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Housing assistance in Alabama

Alabama renters are covered by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code Title 35, Chapter 9A), which caps most security deposits at one month's rent but gives tenants no repair-and-deduct right, and state law bars cities and counties from adopting rent control. Energy assistance (LIHEAP) is funded through ADECA but applications go only through the regional community action agency for your county. Free civil legal help for low-income residents, including eviction defense, comes from Legal Services Alabama.

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Housing Authority of the Birmingham DistrictBirminghamPublic housing agencyMobile Housing AuthorityMobilePublic housing agencyMontgomery Housing AuthorityMontgomeryPublic housing agencyHuntsville Housing AuthorityHuntsvillePublic housing agency Alabama Housing Finance AuthorityStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in AlabamaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Alabama

Energy and utility bills

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)

    Helps households with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level pay energy bills. ADECA does not take applications itself; you apply through the community action agency for your county, which you can find in ADECA's list of regional agencies.

Free legal help

  • Legal Services Alabama Legal Services Alabama

    Free civil legal help for low-income Alabamians on eviction, foreclosure, repair problems, utility problems and housing discrimination. Apply online, call the intake line (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or visit one of eight offices.

    Call 866-456-4995
  • AlabamaLegalHelp.org Legal Services Alabama

    Free legal information on eviction, landlord-tenant issues, fair housing and foreclosure in Alabama, with links to apply for free legal help.

Buying a home

  • Step Up and First Step homebuyer programs Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)

    First Step offers below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgages through participating lenders. Step Up is for moderate-income buyers who can afford a mortgage payment but need help with the down payment. AHFA also offers a closing-cost grant for eligible borrowers.

    Call 800-325-2432

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Alabama

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Up to one month's periodic rent. Landlords may charge more only for pets, changes to the premises, or increased liability risks.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(a)

Deposit return deadline

Within 60 days after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must mail the deposit and/or an itemized list of amounts withheld. The tenant should give a written forwarding address. If the landlord misses the deadline, the landlord owes double the original deposit. Deposits left unclaimed for 90 days are forfeited.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-201(b)-(f)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

7 business days' written notice stating the rent and late fees owed. If the tenant does not pay within those 7 business days, the rental agreement ends. A tenant may cure a breach no more than two times in any 12 months unless the landlord agrees in writing.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(b), (d)

Landlord entry notice

At least 2 days' notice of the landlord's intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times. Posting a note on the main entry door counts as notice. No notice is needed in an emergency, under a court order, or when the tenant has asked for the repair being made.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-303

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control. No county, city or town may enact, keep or enforce any rule that controls the amount of rent charged for private property.

Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1

If the landlord won’t make repairs

The statute has no repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding remedy. If the landlord's failure materially affects health and safety, the tenant may give written notice that the lease will end in at least 14 days unless the problem is fixed. The tenant may also sue for actual damages, attorney fees and an injunction. If the lease ends this way, the landlord must return the recoverable deposit and any unearned prepaid rent.

Ala. Code § 35-9A-401

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Alabama

More local contacts: HUD’s Alabama resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. Ala. Code § 35-9A-201 Security deposits; prepaid rentAlabama Legislature
  2. Ala. Code § 35-9A-421 Noncompliance with rental agreement; failure to pay rentAlabama Legislature
  3. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 AccessAlabama Legislature
  4. Ala. Code § 11-80-8.1 Rent control prohibitedAlabama Legislature
  5. Ala. Code § 35-9A-401 Noncompliance by the landlordAlabama Legislature
  6. LIHEAPAlabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
  7. Legal Services AlabamaLegal Services Alabama
  8. AlabamaLegalHelp.orgLegal Services Alabama
  9. Available Homeownership ProgramsAlabama Housing Finance Authority
  10. Housing Authority of the Birmingham DistrictHousing Authority of the Birmingham District
  11. Mobile Housing AuthorityMobile Housing Authority
  12. Montgomery Housing AuthorityMontgomery Housing Authority
  13. Huntsville Housing AuthorityHuntsville Housing Authority