Evictions
The Eviction process begins in the Circuit Clerks Office located on the 4th floor of the Morgan County Courthouse. The information below, as well as associated forms, can be found here: Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office
Landlord and Tenant Act NO 2006-316 effective Jan. 1, 2007
Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
Procedures and Guidelines for Filing Unlawful Detainer Actions in the District Court
Effective January 1, 2007
Unlawful Detainer Actions are the remedy for eviction in a landlord-tenant relationship----Title 6, Code of Alabama. Effective Date: January 1, 2007. Some existing lease provisions remain until the lease renews in 2007.
WHO MAY FILE ACTIONS: Individuals representing themselves or an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama.
JURISDICTION: District Court and Circuit Court have concurrent jurisdiction. Actions seeking injunctive relief must be filed in the Circuit Court. Injunctive relief is defined as seeking to obtain an order to either command or prohibit an action.
Rules of Civil Procedure govern.
NOTICE TO TENANT: Seven business days notice for failure to pay rent under a current lease, thirty day notice for anything else. The purpose of the notice is to terminate tenancy rights. Notice must provide for right to pay any delinquent rents or correct any lease prohibitions also known as the right to cure.
INITIATED BY FILING A COMPLAINT: Form No. C-59. (New Form is being developed) The Landlord/Plaintiff may sue for possession of the property and for money damages in the same action. Filing fees apply and will vary, the initial filing fee is $291.00; $27.00 for each additional defendant (if served by Sheriff's Department) $50.00 for each additional plaintiff (no personal checks). Please include a copy of the "Notice to Tenant" when filing an original action. Counterclaims are allowed by the defendant/tenant, and there is a $17.00 filing fee for this action in District Court.
SERVICE: Personal service must be attempted for the possession complaint. If unable to make personal service, may be served by posting a copy on the premises. Sheriff/process server must also mail a copy of the complaint to the defendant by first-class mail. Title 6-6-332, Code of Alabama.
Complaints for money must be served in accordance with Rule 4, Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure which requires personal service by the Sheriff's office.
ANSWER: Seven calendar days to file an answer to complaint for possession of the property. Fourteen days to file an answer to the money claim (if filed in the District Court).
IF NO ANSWER FILED after seven calendar days, a default may be taken on the possession count. The filing fee for filing for default is $50.00. After 14 days, a default may be taken on the money count. $50.00 filing fee for default.
ORIGINAL FILING IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE TREATED AS A PRIORITY CASE.
APPEALS: If the case is filed in the District Court, the appeal would go to the Circuit Court. Appealed cases must be set in the Circuit Court within 60 days. (If the case is filed in the Circuit Court, the appeal would go to the Court of Civil Appeals.) The time for filing an appeal is seven calendar days from the final order or from the ruling on a post-trial motion. A post-trial motion filed before a Notice of Appeal is filed would greatly extend the time for filing a Notice of Appeal.
Order entered by District Court Judge should set the amount of appeal bond which would be two amounts based on past due rent and accruing rent. If the District Court Judge fails to set a bond before Notice of Appeal to Circuit Court is filed, the Circuit Court Judge will set bond upon filing of a motion.
In order to stop the eviction while the appeal is pending, an appeal bond MUST be posted (The bond amount is the amount of all past due rent and continuing to pay all rent as it becomes due during the pendency of the appeal.). The bond money is paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Affidavit of Substantial Hardship does not waive the posting of this bond to stop the eviction while the appeal is pending. If the tenant does not post a bond, it has no effect on the appeal only on his right to possession of the property.
ENFORCEMENT OF COURT ORDER: In order for property to be returned to the landlord, the landlord must file a Writ of Possession and pay a filing fee of $17.00. A Writ of Possession cannot be requested until after the time for the filing of a post-judgment motion and the appeal time has expired, which is seven calendar days from the date of the judgment in the District Court.
This information is being provided to you for the purpose of explaining the guidelines and procedures of this office in the filing of Unlawful Detainer actions in the District Court and should in no way be construed as legal advice. Should you have any questions or need additional information, it is recommended that you see an attorney.