• Rent Grace Period: None; rent is due on the date mentioned in the lease.^[1]
• Non-Payment of Rent: 7 business days^[2]
• Non-Compliance: 7 business days^[3]
• Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): 30 days^[4]
• Eviction Lawsuit: Unlawful Detainer^[5]

Utility Shutoff – The landlord is prohibited from shutting off the heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas, or other essential services to the tenant’s residence. Any unauthorized shutoff of these services is punishable by up to 3x the tenant’s rent or actual damages by the tenant, whichever is greater.^[6]

Changing the Locks – The landlord is prohibited from changing the locks if rent is unpaid or there is any other lease violation. The landlord must follow the eviction process (Unlawful Detainer) and use a Sheriff if it comes to that point.^[7]

Answer (Form PS-01) – Used by the tenant to give a response to the Judicial Court of an eviction filing. Must be sent within seven days of being served that a case is filed against them.

Complaint / Statement of Claim (Form C-59) – Form that the landlord files with the Judicial Court to start the eviction process. This form and a copy of the notice to quit will be necessary to start the proceedings.

Download one of the following forms:

• 7-Day Notice to Quit – For Non-Payment of Rent
• 7-Day Notice to Quit – Non-Compliance
• 30-Day Notice to Quit – Month-to-Month Termination

Fill in the document and send it to the tenant. This must be sent via Certified Mail so the landlord receives confirmation that the tenant saw the letter.

After the notice period, the tenant will have either paid/conformed to the demands, left the property, or is still there. If the tenant is still on the property, the landlord must file a Complaint / Statement of Claim (Form C-59) with the District Court.

The filing fee depends on the county, such as:

• Jefferson County: $261 plus $10 for each additional defendant (plus $10 service fee if served by the Sheriff)^[8]
• Madison County: $302 plus $20 for each additional defendant (plus $20 service fee if served by the Sheriff)^[9]
• Mobile County: $256 plus additional fees if service is required to additional defendants.^[10]

After the initial unlawful detainer filing is completed, the landlord will need to serve the tenant about the case filed against them. This may be completed by using the Sheriff’s Office. After sending and receipt, the tenant has 7 days to file an Answer (Form PS-01).