Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in Pennsylvania
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in Pennsylvania costs $75–$175 - among the more affordable of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Hearing within 7-15 days after service. Writ issued 10 days after judgment., and a mandatory waiting period of 10 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment (10-day notice), lease violation (15-day notice), end of lease (15-30 day notice)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in Pennsylvania
Filing for eviction in Pennsylvania costs $75–$175 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. $75-$175 at Magisterial District Court. Constable service fee ~$50-$100 additional. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 10 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Hearing within 7-15 days after service. Writ issued 10 days after judgment.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Pennsylvania lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment (10-day notice), lease violation (15-day notice), end of lease (15-30 day notice) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
$75-$175 at Magisterial District Court. Constable service fee ~$50-$100 additional.
How Pennsylvania compares to other states
Pennsylvania ranks #7 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); Pennsylvania is highlighted at $175.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Serve proper written notice (10 days for non-payment)
- File at Magisterial District Court
- Constable serves complaint (hearing in 7-15 days)
- Writ of Possession 10 days after judgment
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Serve written notice (10 days for non-payment)
- 2
File Landlord/Tenant Complaint at Magisterial District Court
- 3
Constable serves complaint on tenant
- 4
Hearing within 7-15 days
- 5
Judgment issued after hearing
- 6
Writ of Possession after 10 days (if no appeal)
- 7
Constable executes eviction
Important Notes
PA eviction process starts at Magisterial District Court. Appeal goes to Court of Common Pleas.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment (10-day notice), lease violation (15-day notice), end of lease (15-30 day notice)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $75–$175
- Waiting Period
- 10 days
- Typical Timeline
- Hearing within 7-15 days after service. Writ issued 10 days after judgment.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee for eviction in Pennsylvania is $75–$175. $75-$175 at Magisterial District Court. Constable service fee ~$50-$100 additional.
How long does eviction take in Pennsylvania?
Hearing within 7-15 days after service. Writ issued 10 days after judgment.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in Pennsylvania?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in Pennsylvania, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Pennsylvania resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires a mandatory waiting period of 10 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in Pennsylvania?
Eviction filings in Pennsylvania are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in Pennsylvania?
Key requirements include: Serve proper written notice (10 days for non-payment); File at Magisterial District Court; Constable serves complaint (hearing in 7-15 days).
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Pennsylvania court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |