lease continues. You can also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and a court order. If the landlord fails to provide heat, water, hot water, electricity or gas after notice, you can end the lease with 14 days' written notice or sue for the reduced rental value. Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-401, 35-9A-404.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Alabama?

Not allowed. Alabama's law does not include a repair-and-deduct remedy.

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Alabama?

Not allowed as self-help. If the landlord sues you for possession or rent while you live there, you can counterclaim for the landlord's violations, but you must pay the rent into court as it comes due. Ala. Code § 35-9A-405.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Alabama?

At least 2 days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. A note posted on your main door counts as notice. No notice is needed in an emergency, with a court order, or if the landlord reasonably believes you have moved out. If you ask for a repair, you are treated as agreeing to entry to make it. A general advance schedule for repairs, pest control or safety service (given more than 2 days ahead) also counts. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Alabama?

The landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or sue or threaten to sue for possession because you complained to a housing code agency, complained to the landlord about repairs required by § 35-9A-204, or joined a tenants' union. You get the lockout remedies (up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus attorney fees) and a defense to eviction. The statute sets no presumption period. The landlord may still evict if you are behind on rent, caused the problem, or have other material lease violations. Ala. Code § 35-9A-501.

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.