Alabama-Specific Practice: Landlord-Tenant, Fair Housing, Agency Disclosure, and State Contract Forms
Alabama landlord-tenant law
Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies only in counties above a statutory population threshold, so many Alabama rentals are governed by common law instead, a frequent exam trap. Where the Act applies, the landlord owes habitability duties and must return the security deposit with an itemized accounting within the statutory period after the tenant provides a forwarding address. Alabama sets no cap on the deposit amount. Terminating a month-to-month tenancy generally requires 30 days' notice, and nonpayment cases move quickly through unlawful detainer in district court. Self-help eviction such as lockouts or removing a tenant's belongings is prohibited.
Fair housing
Federal law protects race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity under current HUD interpretation), national origin, familial status, and disability. Prohibited practices include discriminatory advertising, steering, blockbusting, redlining, refusing reasonable accommodations or modifications, and differing terms. The Mrs. Murphy exemption for owner-occupied buildings of four or fewer units and the private-club and religious-organization exemptions do not permit discriminatory advertising. Alabama has no statewide fair housing statute adding protected classes, though some municipalities do.
Agency disclosure and forms
Alabama requires the Consumer Guide to Agency Relationships at first substantial contact, written agency agreements, and written consent for dual agency, and it recognizes facilitation of a transaction without representation. The Commission does not mandate a single contract form; the Alabama Association of REALTORS forms are widely used. Licensees complete blanks only and may not draft contract language or give legal advice, since Alabama closings are attorney-conducted. Alabama follows caveat emptor tradition and has no statewide residential seller disclosure statute, so disclosure is largely contractual and voluntary.