Eviction Laws in Auburn, Alabama
Auburn is one of the fastest-growing cities in eastern Alabama, anchored by Auburn University — the state’s second-largest university. The rental market is heavily influenced by the student population, with high demand near campus and along major corridors like College Street and Opelika Road. Auburn’s growth has expanded the market beyond students to include young professionals and families. Lee County District Court in Opelika handles all Unlawful Detainer filings for Auburn properties. Landlords should note the court is in Opelika, not Auburn.
Alabama landlords operate under the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA), Ala. Code §§ 35-9A-101 through 35-9A-603. Nonpayment of rent requires a 7-business-day Notice to Pay or Quit. Curable lease violations require a 7-business-day Notice to Cure or Quit. Non-curable violations (illegal drugs, firearms offenses, application fraud, or repeat violations within 6 months) require a 7-day Unconditional Notice to Quit. Month-to-month tenancies without cause require a 30-day notice. No breach may be cured more than twice in any 12-month period without the landlord’s written consent. Self-help evictions are illegal in Alabama — landlords who change locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order face damages of up to three months’ rent plus attorney’s fees.
Auburn — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
Court Location. The Lee County District Court is in Opelika (the county seat), NOT in Auburn. Landlords must file and attend hearings in Opelika at 2311 Gateway Dr.
Student Rental Market. Like Tuscaloosa, Auburn’s rental market is heavily driven by university students. Student tenants have the same rights and obligations as any other tenant under Alabama law. Structure lease terms around the academic calendar and act quickly on violations.
Co-Signers. Many student leases include parent co-signers. Co-signers may be liable for unpaid rent depending on lease terms. Name the tenant in the eviction complaint for possession.
No Local Rent Control. Alabama does not permit local rent control ordinances. Auburn landlords set market-rate rents without municipal caps.
Lee County District Court — Where Landlords File
Auburn landlords file Unlawful Detainer actions at Lee County District Court, located at 2311 Gateway Dr, Opelika, AL 36801, phone (334) 737-3670, open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Pay the filing fee at the clerk’s window (~$200-$300 depending on service method and whether unpaid rent is also claimed). The court schedules a hearing after the tenant’s 7-day answer period. After a judgment in the landlord’s favor, a 7-day automatic stay applies before a Writ of Possession can issue. The tenant has 7 days to appeal to Circuit Court. After the stay period, the landlord requests a Writ of Possession — the sheriff schedules a lockout, typically 7-10 days after the writ issues. Self-help eviction is illegal in Alabama.
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