Sometimes, landlords want to make you move. This article tells you when your landlord can end your lease. It also tells you what you can do about it.
How can my landlord end my lease?
If you have a 30-day lease, your landlord can end it by giving you 30 days notice to move.
If you break your lease, your landlord can end it more quickly. If you do not pay your rent or you break some other part of your lease, then:
Your landlord usually can say your lease is over and demand you move within either seven (7) or fourteen (14) days, depending on what the reason is for breaking the lease.
If you fail to pay your rent you must get a seven (7) day notice. You will also have the right to stay if you fix the problem or pay the rent within seven (7) days.
If you break your lease for some reason other than not paying the rent, the landlord must give you a fourteen (14) day notice. You will then have a chance to fix the problem within that 14 days.
The way most leases are written, your landlord can also make you liable for all the rent due on the remaining portion of the lease, at least until the time the landlord re-rents the property.
Even where a lease does not charge a late payment until the fifth day of the month, a landlord may be able to say you broke your lease if you do not try to pay on the first day of the month.
What if my landlord tells me to pay up or move out in ten days?
This means that your landlord will probably try to evict you if you do not pay.
However, you may convince a Court to rule for you by bringing in the notice that says you should either move or pay.
What happens if I don't move after my landlord ends my lease?
In order to evict you, the law makes your landlord follow certain steps.
Your landlord cannot simply remove your possessions or change the locks.
Instead, your landlord must file papers in Court, which the Sheriff will then bring to you.
AlabamaLegalHelp offers legal information, not legal advice. We try hard to make sure this website accurately explains your rights and options. However, the site does not apply the law to your personal facts. For this sort of legal advice, you should call a lawyer. To apply for free legal services in Alabama, call the Legal Services Alabama office that is closest to where you live OR call toll-free 1-866-456-4995.
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