Can my landlord change the locks while I am away?

No. Changing locks without providing a new key is an illegal lockout [§ 35-9A-407]. The penalty is actual damages plus up to 3 months' rent.

What should I do if I come home and the locks are changed?

Call the police to document the situation. Take photos. You may be able to get an emergency court order restoring access. Contact a legal aid organization or attorney immediately.

Can my landlord shut off my utilities if I owe rent?

No. Shutting off utilities as an eviction tactic is prohibited in Alabama [§ 35-9A-407], even if you owe rent. The landlord must go through the court eviction process.

Does it matter if the landlord pays for utilities or I do?

The prohibition on utility shutoffs as an eviction tactic applies regardless of who is responsible for utilities under the lease [§ 35-9A-407]. If the landlord controls the utility account and deliberately shuts it off to force you out, that is illegal self-help eviction.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Alabama Illegal Lockouts & Utility Shutoffs

Documenting events and seeking help quickly.

Self-help eviction is illegal in Alabama §35-9A-407. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities to force you to leave — regardless of whether rent is owed or the lease has been violated.

What counts as an illegal lockout

Changing the locks without providing a new key
Removing the door or hardware
Removing your personal property from the unit
Shutting off utilities (electricity, water, gas, heat) to make the unit uninhabitable
Blocking access to common areas

What to do if you are locked out

Call the police

An illegal lockout is a civil matter, but police may help you regain access or document the situation.

Document everything

Take photos and videos of changed locks, disconnected utilities, or removed belongings. Note the date and time.

Seek emergency relief

You may be able to get an emergency court order requiring the landlord to restore access.

Know the penalties

actual damages plus up to 3 months' rent §35-9A-407.

Utility shutoffs

Deliberately shutting off utilities as an eviction tactic is prohibited in Alabama. This applies even if the landlord is responsible for paying utilities under the lease. If your utilities are shut off by the landlord, the same remedies and penalties that apply to lockouts are available.

⚠If you are locked out or your utilities are shut off, act immediately. Document the situation and seek legal help the same day if possible. Courts take these actions seriously, and landlords who engage in self-help eviction face significant penalties.

✓Even if you owe rent or have violated the lease, the landlord must go through the court process to remove you. Being behind on rent does not give the landlord the right to lock you out or shut off utilities.

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