HB242 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

K.L. Brown

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Crimes and offenses, crime of theft of services expanded to include failure to return rental property, Sec. 13A-8-10 am'd.

Summary

HB242 expands theft of services to cover failing to timely return rental property after a rental agreement ends and not paying rental charges after written notice.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new scenario to theft of services by making it theft when someone returns rental property after the rental period ends and does not pay rental charges within 10 days after written demand and fails to return the property. It sets return deadlines based on property value: within 5 days for property valued under $1,500, and within 3 days for property valued at $1,500 or more. It defines 'services' to include the rental of property under a rental agreement and requires notice to be sent in writing via registered or certified mail. The bill notes that, as a crime-definition change, it is treated differently with respect to local-funding requirements under Amendment 621.

Who It Affects

• Renters/tenants who rent property under a rental agreement could be charged with theft of services if they fail to timely return the property and fail to pay charges after written notice.
• Landlords or rental property businesses who manage rental properties would use this provision to enforce timely return and payment, requiring them to issue written notice by registered or certified mail.

Key Provisions

• Adds a new theft of services scenario for returning rental property after expiration and failing to pay rental charges within 10 days after written notice demanding payment.
• Sets return deadlines by property value: within 5 days if the property is valued under $1,500; within 3 days if valued at $1,500 or more.
• Requires notice to be sent in writing via registered or certified mail to the address on the rental or service agreement.
• Defines 'services' to include rental of property under a rental agreement, among other services.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses