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View Full Version : Renters law in Alabama?


danielpaul
Oct 10, 2011, 05:07 PM
I live in a small apartment building in Huntsville, AL. I am wondering if there is any minimum requirement for the lock(s) on my front door. It is an interior hall entry but the main exterior door has no lock. For my own security reasons I will not disclose where or what type of lock(s) I have but I do not feel that it is enough for basic security of my person and property. There are some units with more. I can't seem to find anything in the written laws (difficulty 'googling') this issue.

Thank you

AK lawyer
Oct 10, 2011, 05:15 PM
... For my own security reasons I will not disclose where or what type of lock(s) I have but I do not feel that it is enough for basic security of my person and property. ...

And you want to know if the landord is required to install a better lock?

If the lock was there when you rented the place, and in good working order, it's enough as far as the landlord is concerned. I don't think the landlord is obligated to upgrade the locks. And even if there were some sort of a law in Huntsville requiring compliance with a minimum standard (which I seriously doubt), how do you expect us to tell you if your locks meet that standard if you won't tell us what you have?

Fr_Chuck
Oct 10, 2011, 05:39 PM
As long as your door to your apartment has a lock, there is no requirement for the building door to have a lock ( not even a requirement for a door to the hall going into the building. I know many apartments that have open hall ways.

Your door must properly secure, ( can't just pop open if someone pushes on it.

If you wish to install a higher quality lock or perhaps a dead bolt addition, you need to talk to the landlord who may require it to be a certain brand or type.

ScottGem
Oct 10, 2011, 07:50 PM
Basic security is a lock on your unit's door. I don't know of any area that requires security to enter the building. This is a perk and selling point. But not a requirement. If security was a concern, you should have taken that into account when looking for a place.