Evicting a tenant in Alabama follows a specific legal path. Skip a step — or serve the wrong notice — and a judge can dismiss your case, forcing you to start over and lose weeks of rent. This guide walks through the process in plain English so you can move quickly and correctly.
1. Confirm you have legal grounds
Common grounds for eviction in Alabama include non-payment of rent, a lease violation, holding over after the lease ends, and ending a month-to-month tenancy. The grounds determine which notice you must serve and how long you must wait.
2. Serve the correct written notice
Alabama requires written notice before you can file. The type depends on the reason:
- 7-day notice to pay or quit — for unpaid rent.
- 14-day notice to cure or quit — for a lease violation the tenant can fix.
- 30-day notice — to end a month-to-month tenancy.
Deliver the notice in a way you can prove later (hand delivery with a witness, posting, or certified mail), and keep your proof of service.
3. Wait out the notice period
The notice period must fully expire before you file. If the tenant pays the overdue rent or fixes the violation within the window, the process stops there.
4. File the unlawful detainer in district court
If the tenant still has not moved or cured, file an unlawful detainer complaint (a Statement of Claim) and summons with the district court in the county where the property sits, and pay the filing fee. This officially starts the lawsuit.
5. The tenant is served and can respond
The court arranges service on the tenant, who then has a limited window to file a response. If they do not respond, you can typically seek a default judgment.
6. Attend the hearing and get judgment
If the case is contested, there is a hearing. Bring your lease, ledger, notice, and proof of service. If you prevail (or the tenant defaults), the court enters a judgment for possession.
7. Writ of possession
If the tenant still will not leave, the court issues a writ of possession and the sheriff carries out the removal. Never change locks or remove a tenant yourself — only the court and sheriff can.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an eviction take in Alabama?
An uncontested eviction typically takes about 3–5 weeks from filing to judgment, assuming proper notice was served first. Contested cases take longer.
Can I evict a tenant without going to court in Alabama?
No. You must get a court judgment and, if needed, a writ of possession. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Alabama?
No — many landlords file on their own. You can prepare court-ready documents yourself and file at your county district court.
What if the tenant pays after I serve the notice?
For a 7-day pay-or-quit notice, if the tenant pays the full amount within the notice period, the eviction generally stops.
Ready to file your Alabama eviction?
Generate every court-ready document in about 10 minutes.
Start your case