National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Alabama?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Alabama finish in about 3 to 4 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

If the tenant contests: Appeal within 7 days; circuit court sets trial within 60 days.

The Alabama eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    10 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    7 business days (about 10 calendar days)

    From our guide: “the rental agreement will terminate on a date not less than seven business days after the tenant receives the notice”

  2. 2Court case

    6 to 13 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Served 6+ days before return day; answer due 7 days after service

    From our guide: “Service follows the Rules of Civil Procedure, by the sheriff, a constable or a process server, at least six days before the return day.” and “the defendant must serve an answer within seven calendar days after service, instead of the usual 14”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    7 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ stayed 7 days after judgment, then issues on request

    From our guide: “The automatic stay on issuing the writ is seven days, in place of the longer stay under Rule 62.”

What can slow it down

  • An appealing tenant keeps possession only by paying accrued and ongoing rent into court; missing a payment lets the landlord get the writ immediately.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Alabama eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Alabama scores 9 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Alabama attorney before acting.