Ala. Code §§ 35-9-1 to 35-9-100 § 35-9-30
Lien Declared.
Operative Text
A landlord has a lien, which is paramount to, and has preference over, all other liens, on the crop grown on rented lands for rent for the current year, and for advances made in money, or other thing of value, either by him directly, or by another at his instance or request for which he became legally bound or liable at or before the time such advances were made, for the sustenance or well-being of the tenant or his family, or for preparing the ground for cultivation, or for cultivating, gathering, saving, handling, or preparing the crop for market; and also on all articles advanced, and on all property purchased with money advanced or obtained by barter in exchange for articles advanced, for the aggregate price or value of such articles and property.
Under Alabama Code § 35-9-30, a landlord who rents agricultural land holds a special legal claim — called a lien — on the crop produced on that land during the current rental year. This lien takes priority over virtually all other competing claims or liens against the same crop. The lien covers not only unpaid rent but also money or goods the landlord advanced (or arranged to be advanced) to support the tenant's household, prepare the soil, cultivate the land, or bring the crop to market, as well as any property purchased with those advances.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 35-9-30, operators who rent farmland and provide advances — whether cash, supplies, or arrangements made on the tenant's behalf — generally document those transactions carefully to establish the scope of the lien at the time the advances are made. Because the lien attaches to the crop grown during the current year, maintaining clear records of rent owed and each advance (including its purpose and value) supports a landlord's ability to assert priority over other creditors. Landlords who advance goods or funds through a third party at their request should also retain evidence of that arrangement, since the statute extends the lien to such indirect advances.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Alabama Code § 35-9-30 gives your landlord a first-priority legal claim on the crop you grow on rented land, covering rent and any advances made for your household's sustenance, cultivation costs, or marketing of the crop. Understanding the scope of this lien matters because it can affect your ability to sell or pledge the crop to others — any such transaction may be subject to the landlord's superior claim. Tenants who have questions about how this lien applies to their situation may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or an attorney familiar with Alabama agricultural tenancy law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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