Landlord won't remove stump in Hazel Green rental?

Quick facts	Answer
Cost range	Multiple stump discount: $300–$1,000 per job
Time	A single average stump takes 30 to 60 minutes for an experienced crew
Who's qualified	Ask for proof of insurance, relevant certifications (e.g., ASE for auto repair), and any license your state or city requires.

Clarify lease terms on exterior maintenance before anything else

Read the lease for any clause about exterior maintenance or storm damage cleanup. Alabama law says a landlord must make repairs to keep the home habitable, and a lease cannot legally make the tenant responsible for all repairs. A tenant may be responsible only if the lease or a separate signed agreement clearly says so.

What to do this week

Send the landlord a written repair request and keep a copy. Give the landlord 14 days to respond unless the problem is an emergency. Document the damage with dated photos, and do not stop paying rent, since Alabama does not allow rent withholding for repairs.

What to check when hiring a stump pro

Ask the pro for proof of licence and insurance before work starts. Get the stump measured so you can compare quotes, since pros often price by diameter or a flat per-stump minimum. Ask whether the pro will check for buried gas, water, or sewer lines before grinding.

When a stump sits in a public strip

If the stump is in a public right-of-way or city-owned strip, a permit may be required before anyone touches it. Confirm with the city first. Stump-grinding operators need a city or county business license to operate legally in Alabama.

What to do next

Pull your lease and highlight any line about yard, exterior, or storm damage maintenance.
Send the landlord a written repair demand today and keep a dated copy.
Photograph the fallen tree or stump from several angles and save the files with dates.
Ask any stump pro for proof of insurance and a written quote that lists the stump diameter and the per-inch or per-stump price.
Call (256) 578-4701 or email [email protected] for a free quote from an independent, insured stump grinding pro.

HSV Stump Guy is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.

Quick answers

Who pays for stump removal in Alabama rentals?

Under Alabama law, the landlord usually must make major repairs and keep the rental livable. The tenant pays only if a valid written agreement clearly shifts that duty.

Can tenants deduct stump removal cost from rent?

No. Alabama sources say tenants generally cannot withhold rent or use repair-and-deduct when a landlord refuses a repair. Send written notice instead.

Is the landlord liable for stump hazards in yards?

A landlord must do whatever is necessary to keep the premises habitable. Tree-fall damage that affects safety or access is likely the landlord's responsibility unless the lease clearly says otherwise.

How to document stump damage for lease disputes?

Keep a copy of your written repair demand and take dated photos of the damage. This record helps if the dispute later turns on what the lease says or whether the landlord failed to act.