Where to file in Dothan
Dothan is located in Houston County. Alabama eviction cases are filed at the county district court.
How eviction works in Dothan
Serve written notice
Give the tenant the correct notice — 7 business days to pay or cure, or 30 days to end a month-to-month tenancy — and keep proof of service.
Wait out the notice period
The notice period must fully expire before you can file. If the tenant pays or cures, the process stops.
File the unlawful detainer
File your eviction complaint (unlawful detainer) and summons with the district court and pay the filing fee.
Attend the court hearing
The tenant is served and has a window to respond. If they don’t, or you prevail, the court enters judgment for possession.
Get the writ of possession
If the tenant still won’t leave, the court issues a writ and the sheriff carries out the removal.
Alabama eviction notice types
7-day
For unpaid rent, Alabama requires at least 7 business days’ written notice to pay or quit.
30-day
Alabama generally doesn’t require notice when a fixed-term lease has simply expired (check your lease) — but a 30-day notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause. We recommend 30 days’ notice either way as a safe default.
7-day
For a lease violation, Alabama requires at least 7 business days’ written notice to cure or quit — the same period as nonpayment.
Filing fee (est.)
$35–$300+
Typical timeline
3–5 weeks (uncontested)
Filed at
Dothan District Court
Documents you'll get for Dothan
Dothan eviction FAQ
Where do I file an eviction in Dothan, Alabama?
Dothan is in Houston County, so eviction cases are filed at the Houston County District Court, located at 462 N Oates St, Dothan, AL 36303. The clerk can be reached at (334) 677-4891.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Dothan?
Alabama district court filing fees vary significantly by county — typically $35–$300+. That fee is paid to the court and is separate from preparing your eviction documents; confirm the exact amount with the Houston County District Court clerk before filing.
How long does an eviction take in Dothan?
An uncontested eviction in Alabama typically takes about 3–5 weeks from filing to a judgment, assuming proper notice was given first. Contested cases can take longer if a hearing or trial is needed.
What notice do I have to give before evicting a tenant in Alabama?
Alabama requires written notice before you file. For unpaid rent or a lease violation, it's at least 7 business days' notice to pay/cure or quit; to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, it's a 30-day notice. (If a fixed-term lease has simply expired, Alabama generally doesn't require notice unless your lease says otherwise.) The notice period must expire before you file.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Dothan?
No. Many Alabama landlords file on their own. Evict My Tenant Alabama prepares your court-ready notice, complaint, and summons based on your answers so you can file at the Houston County District Court yourself.
Ready to file in Dothan?
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Start your caseEvict My Tenant Alabama is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Court procedures and fees vary by county — confirm specifics with the Houston County District Court.