Eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer), Alabama
Where eviction cases are filed in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
- Eviction court
- Jefferson County District Court (10th Judicial Circuit) - Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions — District court (unlawful detainer / eviction) Court page
- Filing fee
- $256 unlawful detainer filing; $10 per additional defendant 10th Judicial Circuit (Jefferson County, Birmingham Division) - Filing Fees
- 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)
- $1,266/month HUD
- Renter households
- 97,464 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22
Where eviction cases are filed in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
Eviction cases in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer) are heard by the Jefferson County District Court (10th Judicial Circuit) - Birmingham and Bessemer Divisions (District court (unlawful detainer / eviction)).
- Jefferson County Courthouse, Birmingham Division — 716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 (Circuit Clerk 205-325-5355) · website
Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center
Standing order: unlawful detainer/eviction actions may only be filed by a lawyer or the person whose name is on the deed. Jefferson County has two divisions (Birmingham and Bessemer).
How much it costs to file an eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
$256 unlawful detainer filing; $10 per additional defendant
No effective date shown. Writ of possession fee not listed. Bessemer Division fee not separately confirmed.
Source: 10th Judicial Circuit (Jefferson County, Birmingham Division) - Filing Fees
How eviction cases work locally
| Who may file | By standing order, eviction actions may only be filed by a lawyer or the person whose name is on the deed. Source: Official source |
|---|
The Alabama eviction process
Alabama state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer):
- 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)
- Landlord files an unlawful detainer (eviction) complaint in district court
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Writ of possession issues on landlord's application after the 7-day automatic stay
- Writ executed by the sheriff/constable
Full Alabama eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Birmingham-Hoover, AL HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,024 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,155 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,266 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,583 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,801 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer): $1,193/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified.
Eviction help in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
Free legal help
- Legal Services Alabama — Statewide civil legal aid with a Birmingham office; handles eviction and housing issues; call center 866-456-4995.
Other Alabama counties
- Eviction in Mobile County (Mobile)
- Eviction in Madison County (Huntsville)
- Eviction in Montgomery County (Montgomery)
- Eviction in Tuscaloosa County (Tuscaloosa)
Related
- Alabama landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Alabama
- Alabama eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Alabama (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)?
What is the fair market rent in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)?
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.