Alabama Rent Increase Laws

Alabama Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 by Ashley Porter

Quick Facts Answer
Reason Needed No
Max / Limit None
Notice Requirement No Statute

Does Alabama Have Rent Control?

No, Alabama does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments from establishing their own rent control laws.

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Alabama?

In Alabama, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Alabama?

In Alabama, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Alabama?

In Alabama, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), or for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant filing a complaint).

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Gender (including gender identity)
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religion
  • Nationality or origin
  • Familial status
  • Disability

Alabama law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation. An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs after something a tenant does. The law does not specify what time period between the tenant action and rent increase qualifies as retaliation, so landlords should act in good faith when increasing rent.

Rent increases are considered retaliatory if they are in response to a tenant action, such as:

  • Filing a complaint with the landlord or appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
  • Joining or organizing a tenants’ group or union

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Alabama?

Unlike many other states, Alabama law does not require a specific notice period before raising rent.

Even though state law has no minimum notice period, landlords are required to act in good faith, meaning they must give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent. In many states, one month is considered reasonable.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Alabama?

Landlords in Alabama can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.

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