What is forcible entry and detainer?

Forcible entry and detainer, also known as FED, is a legal process used to evict tenants who are in default of their lease agreements. It is a lawsuit filed by landlords or property owners against tenants who have refused to vacate the premises after the expiration of their lease or after they have committed a breach of their rental agreement. To file an FED case, the landlord must first provide the tenant with a written notice to vacate the property within a certain period of time, typically 3 to 30 days depending on state laws. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord can then file an FED case. The court will then issue a summons to the tenant to appear and defend the lawsuit. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a writ of possession will be issued to legally remove the tenant from the property. It is important to note that landlords must follow the proper legal procedures and cannot resort to self-help remedies, such as changing locks or turning off utilities, to evict tenants.