Eviction Laws in Hoover, Alabama
Hoover is one of Alabama’s most affluent suburbs, straddling the Jefferson County and Shelby County line south of Birmingham. The city is anchored by the Riverchase Galleria and draws families and professionals with excellent schools and a low crime rate. Hoover’s rental market commands higher-than-average rents for the Birmingham metro area. Because the city spans two counties, landlords must determine which county their property falls in before filing — the wrong courthouse will get the case dismissed.
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.
Hoover — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
Dual-County Filing. Hoover straddles Jefferson County and Shelby County. Landlords MUST file the eviction in the county where the rental property is physically located. Check the property’s legal address against county lines before filing. Jefferson County District Court is in Birmingham; Shelby County District Court is in Columbiana.
Filing Fees Vary by County. Jefferson County charges approximately $261 for the initial complaint. Shelby County fees typically range from $200 to $300. Confirm the current fee with the applicable court clerk before filing.
No Local Rent Control. Alabama does not permit local rent control ordinances. Hoover landlords set market-rate rents without municipal caps.
Jefferson County or Shelby County District Court — Where Landlords File
Hoover landlords file Unlawful Detainer actions at Jefferson County or Shelby County District Court, located at Jefferson: 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203 | Shelby: 112 N Main St, Columbiana, AL 35051, phone Jefferson: (205) 325-5311 | Shelby: (205) 669-3760, open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Pay the filing fee at the clerk’s window (~$261 (Jefferson) / ~$200-$300 (Shelby) 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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