When the Landlord Will Not Fix It
Ala. Code § 35-9A-401 — written notice, 14 days to fix it, or the lease ends
- The landlord complies with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety.
- The landlord makes the repairs needed to keep the premises habitable, and keeps common areas clean and safe.
- The landlord keeps the electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and supplied appliances in good and safe working order.
- The landlord supplies garbage receptacles and removal, running water, reasonable hot water at all times, and reasonable heat.
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For a material breach of the lease, or a breach of those duties materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may give the landlord written notice of what is wrong and that the lease will end on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it unless it is fixed. If the landlord fixes it before then, the lease goes on.
- The tenant may also recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, and get an injunction.
- If the lease ends this way, the landlord returns the recoverable deposit and any unearned prepaid rent.
- None of this covers a condition the tenant, family or guests caused on purpose or through negligence.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-204 — Landlord to Maintain Premises
- Ala. Code § 35-9A-401 — Noncompliance by the Landlord
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.