SB316 Summary

• Amends Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to prohibit rental agreements from requiring tenants to waive rights, authorize confession of judgment, pay landlord's attorney fees, or limit landlord liability; violating provisions allow tenants to recover actual damages plus up to one month's rent and attorney fees.

• Establishes landlord access rights to dwelling units with two days' notice for inspections and repairs, while prohibiting harassment; permits entry without consent only in emergencies, by court order, or when landlord has reasonable cause to believe tenant has abandoned the premises.

• Requires landlords to provide 14-day notice for material noncompliance by tenants (with curable breaches) and 7-day notice for unpaid rent; establishes noncurable defaults including illegal drug use, firearm discharge, and criminal assault with only 7-day notice and no right to remedy unless landlord consents.

• Allows landlords to recover actual damages and attorney fees for tenant noncompliance; clarifies that upon lease termination, landlords have separate claims for possession, rent, and actual damages for breach with reasonable attorney fees.

• Takes effect August 1, 2011.