Ala. Code §§ 11-53-1 to 11-53-4 § 11-53-2
Enactment and Enforcement of Ordinances Regulating Use, Repair, Maintenance, Etc., of Buildings, Etc., Used for Human Habitation or Occupancy, Etc., Authorized.
Operative Text
The incorporated municipalities of this state are specifically authorized, in order to protect the health, safety, morals, welfare, well-being and comfort of their inhabitants and the public at large to enact, adopt, and enforce ordinances regulating the use, control, repair, and maintenance of buildings, dwellings, and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation or occupancy and, the number of occupants and the mode and manner of occupancy for the purpose of insuring the healthful, safe, and sanitary environment of the occupants of such structures and to compel the owners or persons in charge of such buildings to alter, reconstruct, or modify them or any room, compartment, or part thereof for the purpose of insuring the healthful, safe, and sanitary environment of the occupants thereof and to prohibit the use and occupancy of such buildings, dwellings and structures of all types and descriptions used for human habitation or occupancy until such rules, regulations, and provisions imposed by ordinance shall have been complied with.
Alabama Code §§ 11-53-1 to 11-53-4, § 11-53-2 grants incorporated municipalities in Alabama the legal authority to create and enforce local ordinances governing residential buildings and dwellings. These ordinances can address how properties are used, maintained, and repaired, as well as how many people may occupy a structure and in what manner. Municipalities may also require owners to alter or reconstruct buildings to meet health and safety standards, and can prohibit occupancy of any structure that does not comply with applicable local rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 11-53-2, local municipalities in Alabama have broad authority to set and enforce standards for the use, repair, and maintenance of rental properties. Operators who stay current with their municipality's housing ordinances—covering everything from structural conditions to occupancy limits—are generally positioned to remain in compliance. A property found to be out of compliance may be barred from occupancy until all required alterations or repairs are completed to the municipality's satisfaction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 11-53-2 of the Alabama Code establishes that local governments have the power to protect residents by regulating the condition and occupancy of dwellings. If a rental unit appears to violate local housing ordinances—such as those addressing unsafe conditions or overcrowding—tenants may have grounds to raise those violations with the local municipal authority responsible for housing code enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations in Alabama can help residents understand what local ordinances apply and what general options exist for addressing substandard housing conditions.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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