Q: Can apartment complex violate the "Code of Alabama"
Can apartment complex violate the "Code of Alabama" Title 35 9A by charging it's tenants extra fees per month for trash removal ($5) and pest control ($10)? Who enforces the "Code of Alabama"? Who and Where do I file a complaint? Am I entitled to see the contract with the trash removal and pest control companies, to make sure that the apartment complex company is not overcharging tenants for these extra fees above our regular rent? Can the apartment complex company make a profit by charging tenants more than what they are paying these companies for the service?
I asked the Alabama Attorney General these questions, but he was not interested and suggested I contact a private lawyer. The Code of Alabama reads that the lanlord is responsible for these services.
A:
For better and more specific answers to your questions you should contact an attorney directly in your area and provide him a copy of your lease agreement. An apartment complex would not be permitted to violate the Alabama Code regarding its responsibilities to tenants.
If the apartment complex is providing a service like door side pick up for trash then it is certainly appropriate to charge additional sums for trash removal. I also do not believe that there would be anything objectionable with charging a set rate for monthly pest control services.
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