Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 to 35-9A-603 § 35-9A-407
Tenant’s Remedies for Landlord’s Unlawful Ouster, Exclusion, or Diminution of Service.
Operative Text
If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to not more than three months’ periodic rent or the actual damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney’s fees. If the rental agreement is terminated under this section, the landlord shall return all security recoverable under Section 35-9A-201 and all unearned prepaid rent.
Alabama Code § 35-9A-407 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, electricity, or gas. When such conduct occurs, the law provides the tenant with a choice: reclaim possession of the rental unit or end the rental agreement entirely. In either case, the tenant is entitled to monetary compensation — the greater of up to three months' periodic rent or actual damages — along with reasonable attorney's fees. If the agreement is terminated, the landlord must also return any security deposit recoverable under § 35-9A-201 and any prepaid rent that has not yet been earned.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 35-9A-407, compliant Alabama landlords maintain uninterrupted access to essential services — including heat, running water, hot water, electricity, and gas — and never resort to self-help measures such as changing locks or removing a tenant's belongings to force a vacancy. Operators who need to regain possession of a unit use the formal eviction process established by Alabama law rather than extrajudicial means. Landlords who violate this provision expose themselves to liability for the greater of up to three months' rent or actual damages, plus the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees, and must refund security deposits and unearned prepaid rent if the tenant elects to terminate.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Alabama Code § 35-9A-407 gives tenants meaningful remedies when a landlord unlawfully locks them out or deliberately shuts off essential services like heat, water, or electricity. A tenant in that situation has the right to either reclaim possession of the unit or terminate the rental agreement, and in either case may seek compensation equal to the greater of up to three months' periodic rent or actual damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may wish to document the conduct carefully, consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office, and explore whether raising a claim under § 35-9A-407 — including the return of security deposits and unearned prepaid rent upon termination — is appropriate for their circumstances.
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