How Much Does an Eviction Cost in Alabama? (2026)
Filing fees, sheriff costs, attorney fees, and lost rent, under Ala. Code § 35-9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
Filing fees, sheriff costs, attorney fees, and lost rent, under Ala. Code § 35-9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
A Alabama eviction typically runs $1,383–$3,230 uncontested and $2,937–$9,864 contested, under Ala. Code § 35-9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Lost rent is almost always the largest line item.
Evicting a tenant in Alabama carries specific financial and time commitments. This guide breaks down those costs, providing a practical overview for landlords with 1 to 20 units. Understanding Alabama's distinct legal framework is crucial to avoiding expensive missteps.
The primary legal authority governing residential landlord-tenant relations and, by extension, evictions in Alabama is the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), codified at Ala. Code § 35-9A. This statute outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including the precise procedures landlords must follow to regain possession of their property. Unlike some states, Alabama does not have statewide "just cause" eviction requirements beyond those specified in URLTA for lease violations or holdovers. This means that while a landlord must have a legal basis (like non-payment or lease violation) to initiate an eviction, the state doesn't impose additional, complex layers of justification common in rent-controlled or tenant-friendly jurisdictions.
Key regulators are typically the local district courts. While the Alabama Supreme Court sets the rules of civil procedure, individual district court judges interpret and apply URLTA. There's no single statewide housing authority dictating eviction policy; it's a court-driven process. Your local court clerk's office will be your primary point of contact for filing procedures and fees.
For a landlord managing a small portfolio, the practical bottom line is this: Eviction in Alabama is a multi-step legal process, not a self-help remedy. Attempting to circumvent the legal process, changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing tenant property, is illegal and will expose you to significant liability. Don't engage in self-help eviction. Do follow the statutory process precisely.
Costs break down into three main categories: court filing fees, service of process fees, and potential attorney fees. These are distinct from lost rent during the eviction period.
Beyond these direct costs, consider the indirect financial impact. Lost rent during the eviction process is a major factor. From the initial notice to the final writ of possession, an eviction can take anywhere from 30 days to several months, especially if contested. For a unit renting at $1,200 per month, a two-month eviction means $2,400 in lost income before any legal fees are even considered. This doesn't include the cost of turning over the unit, cleaning, and potential repairs for damages.
Alabama's URLTA is generally considered landlord-friendly compared to states with stronger tenant protections. There's no statutory cap on security deposits, for example, which can provide a landlord with greater financial protection against damages. However, landlords must still adhere strictly to the notice requirements.
For non-payment of rent, Alabama requires a 7-day notice to cure or quit. This means the tenant has seven days to pay the overdue rent or vacate the premises. If they fail to do either, you can then file an unlawful detainer action. For other lease violations, or if there's no lease (a holdover tenant), a 30-day notice is generally required. Getting these notices wrong is a common landlord mistake. Incorrect notice periods or improperly delivered notices can lead to a case being dismissed, forcing you to restart the entire process and incur additional costs and delays.
One concrete example of a common landlord mistake: A tenant is two weeks late on rent. The landlord immediately files for eviction. This is incorrect. The landlord must first issue the 7-day notice to cure or quit. Only after that 7-day period expires without payment can the landlord file the unlawful detainer complaint with the court. Filing prematurely will result in dismissal and wasted court fees.
Another area of potential error involves accepting partial payments after serving a notice. In some circumstances, accepting a partial payment can inadvertently waive your right to proceed with the eviction based on the original notice, requiring you to issue a new notice and restart the clock. Consult with an attorney if a tenant offers a partial payment during the notice period or after filing.
As of recent legislative sessions (2024-2026), Alabama's legislative body has not significantly altered the core tenets of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in a way that dramatically shifts eviction procedures or costs. While bills are frequently introduced that touch on housing, large-scale changes to eviction law are uncommon. The focus often remains on property tax, infrastructure, or other economic development initiatives. Landlords should, however, remain aware of local ordinances, as some municipalities may introduce their own specific regulations, although these are typically less impactful than statewide statutory changes. Monitoring the Alabama Legislature's official website for bill tracking is advisable for any landlord concerned about potential shifts in the legal framework.
In summary, successful eviction in Alabama demands precision and adherence to the law. Budget for court costs, service fees, and potentially attorney fees, along with significant lost rent. Understanding URLTA and avoiding common procedural errors will protect your investment and streamline a difficult process.
| Cost Line | Uncontested | Contested |
|---|---|---|
| Notice prep & service | $75–$200 | $150–$350 |
| Court filing fee | $200–$300 (Ala. Code § 35-9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)) | |
| Process server | $75–$200 | |
| Attorney fees | $500–$2,500 | |
| Sheriff / constable lockout | $30–$150 | |
| Lost rent during process | $853–$1,280 (30–45 days @ $853/mo) | $1,707–$3,414 (60–120 days) |
| Cleaning, repairs, re-leasing | $800–$2,200 | $1,100–$5,200 |
| Total scenario | $1,383–$3,230 | $2,937–$9,864 |
Evicting a tenant in Alabama involves specific procedures and costs. Understanding these local nuances is critical for landlords operating under the Ala. Code § 35-9A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). This guide focuses on the practicalities and common pitfalls in Alabama.
First, recognize that Alabama is a "judicial eviction" state. You cannot self-help evict. Changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing a tenant's belongings without a court order is illegal and will cost you significantly more than proper eviction. Always go through the courts.
Initial costs begin with filing fees. These vary by county but expect to pay around $200-$350 to file an unlawful detainer action in District Court. For example, in Jefferson County, the initial filing fee for an unlawful detainer is typically in the range of $250. This does not include service fees. Service of process is usually handled by the sheriff's department or a private process server. Sheriff's fees typically run $30-$50 per tenant. Private process servers might charge more, but can sometimes be faster and more reliable, especially in rural areas or for hard-to-find tenants.
The controlling statute, Ala. Code § 35-9A, dictates the notice periods. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day notice is required. This means the tenant has seven full days to pay the rent or vacate the premises before you can file an eviction lawsuit. Do not file on day six. Wait until day eight. For a no-cause termination of a month-to-month tenancy, a 30-day notice is mandatory. Alabama has no statewide "just-cause" eviction requirement, which simplifies some terminations, but proper notice is always essential.
One common landlord mistake: sending a notice that is incorrect or incomplete. For instance, a 7-day notice for non-payment must clearly state the exact amount of rent due and that failure to pay will result in eviction proceedings. It must also give the tenant seven full days to comply. If you mail the notice, factor in mailing time. It's often safer to add a few extra days or use certified mail with a return receipt to prove delivery and date.
Another trap is assuming you can add late fees and other charges to the "rent due" amount in your 7-day notice to quit. The statute is generally interpreted to mean only rent. While your lease may allow late fees, demanding them as part of the 7-day notice for eviction purposes can invalidate the notice. Don't do that. Do demand only the unpaid rent amount. You can pursue late fees and other damages in a separate claim or as part of the judgment after possession is granted, but don't mix it into the eviction notice itself if you want to ensure the notice is valid.
Security deposits in Alabama have no statutory cap. This means you can charge what you deem appropriate. However, the lack of a cap doesn't mean you can withhold it without cause. Ala. Code § 35-9A-301 outlines the rules for returning security deposits, including a 35-day deadline after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession. Failure to comply can result in the tenant recovering double the amount wrongfully withheld.
After you file the unlawful detainer, there will be a court hearing. Landlords often represent themselves in District Court for simple evictions, especially non-payment cases. However, if the tenant hires an attorney or raises complex defenses, hiring your own attorney becomes a wise investment. Attorney fees vary but expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500+ for a contested eviction, not including the initial filing and service costs. Many attorneys charge hourly, so delays or multiple hearings drive up the cost.
If you win the eviction, the court will issue a judgment for possession. If the tenant still doesn't leave, you'll need to obtain a writ of possession. This is another court order, usually with an additional filing fee (often $25-$50) and sheriff's service fee ($30-$50). The sheriff will then serve the writ, giving the tenant a final opportunity to leave, typically within 24-48 hours. If they still refuse, the sheriff will physically remove them and their belongings. This is the final step and can sometimes incur additional costs for movers or storage, though these are typically charged back to the tenant if recoverable.
Regarding recent legislative changes: as of recent legislative sessions, Alabama has generally maintained its landlord-friendly eviction statutes. There has been ongoing discussion in the legislature concerning tenant protections, but no major overhauls to the core eviction process or notice periods under Ala. Code § 35-9A have passed as of late 2024. Proposals have included expanding legal aid for tenants and minor adjustments to notice requirements, but these have not significantly altered the landscape for everyday landlords. Landlords should, however, remain vigilant about local ordinances. While Alabama has no "just-cause" statewide, some municipalities might explore localized protections, though this is less common in Alabama compared to other states. Always check with your specific city or county for any unique housing codes or ordinances that could impact your eviction process.
In summary, Alabama evictions are straightforward if you follow the statute precisely. Don't cut corners on notice periods or service. Budget for filing fees, service fees, and potentially attorney fees. The cost of doing it wrong is always higher than the cost of doing it right.
Every dollar spent on tenant screening saves roughly $15–$25 in eviction and turnover costs. A rigorous screening protocol, verified income, rent-to-income ratio, prior landlord references, and a documented rubric, is the single highest-ROI move a Alabama landlord can make.
See our tenant screening guide for Alabama for the 5-point protocol used by NextGen Properties.
$2,800 to $6,500 all-in on a typical $1,000 Alabama unit. Direct legal $400 to $1,000. Lost rent during the 21 to 50-day case $600 to $1,500. Turn $1,000 to $2,500. Vacancy $800 to $1,800. Marketing $200 to $500. Alabama is among the cheaper eviction states in the country, comparable to Tennessee non-URLTA counties and Mississippi.
$290 to $400 depending on county. Jefferson (Birmingham), Mobile, Madison (Huntsville), and Montgomery counties run within this range. Sheriff service: $25 to $80 per defendant. Writ of possession execution: $25 to $80. Total Alabama court costs typically run $350 to $500 per case.
Uncontested: 21 to 50 days from notice service to lockout. Contested: 45 to 90 days. The 7-day notice runs first; complaint filed; summons served 7 to 14 days after filing; tenant has 7 days to answer; trial scheduled 14 to 30 days after answer; 7-day automatic post-judgment stay under § 35-9A-461; sheriff lockout 5 to 14 days after writ. The 7-day stay is the most-overlooked timeline element.
Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-461, when the court enters judgment for possession in an Alabama eviction case, the writ of possession may not issue until 7 days after the judgment. The 7-day automatic stay gives the tenant additional time to cure or vacate voluntarily. Many Alabama landlords budget for the stay as part of the case timeline; it is automatic and cannot be waived without tenant consent.
No, district court is pro-se friendly. Most Alabama landlords with single-unit rentals appear pro se for uncontested cases. Attorneys for uncontested cases: $300 to $700 flat fee. Contested with represented tenant: $1,000 to $3,000. Attorneys are worth hiring when the property is held by an LLC requiring representation or when the tenant has filed a habitability counterclaim.
Informational only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Alabama attorney. Source attribution in the Sources band below.