Legal and tenant help in Alabama
The short answer
Got eviction papers in Alabama? You have 7 calendar days to file an answer at your county courthouse. Call Legal Services Alabama at 866 456 4995 (Español: 888 835 3505) right away.
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Eviction deadlines move fast
AlabamaLegalHelp.org explains these steps for Alabama:
- For unpaid rent, the landlord's notice must say how much you owe and that you have 7 business days to pay.
- If you get court papers, you must file an answer at your county courthouse within 7 calendar days. If you don't, the landlord can win by default.
- After a judgment, you have 7 calendar days to appeal, and you must pay rent to the court (the appeal bond).
Official page: alabamalegalhelp.org/resource/evictions
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama gives no cost civil legal help to people who qualify. Call Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or apply online.
Official page: legalservicesalabama.org/apply-for-services
Other legal help
The Alabama State Bar lists ways to find a lawyer and no cost or low cost legal help.
Official page: alabar.org/for-the-public/get-legal-help
Fair housing
If you think you were turned down or treated differently because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or having kids, you can file a fair housing complaint with HUD.
Official page: hud.gov/fairhousing
More help in Alabama
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.