What is a forcible detainer?

A forcible detainer is a legal term used in landlord-tenant law to refer to the act of unlawfully and forcibly removing a tenant from their rental property. This can include actions such as changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or physically removing the tenant or their belongings from the premises without legal eviction proceedings.

Forcible detainer is illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in legal consequences for the landlord, including fines and damages awarded to the tenant. Tenants who have been removed through forcible detainer may also have legal recourse to sue the landlord for wrongful eviction.

If a landlord wishes to evict a tenant, they must follow the proper legal procedures as outlined in the local landlord-tenant laws, which typically include providing written notice, filing an eviction lawsuit in court, and obtaining a court order for the tenant to vacate the premises. Any attempts to circumvent these procedures through forcible detainer are considered illegal.