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Eviction in Shelby County, Alabama

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

Quick facts: eviction in Shelby County

Eviction court
Shelby County District Court (Circuit Clerk, 18th 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
Renter households
16,194 (19% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Shelby County

Eviction cases in Shelby County are heard by the Shelby County District Court (Circuit Clerk, 18th Judicial Circuit) (District court (unlawful detainer)).

Court eviction page · Self-help center

The Circuit Clerk's unlawful detainer guide says District Court and Circuit Court have concurrent jurisdiction (actions seeking injunctive relief must go to Circuit Court). Cases start with Complaint Form C-59; include a copy of the notice to the tenant with the filing. The landlord may seek possession and money damages in the same action; tenants may counterclaim with no filing fee in District Court.

How eviction cases work locally

Appeal and appeal bondAn appeal from District Court goes to Circuit Court and must be filed within seven consecutive days; to stop the eviction during the appeal, the tenant must post the appeal bond set by the court with the Circuit Clerk. An Affidavit of Substantial Hardship does not waive this bond.
Source: Official source
DefaultIf no answer is filed, a default judgment and writ of possession may be filed.
Source: Official source

The Alabama eviction process

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

Median gross rent in Shelby County: $1,401/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 Shelby County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Shelby County

Other Alabama counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Shelby County?
Eviction cases in Shelby County are filed with the Shelby County District Court (Circuit Clerk, 18th Judicial Circuit).
Where can I get help with an eviction in Shelby County?
Legal Services Alabama.

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.