Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603 § 35-9A-303
Access.
Operative Text
(a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen, or contractors. (b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant only in the following circumstances: (1) In case of emergency. (2) Pursuant to court order. (3) As permitted by Sections 35-9A-422 and 35-9A-423(b). (4) At reasonable times and with prior notice as provided in subsection (c), to show the premises to a prospective tenant or purchaser, if a landlord provides the tenant separate from the rental agreement a general notice signed by the tenant for the right to access for such a purpose within four months of the expiration of the rental agreement, and only in the company of a prospective tenant or purchaser. (5) When the landlord has reasonable cause to believe the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises. (c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except as provided in this section or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord may show the premises at any reasonable time by giving the tenant at least two days’ notice of the landlord’s intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times. Posting of a note on the primary door of entry to the residence of the tenant stating the intended time and purpose of the entry shall be a permitted method of notice for the purpose of the landlord’s right of access to the premises. (d) If a landlord provides separate from the lease in a general notice or an advance schedule in excess of two days for repairs, maintenance, pest control, or for service relating to health or safety, whether such notice is for a specific time or within a designated time period, then no additional day’s notice is required to access the premises. A tenant may consent to provide a landlord with access to the premises with less than two days’ notice. (e) If a tenant requests repairs or maintenance or improvements to a dwelling unit, the tenant shall be deemed to have granted consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit and make the repairs, maintenance, or improvements as requested by the tenant.
Alabama Code § 35-9A-303 governs when and how a landlord may enter a rental dwelling unit. As a general rule, tenants are expected not to unreasonably refuse entry for legitimate purposes such as inspections, repairs, or showing the unit to prospective buyers or renters, while landlords must ordinarily give at least two days' notice before entering and may only do so at reasonable times. Landlords may enter without prior consent only in specific circumstances, including emergencies, court orders, or when the premises appear to have been abandoned. The provision also establishes that a tenant who requests repairs is considered to have already consented to the landlord entering to complete that work.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 35-9A-303, compliant property operators generally provide tenants at least two days' advance notice before entering a dwelling unit, whether by direct communication or by posting a note on the primary entry door stating the intended time and purpose. Landlords who wish to show a unit to prospective tenants or buyers within four months of lease expiration may obtain a separate, signed general notice from the tenant at the outset, which can streamline access for that purpose. Operators are also mindful that the right of access must not be exercised in a harassing manner or with unreasonable frequency, and that advance repair schedules provided separately from the lease can satisfy the notice requirement without requiring additional day-of notice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 35-9A-303 of the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act outlines tenants' rights regarding landlord entry, including the requirement that landlords generally give at least two days' notice and enter only at reasonable times. Tenants should be aware that certain situations—such as emergencies or a court order—allow entry without prior notice, and that requesting repairs is treated under the law as granting consent for the landlord to enter to complete that work. Tenants who believe a landlord is abusing access rights or entering without proper notice may consider documenting incidents, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring remedies available under Alabama's landlord-tenant statutes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation