Ala. Code § 31-13-33 § 31-13-33
Rental Agreements with Unauthorized Aliens Prohibited.
Operative Text
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, it shall be unlawful for a person to harbor an alien unlawfully present in the United States by entering into a rental agreement, as defined by Section 35-9A-141, with an alien to provide accommodations, if the person knows or recklessly disregards the fact that the alien is unlawfully present in the United States.
Alabama Code § 31-13-33 makes it unlawful to enter into a rental agreement — as that term is defined under Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — with a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, when the person offering the rental knows or recklessly disregards that immigration status. The provision characterizes such an agreement as a form of 'harboring' under state law. It applies regardless of other state laws that might otherwise govern rental relationships.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ala. Code § 31-13-33, property owners and managers who enter into rental agreements are subject to a state prohibition against knowingly or recklessly renting to individuals unlawfully present in the United States. Operators who document their tenant-screening processes and maintain consistent, lawful practices around verifying eligibility are generally acting in a manner consistent with this provision's requirements. Because this law intersects with federal immigration law and fair housing obligations, property managers commonly consult legal counsel when developing screening policies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ala. Code § 31-13-33 is a provision directed at landlord conduct rather than tenant liability, making it unlawful for a landlord — not a tenant — to knowingly or recklessly enter into a covered rental agreement. Individuals who believe a landlord has used this provision as a pretext for discriminatory treatment may find it useful to contact a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with both Alabama landlord-tenant law and federal fair housing protections. Those with questions about how this provision interacts with their specific circumstances may wish to seek guidance from an immigration attorney or a civil legal aid provider.
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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