Recently updated on October 7th, 2025 at 06:52 am
Prepare your documents for Eviction in Pennsylvania
This website helps prepare the forms required for Eviction in Pennsylvania
An overview of Eviction at is here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help you determine which eviction-related legal option best fits your situation.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a housing advocate to get guidance on eviction-related matters. If you’re facing eviction from a rental property, an advocate can help you understand your rights and options. They can review your case documents, speak with you directly about your situation, and assist with developing a plan to maintain housing stability.
4. File with the Clerk
You can formally begin the eviction process by filing a Landlord-Tenant Complaint with the Magisterial District Court in the county where the rental property is located. Filing is typically done in person at the local district court office. Some courts may allow mailing the forms, but online filing is not commonly available for eviction cases in Pennsylvania. Check with your local Magisterial District Court for the exact filing procedures, fees, and accepted payment methods.
Process
Step 1
You: Take Online Screening
Begin your eviction process by taking the screening on LegalAtoms. Just enter your zip code in the top right corner of the homepage, then answer some simple questions about your rental situation and the tenant issue you are facing. This screening is designed to confirm whether filing an eviction case is appropriate for your situation and which specific forms and steps you will need. Based on your answers, LegalAtoms customizes the process to fit your county’s local rules and your case details. Before starting, gather all relevant documents to support your eviction claim.
Step 2
You: Gather evidence and issue the required 10-day Notice to Quit (for nonpayment of rent) before starting an eviction case in Pennsylvania.
Start by collecting all important documents to support your eviction case, including:
The lease or rental agreement signed by both you and the tenant.
A record of rent payments or missed payments.
Any written communication or prior notices given to the tenant.
Next, prepare a 10-Day Notice to Quit, as required under Pennsylvania law for nonpayment of rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must pay the overdue rent within 10 days or vacate the property to avoid eviction proceedings. You may use a court-approved template or create your own form—just ensure it meets Pennsylvania’s legal requirements.
Make sure to serve the notice properly, such as by hand delivery, posting on the premises, or certified mail (depending on local rules). Always retain a copy of the notice and proof of service (like a certificate of mailing or affidavit), as you will need it when filing your case with the Magisterial District Court.
Step 3
You: Wait for the Notice Period to Expire
After serving the 10-Day Notice to Quit in Pennsylvania, you must allow the full notice period to pass before filing for eviction. During this time, the tenant has the opportunity to pay the overdue rent (if applicable) or move out. If the tenant does not comply by the deadline, you can then proceed to file a Landlord-Tenant Complaint in the Magisterial District Court where the rental property is located.
Step 4
You: Create Your Eviction Case on LegalAtoms
Log in to your LegalAtoms account, or create one if you don’t have an account. From your dashboard, click “Start New Case” and select “Eviction (Pennsylvania)” as the case type. The platform will guide you step by step through entering all required information, including:
The tenant’s full name and contact details
The rental property address and lease terms
Uploads of supporting documents, such as the lease agreement, 10-Day Notice to Quit, and rent payment records
Step 5
You: Serve the Citation and Petition
Once your eviction case is filed with the New York Housing Court, the court will issue a Notice of Petition along with your Petition (Nonpayment) to officially notify the tenant about the lawsuit.
Serving the Tenant:
In New York, you cannot serve the eviction documents yourself. They must be served by a non-party who is at least 18 years old—or by a professional process server.
The server must attempt one of the following:
Personal delivery to the tenant
Substitute service (to a person of suitable age and discretion) plus mailing, or
Conspicuous place service (posting on the door) plus mailing, if other methods fail after due diligence
Once service is completed, the Affidavit of Service must be filed with the court. Proper service is essential—failure to follow legal procedures may result in dismissal or delays in your case.
Step 6
Wait for Tenant’s Response
After the tenant has been served with the Notice of Hearing and Complaint in Pennsylvania, you must wait for the court-scheduled eviction hearing. This hearing is typically held within 7 to 15 days after the complaint is filed and served, depending on the court's schedule.
In Pennsylvania, tenants are not required to file a written answer before the hearing. They can simply appear in court on the scheduled date to contest the eviction.
During this waiting period, monitor your LegalAtoms dashboard and any court communications for updates, including the hearing date. If the tenant fails to appear and service was properly completed, the judge may issue a default judgment in your favor, allowing you to proceed with the next step: requesting an Order for Possession.
Step 7
You, Request Default Judgment or Prepare for Hearing
Step 8
You: Obtain Final Judgment and Request Writ of Possession
If the court rules in your favor at the hearing in Pennsylvania, the judge will issue a Judgment for Possession, legally granting you the right to reclaim the rental property.
Next, you can request an Order for Possession (similar to a warrant of eviction). Once the order is issued:
The constable or sheriff will serve the tenant with the Order for Possession, which typically gives them 10 days to vacate the property.
If the tenant does not move out within this period, the constable or sheriff will return to the property and forcibly remove the tenant.
After this step, you regain legal possession of the property and can proceed with cleaning, repairs, or preparing it for the next tenant.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your Eviction documents and file your case.
Core Forms
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5 Day Notice for Past Due Rent
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Written Demand for Past Due Rent
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Notice of Petition – Nonpayment (UCS-LTN1) Fillable
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Petition – Eviction for Nonpayment (UCS-LTN2)
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Good Cause Eviction Law Notice