Tenn. Code Ann. » Tenn. Code / Title 29 / Chapter 18
Tennessee Code Annotated

Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-103 (2026)

Forcible detainer defined

✓ current as of May 2026
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A forcible detainer is where a person enters lawfully or peaceably, and holds unlawfully, and by any of the means enumerated in § 29-18-102 as constituting a forcible entry.

Code 1858, § 3343 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, § 3); Shan., § 5092; Code 1932, § 9246; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 23-1603.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases, 1985–2019 · leading case: Newport Hous. Auth. v. Ballard, 839 S.W.2d 86 (Tenn. 1992).
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Newport Hous. Auth. v. Ballard, 839 S.W.2d 86 (Tenn. 1992). · cites it 2× “Forcible detainer is defined in T.C.A. § 29-18-103 as where a person enters lawfully or peaceably, and holds unlawfully, by any of the means enumerated in T.”
Milligan v. Am. Hoist & Derrick Co., 622 F. Supp. 56 (W.D. Tenn. 1985). · cites it 2× “Section 29-18-103 has therefore superceded and rendered a nullity, the “under no circumstances” clause of section 28-3-104(b).”
John Wesley Sullivan v. Brenda Kreiling (Tenn. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 4× “” Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-103 . Thus, the Conservator’s claim for relief, possession, is clearly based on “forcible detainer” under Tenn.”
Outloud! INC. v. Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (Tenn. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 2× “§ 29-18 - 102; forcible detainer, Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-103 ; and unlawful detainer, Tenn.”
Self Help Ventures Fund v. Glenna Robilio (Tenn. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 2× “not less than 30 days from the date the notice is given to Borrower, by which the default must be cured; and (d) that failure to cure the default on or before the date specified in the 5 “Although FED proceedings are considered one type of action, the Tennessee Code identifies…”
Fed. Nat'l Mortg. Ass'n v. Glenna Robilio (Tenn. Ct. App. 2008). · cites it 2× “§ 29-18-102 (2000), forcible detainer, Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-103 (2000), and unlawful detainer, Tenn.”
CitiFinancial Mortg. Co., Inc. v. Augustus Beasley (Tenn. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 2× “Under the facts of this unlawful detainer action, the right to immediate possession requires (1) the plaintiff’s (constructive) possession and (2) the plaintiff’s subsequent loss of 8 Although FED proceedings are considered one type of action, the Tennessee Code identifies…”
Gayle Penley v. Honda Motor (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999). · cites it 2× “Penley next contends that T.C.A. § 29-18-103 violates Article I, Section 8 or the “due process clause” of the Tennessee Constitution.”
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