All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Houston County, Alabama

Where eviction cases are filed in Houston County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Houston County

Eviction court
Houston County District Court - District Civil Division (Circuit Clerk, 20th Judicial Circuit) — District court (unlawful detainer) Court page
Notice before filing (state law)
Written notice to terminate that states the rent and any late fees owed. The rental agreement terminates on a date not less than 7 business days after the tenant receives the notice, unless the tenant pays (cures) within the 7 business days. Alabama rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$950/month HUD
Renter households
15,678 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Houston County

Eviction cases in Houston County are heard by the Houston County District Court - District Civil Division (Circuit Clerk, 20th Judicial Circuit) (District court (unlawful detainer)).

Court eviction page · E-filing

The District Civil Division handles evictions and unlawful detainers. Self-represented parties can register for e-notices through AlaFile and then must bring photo ID to the Clerk's Office to complete registration. For certified-mail service, filers supply a stamped, addressed envelope with completed certified mail forms showing the Clerk's address as the return address.

The Alabama eviction process

Alabama state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Houston County:

  1. Landlord delivers a written notice to terminate: 7 business days for nonpayment or curable lease violations (§ 35-9A-421), or 30 days to end a month-to-month tenancy (§ 35-9A-441)
  2. Landlord files an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint in district court
  3. Service: personal service first; otherwise delivery to an adult resident, or posting on the door plus first-class mailing by the close of the next business day
  4. Tenant files an answer within 7 calendar days after service (weekends and holidays count; if the last day falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day); if no answer, landlord may seek default judgment on possession
  5. Judgment; either party may appeal to circuit court within 7 days of entry, and the tenant must pay rent into court to stay the writ
  6. Writ of possession issues on landlord's application after the 7-day automatic stay
  7. Writ executed by the sheriff/constable

Full Alabama eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Houston County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Dothan, AL HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$757
1 bedroom$762
2 bedrooms$950
3 bedrooms$1,288
4 bedrooms$1,428

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Houston County: $945/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Houston County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Houston County

Other Alabama counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Houston County?
Eviction cases in Houston County are filed with the Houston County District Court - District Civil Division (Circuit Clerk, 20th Judicial Circuit).
Where can I get help with an eviction in Houston County?
Legal Services Alabama - Dothan office.
What is the fair market rent in Houston County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $950 per month (1-bedroom: $762).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.