Ala. Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353 § 6-6-310
Definitions.
Operative Text
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section: (1) FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER. Where one by force or strong hand, or by exciting fear or terror, enters upon and detains lands or tenements in the possession of another, as by breaking open doors, windows or any other part of a house, whether any person is within or not, by threats of violence to the party in possession, or by words or actions that have a tendency to excite fear or apprehension of danger, by putting out of doors or removing the goods or chattels of the party in possession, or by entering peaceably and then by unlawful refusal, or by force or threats, turning, or keeping the party out of possession. (2) UNLAWFUL DETAINER. Where one who has lawfully entered into possession of lands as tenant fails or refuses, after the termination of the possessory interest of the tenant, to deliver possession of the premises to anyone lawfully entitled or his or her agent or attorney.
Alabama Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353 establishes the legal definitions that govern the state's forcible entry and detainer proceedings. 'Forcible entry and detainer' covers situations where someone seizes or holds property through force, threats, intimidation, or by removing another person's belongings, while 'unlawful detainer' covers situations where a person who entered a property lawfully refuses to leave after their right to possess it has ended. These definitions set the foundational vocabulary for how Alabama courts interpret and apply the eviction-related statutes that follow in this article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ala. Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353, Alabama law draws a clear line between two distinct legal situations that property owners may encounter. A compliant operator generally understands that self-help measures—such as changing locks, removing a tenant's belongings, or using threats to remove an occupant—can fall within the statutory definition of 'forcible entry and detainer,' exposing the actor to legal liability. When a tenant's possessory interest has ended and the tenant refuses to vacate, operators typically pursue the formal unlawful detainer process defined in this article rather than taking unilateral action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ala. Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353 provides definitions that are central to understanding tenant protections in Alabama eviction proceedings. The definition of 'forcible entry and detainer' encompasses a range of coercive conduct—including threats, intimidation, and removal of personal property—that a landlord may not lawfully use to displace an occupant. Tenants who believe they have been subjected to such conduct may have grounds to raise it as a legal issue in court proceedings, and consulting a tenant-rights organization can help clarify what options may be available under this article.
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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