Cal. Civ. Code § 29-18-101
Unlawful entry prohibited.
Operative Text
No person shall enter upon any lands, tenements, or other possessions, and detain or hold the same, but where entry is given by law, and then only in a peaceable manner.
Tennessee Code Ann. tit. 29, ch. 18 § 29-18-101 establishes that no one may enter and then occupy or hold real property—such as land, a rental unit, or other premises—unless the law specifically authorizes that entry, and even then the entry must be carried out peacefully. The rule applies broadly to any person, meaning it covers landlords, former tenants, and third parties alike. It sets a foundational standard that lawful authorization and peaceful conduct are both required before anyone can take or retain possession of property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. tit. 29, ch. 18 § 29-18-101, compliant property owners and managers rely on legally recognized processes—such as formal eviction or court-ordered possession—rather than self-help measures when seeking to regain control of a rental unit. Operators generally avoid any entry or hold on a property that is not expressly permitted by law, and they ensure that any authorized entry is conducted in a calm, non-forcible manner. Maintaining documentation of the legal basis for any entry or repossession is a common practice among operators who follow this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenn. Code Ann. tit. 29, ch. 18 § 29-18-101 provides tenants with a foundational protection against unlawful or forcible entry onto their rented premises by any party, including a landlord. If a tenant believes someone has entered or seized their home without legal authorization or in a non-peaceable way, that conduct may constitute a violation of this provision, which can be raised as a defense in court proceedings or as the basis for a legal claim. Tenants who believe their rights under this section have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the options available to them.
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 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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