SB513 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Cam WardQuinton RossLinda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnGerald O. DialJerry L. Fielding

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Rental property, tenants authorized to vacate and terminate rental agreement on dwelling damaged by weather disaster of April 2011, Sec. 35-9A-406 am'd.

Summary

SB513 would let Alabama tenants terminate their lease if their rental home was damaged by a weather-related disaster in April 2011.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends the housing code to add weather-related disaster damage in April 2011 as a valid reason for a tenant to vacate and end the rental agreement. If the damage substantially impairs enjoyment of the dwelling, the tenant may notify the landlord in writing within 60 days after the act becomes law, and the lease ends on the date the tenant vacates. If termination occurs, the landlord must return the security deposit and any unearned prepaid rent, with rent accounting made as of the date of the disaster. The bill also preserves existing remedies for fire or casualty, including options to vacate immediately or to partially occupy with rent reduced in proportion to the loss in value.

Who It Affects

• Tenants in Alabama whose rental dwelling was damaged by the April 2011 weather-related disaster and who wish to vacate and terminate their lease
• Landlords of those rental properties who must process refunds of security deposits, unearned prepaid rents, and rent adjustments

Key Provisions

• Adds April 2011 weather-related disaster damage as grounds for a tenant to vacate and terminate a rental agreement when enjoyment of the dwelling is substantially impaired
• Permits the tenant to notify the landlord in writing within 60 days after the amendatory act becomes law, with the lease termination effective as of the date the tenant vacates
• Requires the landlord to return all recoverable security deposits and all unearned prepaid rent, and to account for rent as of the disaster date if termination occurs
• Maintains existing remedies for damage caused by fire or casualty, including the option to vacate immediately and terminate or to vacate part of the dwelling with rent reduced proportionally to the diminished fair rental value

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Landlord-Tenant