I used to be a tenant in a state of AL and now live in CA. I am having a dispute with my landlord, I am trying to weigh out my options. It is likely that the landlord will file a small claim in AL district court. Can I request the case to be transferred to CA where I reside since I cannot possibly attend a hearing in AL.

If it is cheaper to pay the landlord than travel to AL, you may just want to see if you can settle with him, or make plans to hire an attorney in AL or travel there.

If it is cheaper to pay the landlord than travel to AL, you may just want to see if you can settle with him, or make plans to hire an attorney in AL or travel there.

So this means that the court will not tranfer the case to CA by my request? And if so, can I send a declaration instead of attending the court?

You can try