According to the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a tenant residing in Alabama may utilize the following remedies when a landlord illegally removes a tenant or restricts his or her access to the rental property or any essential services:
Unlawful Removal, Exclusion, or Diminution of Services
If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric, gas, or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to not more than three months’ periodic rent or the actual damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney’s fees. If the rental agreement is terminated under this section, the landlord shall return all security and prepaid rent recoverable under Alabama Security Deposits and Prepaid Rent.
Section 35-9A-407 (Act 2006-316, p. 668, §1.)
Return to Alabama Landlord-Tenant Laws.