What can I do about my tenant's son and his friends causing damage?

Full question:

My tenant’s son recently got out of jail and moved in along with my tenant. My tenant son’s gangster friends often come to visit him and intentionally cause damage to the rental property. They have already broken the fences in the garden. What can I do in this situation?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: Alabama

Answer:

In Alabama, if a tenant violates their obligations under Section 35-9A-301, you can take action. This section states that tenants must:

  • Comply with building and housing codes that affect health and safety;
  • Keep the premises clean and safe;
  • Not intentionally or negligently damage the property or allow others to do so.

If your tenant is noncompliant, you can deliver a written notice to terminate the lease. This notice must specify the violations and give the tenant at least seven days to remedy the situation. If they do not fix the issues within that time, the lease will terminate as stated in the notice (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421).

You may also seek to recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, or obtain injunctive relief due to the tenant's noncompliance (Ala. Code § 35-9A-421(c)). Keep in mind that a tenant can only cure a breach of lease terms a limited number of times within a year without your consent.

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

To evict an unauthorized occupant in Alabama, you must first provide the tenant with a written notice to terminate the lease. This notice should specify the violation, such as having an unauthorized person living on the property. If the tenant does not address the issue within the time specified in the notice, you can file for eviction in court. Make sure to follow the proper legal procedures for eviction to avoid complications. Consult with a legal professional for guidance tailored to your situation. *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.*