What does “Forcible entry and detainer (FED)” mean?

Key takeaways

• A working definition is not the statute.
• The same word can mean different things in different states.
• When a court is named, ask legal aid — do not litigate from a glossary.

Do this today

1. Read the definition as a starting point, not as the rule.
2. Open your state page for the official chapter.
3. If the paper names a court, call legal aid.

What this page is not

• Not a legal dictionary for your courthouse.
• Not the meaning your judge will use.
• Not legal advice.

Confirm it locally

Caps, clocks, and entry hours live in your state chapter. Search below, or take the paper to legal aid if a court is named.

Terms on this page

Forcible entry and detainer (FED)

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Official sources

• LawHelp.orgFree legal aid by state. Start here for court papers.
• HUD tenant rightsFederal floor and state HUD pages.
• Cornell LII landlord-tenant tableIndex of official state chapters. We name the chapter; we do not paraphrase a number out of it.
• 211Local rent, shelter, food, and utilities, in many languages.