What remedies are available for retaliation by my landlord in Alabama?

Full question:

I am a tenant in Alabama. My landlord has disconnected the cable connection as I complained that the heater in our apartment is not working. He did not take any action to rectify the fault, instead retaliated for complaining about the fault. What remedy is available for me in this regard?

Answer:

In Alabama, landlords are required to maintain their properties, including heating systems (Code of Ala. § 35-9A-204). If a tenant complains about a landlord's failure to meet these obligations, retaliatory actions by the landlord, such as disconnecting services, are prohibited (Code of Ala. § 35-9A-501).

If you are facing retaliation, you have the right to terminate your rental agreement and seek damages. This includes recovering your security deposit and an amount equal to up to three months' rent or the actual damages you incurred, whichever is greater (Code of Ala. § 35-9A-407). Additionally, you may be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In Alabama, landlords are generally required to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after being notified of the issue. While there is no specific time frame defined by law, what is considered 'reasonable' can depend on the nature of the repair. For urgent repairs, like heating issues during winter, a quicker response is expected. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal grounds to take further action, including terminating the lease or seeking damages. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*