Alabama 7-Business-Day Rent Notice
When rent is unpaid when due, Alabama allows a landlord to deliver written notice stating the rent and any late fees owed and a termination date at least seven business days after the tenant receives the notice if the breach is not remedied.
- The statutory period is seven business days after receipt, not seven calendar days.
- The notice states rent owed and any late fees owed separately.
- The business-day calendar accounts for Alabama legal holidays, including the Baldwin/Mobile Mardi Gras rule.
Built around the requirements of Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b).
When does the seven-business-day period start?
Section 35-9A-421(b) measures the termination period after receipt of the written notice. The workflow therefore does not infer receipt from an ordinary mailing date.
What amount belongs in the notice?
Section 35-9A-421(b) calls for the amount of rent owed and any late fees owed. The workflow keeps rent, credits, and late fees separate instead of silently combining unrelated charges.
What happens after the period expires?
If the breach is not remedied, the landlord may move into Alabama's lawful court process for possession. A notice does not authorize lock changes, utility shutoff, or physical removal by the landlord.
Common mistakes to avoid
Alabama legal authority
Legal information reviewed September 23, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Alabama tenant have after receiving a nonpayment notice?
The statutory termination date must be not less than seven business days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied.
Do weekends count?
The Alabama workflow treats Saturdays and Sundays as non-business days and also excludes Alabama legal holidays when counting the seven business days.
Can I change the locks after the deadline?
No. Possession is recovered through Alabama's lawful court process, not self-help removal.
Need to prepare the Alabama notice?
Use the guided LandlordAnswers workflow. It applies the state-specific rules, collects only the facts that affect the result, and keeps document generation inside the browser.
Check My Alabama Nonpayment Path