Eviction in Madison County (Huntsville), Alabama
Where eviction cases are filed in Madison County (Huntsville), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Madison County (Huntsville)
- Eviction court
- Madison County District Court (23rd Judicial Circuit) - District Civil — District court (unlawful detainer / eviction) Court page
- Filing fee
- $302 unlawful detainer filing ($322 with Madison County Sheriff service on one defendant); +$10 per additional defendant plus $20 each if served by the Sheriff; Writ of Restitution/Possession Sheriff service $20 Madison County Circuit Clerk - Filing Fees (District Civil) and Civil 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)
- $1,310/month HUD
- Renter households
- 52,297 (32% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Madison County (Huntsville)
Eviction cases in Madison County (Huntsville) are heard by the Madison County District Court (23rd Judicial Circuit) - District Civil (District court (unlawful detainer / eviction)).
- Madison County Circuit Clerk - Civil — 100 North Side Square, Room 821, Huntsville, AL 35801 (256-532-3622) · website
Court eviction page · E-filing · Self-help center
Unlawful detainers start with Form C-59. After judgment, a Writ of Restitution or Possession (Form C-59A) cannot be requested until the 7-day post-judgment/appeal period has run. To stop an eviction during an appeal, the tenant must post the appeal bond with the Circuit Clerk; an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship does not waive that bond.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Madison County (Huntsville)
$302 unlawful detainer filing ($322 with Madison County Sheriff service on one defendant); +$10 per additional defendant plus $20 each if served by the Sheriff; Writ of Restitution/Possession Sheriff service $20
No effective date shown. Fees may be waived on an approved Affidavit of Substantial Hardship.
Source: Madison County Circuit Clerk - Filing Fees (District Civil) and Civil page
How eviction cases work locally
| Writ timing | Writ of Restitution or Possession (Form C-59A, $20 Sheriff fee) may be requested only after the 7-day post-judgment motion and appeal period expires. Source: Official source |
|---|
The Alabama eviction process
Alabama state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Madison County (Huntsville):
- 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 Madison County (Huntsville)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Huntsville, AL MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,030 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,136 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,109 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Madison County (Huntsville): $1,209/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) are covered on city pages.
Eviction help in Madison County (Huntsville)
Free legal help
- Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program — Listed by the Circuit Clerk: 256-539-2275.
- Legal Services Alabama (Huntsville) — Listed by the Circuit Clerk as Legal Services: 256-536-9645. Statewide intake also at 866-456-4995 (legalservicesalabama.org).
Other Alabama counties
- Eviction in Jefferson County (Birmingham, Bessemer)
- Eviction in Mobile County (Mobile)
- 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 Madison County (Huntsville)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Madison County (Huntsville)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Madison County (Huntsville)?
What is the fair market rent in Madison County (Huntsville)?
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.