Pennsylvania Eviction court process & timeline

How does the eviction court process work in Pennsylvania?

After the landlord files a complaint, the magisterial district judge issues a summons for a hearing 7 to 10 days later. If the landlord wins, a writ of possession can be issued after the fifth day following judgment; it is served within 48 hours and carried out on the 11th day after service. Either side may appeal to the court of common pleas within 10 days for a residential lease (30 days for a domestic-violence victim). A tenant's appeal stops the eviction only if the tenant pays the judgment amount and keeps paying rent into escrow.

Verified Source: Pa. Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Sections 502, 503 and 513 (68 P.S. §§ 250.502, 250.503, 250.513) (Browser transcription) · last checked 2026-10-15