Small Claims Court Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Security Deposit

Overview

Security deposit disputes are among the most common landlord–tenant cases in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts (MDJ), the small-claims forum for civil money cases up to $12,000. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act sets clear rules: the landlord must return the deposit (plus any accrued interest when applicable) and provide an itemized list of damages within 30 days after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address. If the landlord misses that deadline or issues a vague, unsupported list, the law sharply limits what may be withheld and, in certain circumstances, exposes the landlord to statutory damages up to double the deposit. For tenants, the MDJ pathway is fast, local, and designed for self-represented litigants—hearings are informal, evidence rules are flexible, and judgments are typically issued the day of the hearing or within a few days. This guide walks you through a ten-step, end-to-end process—from documenting move-out through filing, serving, proving your case, and collecting a judgment—so you can recover funds fairly and efficiently while complying with Pennsylvania procedure.

Who Can File a Security Deposit Case in Pennsylvania Small Claims Court

Any tenant or former tenant who paid a refundable security deposit under a lease and did not receive the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after moving out may file a case in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Court (MDJ). The law applies to apartments, houses, mobile homes, and single-room rentals when the total claim—including the deposit, interest, and statutory damages—does not exceed $12,000.

You can file as an individual or jointly with other tenants listed on the lease. If several roommates contributed to one deposit, they may file together or authorize one tenant to act as representative. Parents may file on behalf of a minor child named on a student lease. Legal representatives (such as estate administrators) can file if the original tenant has passed away.

Typical qualifying scenarios include:

• Deposit not returned: Landlord failed to send payment within 30 days after receiving the forwarding address.
• Late or vague itemization: The “damage list” arrived after the statutory period or lacked specific costs.
• Excessive deductions: Claimed damages represent ordinary wear and tear, not true repairs.

Landlords themselves may also use small claims court to defend or counterclaim—for example, alleging unpaid rent or damage beyond the deposit—but this guide focuses on tenants recovering funds wrongfully withheld. The MDJ process is intentionally informal and designed for self-represented parties; no attorney is required, and hearings are brief, local, and inexpensive.

Benefits of Filing a Security Deposit Case in Pennsylvania Small Claims Court

Tenants benefit from Pennsylvania’s small-claims framework because it offers an efficient, low-cost way to enforce deposit rights under 68 P.S. § 250.512 without hiring a lawyer. The system favors documentation and fairness over procedural complexity, giving ordinary renters genuine leverage against unresponsive landlords. Below are the primary advantages:

• 1. Accessibility and Simplicity: Filing requires only a short civil complaint form (CIV-1). Court staff guide you through fees and service steps. Most hearings last less than 30 minutes.
• 2. Local and Convenient: Every Pennsylvania county is divided into Magisterial Districts, ensuring that cases are heard near where the rental property is located—usually within the same ZIP code.
• 3. No Attorney Needed: The MDJ process allows tenants to appear on their own behalf. Judges explain procedure, and evidence rules are relaxed to accept photos, letters, and receipts.
• 4. Statutory Leverage: When the landlord fails to comply with the 30-day notice rule, the statute authorizes double-deposit damages. This strong penalty encourages settlement or prompt payment.
• 5. Low Filing Cost: Typical fees are between $50 and $150 and are reimbursed if you win. There are no attorney’s fees unless you choose representation.

Overall, small claims court empowers tenants to recover what they are legally owed while promoting accountability among landlords. It transforms the statutory 30-day rule from a theoretical protection into an enforceable right that ordinary Pennsylvanians can pursue confidently without costly legal representation.

Step 1: Confirm Your Legal Ground—30-Day Rule, Forwarding Address, and What the Landlord May (and May Not) Withhold



Your strongest security deposit case begins before you ever step into court. Pennsylvania law requires a landlord to do two things within 30 days after you vacate: (1) mail you an itemized list of damages claimed against the deposit, and (2) return any remaining balance of the deposit (plus interest when legally required). This 30-day clock starts when both conditions are met: you have actually moved out and you have provided the landlord a new forwarding address in writing. If you never supplied a forwarding address, the landlord’s 30-day duty is effectively paused; once you provide it, the timetable begins. Best practice is to give your forwarding address in writing by certified mail with return receipt (or another traceable method) on or before your move-out day and to keep copies of everything you send.

