Operative Text
A utility may rely upon or require a writ of possession under Chapter 9 or 9A when discontinuing or refusing to discontinue service at a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises, and the utility shall not be liable for an action if based upon a writ of possession.
Under Alabama Code §§ 35-9B-7, a utility company is permitted to use a court-issued writ of possession as its basis for deciding whether to continue or discontinue service at a residential property. When a utility acts in accordance with such a writ, it is shielded from legal liability for that action. This provision essentially ties utility service decisions to the formal legal eviction process established under Alabama law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-7, landlords involved in eviction proceedings should be aware that utility companies may look to a writ of possession when making decisions about service at a dwelling. A compliant operator generally ensures that any eviction process follows the proper legal channels under Chapters 9 or 9A, since the utility's protected actions are tied to that court-issued document. Understanding how utility service intersects with the writ of possession process can help property managers anticipate how service may be handled during a transition of occupancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ala. Code §§ 35-9B-7 establishes that a utility's decision to discontinue or maintain service at your dwelling may be guided by whether a writ of possession has been issued through the court. Tenants should be aware that a utility acting on a valid writ of possession is generally protected from liability under this provision. If you believe a utility has improperly discontinued service without a valid writ, tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services in Alabama may be able to help you understand the options available under this provision.
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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