Tenant Rights in Selma, Alabama (2026 Guide)

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Key Takeaways

Selma has no rent control. Alabama has no statewide rent control law and municipalities are preempted from enacting residential landlord-tenant codes that conflict with state law (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.).
Landlords must return your deposit within 35 days of move-out with an itemized written statement of deductions. Unjustified withholding entitles you to double the wrongfully withheld amount (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201).
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441).
Alabama does not require just cause for eviction. Landlords may end a tenancy without stating a reason as long as proper notice is given. A court judgment is required before any removal (Ala. Code § 35-9A-407).
Legal Services Alabama (Selma Office), Selma Housing Authority, 211 Connects Alabama

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1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Selma

Selma is a historic city in Dallas County, Alabama, home to tens of thousands of residents — many of whom rent their homes. Renters in Selma commonly ask whether there are local rent caps, what rights they have if a landlord fails to make repairs, and what protections exist against sudden eviction. The short answer is that Alabama state law — not any Selma-specific ordinance — governs the landlord-tenant relationship here.

Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.) provides a statewide floor of tenant protections covering security deposits, habitability, notice requirements, and eviction procedures. Because state law preempts local residential landlord-tenant codes, Selma has not enacted any additional rent control or just-cause eviction ordinance beyond what state law requires.

This article is intended as general educational information about tenant rights in Selma, Alabama. It is not legal advice. Laws can change, and your situation may involve facts that alter which protections apply. If you have a specific housing legal problem, consult a licensed Alabama attorney or contact Legal Services Alabama.

2. Does Selma Have Rent Control?

Selma, Alabama has no rent control ordinance. Alabama has no statewide rent control law, and no city or county in Alabama has enacted one. While Alabama does not have an explicit statutory preemption of rent control, the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.) preempts local governments from enacting residential landlord-tenant codes that conflict with state law — and rent control simply does not exist anywhere in the state.

As a result, a landlord in Selma can raise rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide the required written notice before the change takes effect. For month-to-month tenancies, that notice period is at least 30 days (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441). There is no cap on how much rent can increase, and no requirement that a landlord justify a rent increase to any government authority.

3. Alabama State Tenant Protections That Apply in Selma

Although Selma has no local tenant ordinances, Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.) provides meaningful statewide protections for Selma renters:

Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including working heat, plumbing, and weatherproofing (Ala. Code § 35-9A-204). After you provide written notice of a deficiency, your landlord has 14 days to begin repairs. If they fail to act, you may have grounds to terminate the lease or pursue legal remedies.
Security Deposit Limits and Return: Landlords must return your security deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions — within 35 days of move-out (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201). If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit, you may be entitled to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Notice to Terminate: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441). Tenants must provide the same notice to vacate.
Retaliation Protection: It is unlawful for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations, contacting a housing inspector, or exercising any other legal right — by raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction (Ala. Code § 35-9A-501).
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited: A landlord cannot remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities. A court judgment is required before any physical removal may take place (Ala. Code § 35-9A-407).

4. Security Deposit Rules in Selma

Alabama law does not cap how large a security deposit can be — landlords may set any deposit amount. However, once you move out, strict rules govern how your deposit must be handled under Ala. Code § 35-9A-201:

Return deadline: Your landlord must return your deposit — or mail you an itemized written statement of deductions along with any remaining balance — within 35 days after you vacate the unit and return the keys.
Itemized deductions: The landlord must provide a written list specifying each deduction and the amount. Allowable deductions typically include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if the lease requires it.
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If a landlord fails to return your deposit or provide the required written statement within 35 days, or wrongfully withholds any portion, you may sue to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201).
Practical tip: Document the condition of the unit with photos and video at move-in and move-out, and send your forwarding address to your landlord in writing immediately after vacating.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Selma

Evictions in Selma follow Alabama state law under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-401 et seq.). Alabama does not require just cause for eviction — a landlord may end a tenancy without stating a reason, provided they give the required notice.

Notice Types and Periods

Non-payment of rent: If you fail to pay rent when due, your landlord must give you a written 7-day notice to pay or vacate. If rent is not paid within 7 days, the landlord may file for eviction (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421).
Lease violation: For other material lease violations, the landlord must give written notice specifying the violation and allow 14 days to remedy it. If uncured, the tenancy may be terminated after an additional 14 days (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421).
Month-to-month termination: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441).

Court Process

If you do not leave after receiving proper notice, your landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in district court. You will receive a summons and have the right to appear and contest the eviction at a hearing. Only a judge can authorize removal — the landlord has no authority to remove you before a court judgment is entered and executed by a law enforcement officer.

Self-Help Eviction Prohibited

Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-407, self-help eviction is strictly illegal. Your landlord cannot change the locks, remove doors or windows, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings as a means of forcing you out. If your landlord does any of these things, you have a legal remedy and should contact Legal Services Alabama or an attorney immediately.

6. Resources for Selma Tenants

Legal Services Alabama — Free civil legal help for low-income Alabamians, including a Selma office serving Dallas County residents with landlord-tenant disputes, eviction defense, and housing issues.
Legal Services Alabama — Selma Office (Alabama Legal Help) — Online intake and information for Dallas County residents seeking help with housing and landlord-tenant matters.
Selma Housing Authority — Provides affordable public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income families in Selma and Dallas County. Located at 444 Washington St, Selma, AL 36703.
211 Connects Alabama — Tenant Rights — Dial 211 to be connected with local tenant rights information, legal assistance referrals, and housing counseling services statewide.
Alabama Arise — Statewide advocacy organization working on housing, poverty, and tenant policy issues in Alabama.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service — Connects Alabama residents with licensed attorneys for a low-cost initial consultation, including landlord-tenant matters.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. For advice about your particular circumstances, consult a licensed Alabama attorney or contact Legal Services Alabama. RentCheckMe.com makes no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Selma have rent control?

No. Selma, Alabama has no rent control ordinance. Alabama has no statewide rent control law, and no city in Alabama has enacted one. The Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.) preempts local governments from enacting residential landlord-tenant codes that conflict with state law, and rent control does not exist anywhere in the state.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Selma?

There is no limit on how much a landlord can raise rent in Selma or anywhere in Alabama. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount, but must give you proper advance written notice before the new rent takes effect — at least 30 days for a month-to-month tenancy (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441). If you are in a fixed-term lease, your rent generally cannot be raised until the lease ends unless your lease specifically allows mid-term increases.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Selma?

Your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions — within 35 days after you move out and return the keys (Ala. Code § 35-9A-201). If the landlord fails to do this or wrongfully withholds any portion, you may be entitled to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld. Always document the unit's condition at move-out and provide your forwarding address in writing.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Selma?

The required notice depends on the reason for eviction. For non-payment of rent, your landlord must give you 7 days' written notice to pay or vacate (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421). For other lease violations, you generally receive 14 days to cure the problem, then an additional 14 days before the tenancy terminates. For a month-to-month tenancy with no specific reason, your landlord must give 30 days' written notice (Ala. Code § 35-9A-441).

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Selma?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Alabama. Under Ala. Code § 35-9A-407, a landlord cannot change your locks, remove doors or windows, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings to force you out. A landlord must obtain a court judgment before you can be legally removed from your home. If your landlord attempts a self-help eviction, contact Legal Services Alabama or an attorney immediately.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Selma?

Alabama law requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including working heat, plumbing, and weatherproofing (Ala. Code § 35-9A-204). If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you should notify them in writing. After written notice, your landlord has 14 days to begin addressing the problem. If repairs are still not made, you may have grounds to terminate the lease or pursue other legal remedies — contact Legal Services Alabama's Selma office for guidance on your specific situation.

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