Free tool · Alabama
Is my HOA fine valid in Alabama?
For Alabama HOAs whose declaration was recorded on or after January 1, 2016 (and older HOAs whose members opt in), the HOA Act lets the board fine only after the member has an opportunity to be heard, and only reasonably. Other older HOAs run on their declaration and, if incorporated, the Nonprofit Corporation Law.
This is general information, not legal advice, and it does not decide whether your fine is valid. For your specific situation, a licensed Alabama attorney is the right resource.
Check your notice
Answer a few questions about the Alabama fine or violation notice you received, and see how it compares to what the law requires.
What Alabama law requires before an HOA can fine you
Governing framework: Alabama Homeowners’ Association Act (Ala. Code § 35-20).
For HOAs under the 2016 Act, the board may assess a penalty only after the member is afforded the opportunity to be heard and represented by counsel before the board.
“after the member is afforded the opportunity to be heard and represented by counsel before the board of directors” — Ala. Code § 35-20-11
Statute: Ala. Code § 35-20-11
The Act authorizes only reasonable penalties, tied to a violation of the declaration or rules adopted by the board.
Statute: Ala. Code § 35-20-11
A fine must trace back to a provision in the declaration, bylaws, or a validly adopted rule; for pre-2016 HOAs that haven’t opted into the Act, the documents and, if the HOA is incorporated, the Nonprofit Corporation Law govern.
Statute: Ala. Code § 35-20-11; Title 10A, Ch. 3A
Timing the Alabama statute sets
HOA disputes often turn on short statutory windows — these are worth knowing early.
Records within 30 days of a written request
For post-2016 HOAs, owners can request association records in writing and get them within a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days; reasonable costs may be charged.
Ala. Code § 35-20-13