Do this today
- Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
- Keep texts, emails, or posted notes about entry.
- If you felt unsafe, that is a safety issue as well as a tenancy issue — 911 if someone is in danger.
- Do not change locks without confirming Alabama rules and the lease.
What usually depends on the reason?
Emergencies, agreed-upon repairs, and showings to buyers or new tenants are often treated differently in Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. A national “24 hours” line is a rumor, not a rule we will print. The hour-count, if Alabama has one, is in the chapter.
What if it keeps happening?
Repeated unannounced entry is worth a dated log. Whether Alabama treats that as a breach, a privacy violation, or something a court can stop is a legal-aid question. The log is what you take them.
Does Alabama use the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?
Alabama adopted a version of the URLTA. The official chapter is Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603. We name it. We do not reprint a day-count. Birmingham 311 is a City conditions door, not the statute.
The Alabama chapter
Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Alabama state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.
Official sources
Common questions
Can my landlord in Alabama enter without notice?
Sometimes, for emergencies. For other reasons, Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act usually requires notice of some kind. We do not print an hour-count. Write down what happened and confirm the chapter.
Can I refuse entry in Alabama?
It depends on the reason, the notice, and the lease. Refusing a lawful entry can become a lease issue. Ask legal aid before you change locks or bar a posted repair visit.
Does Alabama use the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?
Alabama adopted a version of the URLTA. The official chapter is Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603. We name it. We do not reprint a day-count. Birmingham 311 is a City conditions door, not the statute.
The national landlord entry guide has the full sequence. Open the landlord entry guide
People also ask
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org
