Eviction Law in Mobile, AL

Removing a tenant from your rental property in Mobile can be a delicate process. Even when tenants fail to pay rent or violate their lease, Alabama law requires you to follow precise legal procedures. Skipping steps—or acting too quickly—can result in delays or dismissals in court.

This guide walks you through the Mobile eviction process. It provides the clarity you need to act confidently and lawfully.

From notices to hearings, you will learn how to protect your property while complying with state and local law. We can also help you connect with a Mobile eviction attorney when the time comes.

What Is an Eviction?

An eviction is the legal removal of a tenant from a rental property. It usually stems from nonpayment of rent or a lease violation. However, eviction in Alabama must follow specific procedures. Landlords who ignore these steps risk having their case dismissed or facing legal pushback from tenants.

In many cases, eviction notices act as a final warning. If the tenant pays what they owe or resolves the issue in time, the eviction may not move forward. For this reason, the eviction notice is often the most pivotal moment in the process.

When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?

The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent

Nonpayment is one of the most common eviction triggers. Alabama does not provide a mandatory grace period for rent. That said, a Mobile landlord may choose to include one in the lease agreement. If the lease allows a grace period, the landlord must honor it.

Regardless, landlords should provide clear written notices of missed payments and keep records. Documentation of nonpayment is essential for the court and can help prevent disputes.

The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement

When tenants break rules laid out in the lease—such as having unauthorized guests, keeping pets without permission, or causing a nuisance—the landlord may have grounds to evict. The lease is a binding agreement, and violations open the door to formal action.

Landlords, too, must follow the terms of the lease. If you fail to make repairs, maintain the property, or respect the tenant’s privacy, it may affect the outcome of your case.

The Tenant Damages the Property

Some damage is inevitable in any rental property. However, excessive, deliberate, or repeated damage—like broken doors, damaged plumbing, or graffiti—can justify eviction.

Self-repairs by the tenant do not necessarily excuse the damage. You should evaluate whether the actions breached the lease or created serious risks to the property.

The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes

If a Mobile tenant is conducting illegal activity—such as selling drugs or storing illegal weapons—it can be grounds for immediate removal. However, the burden of proof falls on the landlord.

Police reports, criminal records, or incident documentation can help support your claim. Without evidence, the court may not move forward with eviction.

How to Evict a Tenant in Mobile, Alabama

If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.

Step 1. Check Your Local Laws

Alabama’s eviction rules are codified under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. These rules apply statewide, including in Mobile. To start the process, you must confirm that the reason for eviction is legally valid.

According to guidance from Alabama Public Health, landlords cannot:

Change locks or shut off utilities to force a tenant out
Retaliate against tenants who report health or safety violations
Raise the rent during a fixed-term lease

You must follow proper procedures or risk legal consequences. Having a valid reason is the foundation of any lawful eviction.

Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction

Before you can file for eviction in court, you must deliver a Notice to Tenant. Alabama law requires:

7-Day Notice for nonpayment of rent
14-Day Notice for lease violations other than nonpayment

The notice must outline the issue and give the tenant a chance to resolve it or move out. If the issue is not resolved, you may then file a formal eviction action in court.

Alabama landlords can pursue both possession and unpaid rent in a single Unlawful Detainer Action. Keep in mind:

The tenant has 7 days to respond to a possession claim
The tenant has 14 days to answer a monetary claim

Each notice must be clear, written, and properly served—ideally with proof, such as certified mail or witness confirmation.

Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court

Once the notice period has expired, the next step is to file your complaint in the Mobile County District Civil and Small Claims Division. This court is part of the 13th Judicial Circuit and handles all residential eviction matters in Mobile.

The court will schedule a hearing and issue a summons to the tenant. Make sure you’ve prepared all your documentation in advance.

Step 4. Contact an Experienced Mobile, Alabama Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing

Working with an eviction attorney is highly recommended. Your lawyer can help you gather essential documents and represent you in court. Be sure to bring:

A copy of the lease
Rent payment history
Any bounced checks
Notices and correspondence
Proof that the tenant received the notice
Photos, witness statements, or other evidence if applicable

Step 5. Evict the Tenant

If the court rules in your favor, the judge will issue an order granting you possession. The tenant will then be given a limited window—usually 48 hours to one week—to vacate the property.

If the tenant refuses to leave, you can contact Mobile County law enforcement to perform the physical eviction. Only authorized personnel can carry this out; do not attempt self-help measures.

Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments

After regaining possession, you may still be owed back rent. Alabama law allows landlords to pursue unpaid rent through multiple options:

Hiring a collection agency
Garnishing wages
Garnishing tax refunds
Filing in small claims court

Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Mobile, Alabama

Tenants may try to challenge your eviction by claiming improper procedure. A qualified Mobile eviction attorney can help ensure your notice, filing, and court appearance are handled by the book.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alabama state lines.

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.