Rent Increases in Alabama: What Are My Rights?

How much notice you get

1. 1

   Read your written lease before you agree to pay more. It will show you when your lease term ends.

   Source:

   1. Our editorial rules.

Check the new rent

2. 2

   No city, town, or county government in Alabama can pass a rule that limits how much your landlord charges for rent. State law blocks every local government in Alabama from controlling rent amounts on private property. A city or county government can still set the rent on housing that it owns and manages itself.

   Source:

   1. § 11-80-8.1(b), Alabama Legislature. Law.
3. 3

   Keep a copy of any letter or message where your landlord raises your rent. Write down the date you received it.

   Source:

   1. Our editorial rules.

If the increase is not allowed

4. 4

   If you sue for $6,000 or less, you can bring your case in small claims court without a lawyer. If you want the court to also make your landlord pay your lawyer's fees, you need a lawyer representing you in that case.

   Source:

   1. § 12-12-31(a), Alabama Legislature. Law.
5. 5

   Your landlord cannot single out your rent for an increase because you told a code enforcement office about a housing or building problem. The problem must seriously affect your health or safety.

   Source:

   1. § 35-9A-501(a), Alabama Legislature. Law.
6. 6

   Your landlord cannot raise your rent because you complained to your landlord about a repair problem the law requires your landlord to fix. The law covers problems like broken heat, water, or electrical systems. Your landlord also cannot raise your rent because you started or joined a group of renters.

   Sources:

   1. § 35-9A-204(a), Alabama Legislature. Law.
   2. § 35-9A-501(a), Alabama Legislature. Law.