The law also limits what a landlord may deduct. Legitimate deductions include unpaid rent and the reasonable, documented cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear. “Wear and tear” covers the ordinary deterioration from everyday living—e.g., minor wall scuffs, gentle carpet traffic patterns, or small nail holes for pictures. By contrast, pet-chewed trim, large wall holes, broken fixtures, or burns typically qualify as damages. The landlord must prove these items with specifics: dates, areas affected, invoices or estimates, and—ideally—move-in/move-out inspection photos for comparison. Vague, lump-sum numbers (“Repairs: $1,500”) without itemization are weak evidence and often fail in MDJ court.

Pennsylvania places additional constraints on security deposits themselves. During the first year of tenancy, a landlord may take a deposit up to two months’ rent; after the first year, this generally drops to one month’s rent. For longer tenancies, landlords may owe annual interest on deposits held beyond two years, net of a small administrative allowance, depending on the deposit’s amount and account type. Although interest calculations rarely decide the case, you should still ask the judge to award the statutory interest if you qualify—bring your lease start date, rent level, and any escrow/interest letters you received.

The penalty framework is where tenants gain real leverage. If a landlord fails to send the itemized list within 30 days after receiving your forwarding address, the landlord generally forfeits the right to withhold for damages and can become liable for statutory damages up to double the deposit. If a list is sent late or is materially defective (no specifics, no mailing proof), courts often treat it as noncompliant. Keep your timeline tight: (a) document move-out with date-stamped photos and a video walkthrough; (b) hand the keys back and obtain a receipt if possible; (c) send the forwarding address by certified mail the same day; (d) calendar 30 days from landlord’s receipt; (e) save the USPS tracking, the green card, and a screenshot of the delivery confirmation.

Finally, frame your claim amount accurately. Your base claim is deposit minus any lawful deductions actually proven by the landlord. Where the 30-day list was never sent or fatally defective, you may claim statutory damages (up to double the deposit) in addition to the return of your deposit, depending on how the court applies the statute to your facts. If your total remains under $12,000, the MDJ has jurisdiction. Laying this legal foundation early ensures that when you file, the complaint clearly narrates: (1) you gave a forwarding address; (2) 30 days elapsed; (3) either no list arrived or the list was defective; and (4) your deposit was not lawfully returned. That clarity wins cases.

Step 2: Build an Evidence File the Judge Can Trust—Lease, Photos, Move-In/Out Checklists, and the 30-Day Paper Trail



MDJ judges decide quickly and reward organization. Build a concise, chronological file that tells your story with objective proof. Start with the lease and any addenda—highlight the security deposit clause, amount, due date, and any clauses about damage, cleaning fees, or notice requirements. Include the move-in condition report (if any), emails or texts reporting pre-existing issues, and work orders completed during tenancy. If no formal move-in checklist exists, gather proof of the unit’s starting condition: early photos, dated maintenance tickets, or messages acknowledging defects (e.g., “We’ll fix that stain next week.”).

Next, gather your move-out documentation. Take high-resolution photos and a video walkthrough on move-out day, covering each room and focusing on floors, walls, appliances, bathrooms, and any previously damaged areas. Use a newspaper, screen timestamp, or your phone’s metadata to corroborate the date. If the landlord was supposed to do a joint inspection and did not show, note that in a dated email to them and keep the sent copy. Return keys on time and request a receipt. If the landlord refuses, send a follow-up message memorializing that you returned the keys at a specific time.

The 30-day compliance trail is your case’s backbone. Prepare a one-page timeline: (1) lease end date; (2) keys returned; (3) forwarding address delivered (attach the letter and USPS certified receipt); (4) date the landlord (or the address of record) received your letter (from USPS tracking); (5) itemized list received—or not; (6) any partial deposit returned and when. Print the USPS tracking page, attach the green card if you have one, and staple these behind your forwarding letter. If the landlord mailed you an itemized list, keep the envelope (postmark date matters), and include the list itself. Judges routinely compare the postmark to the 30-day deadline—late is late.

Round out the file with money evidence. Include bank statements proving you paid the deposit, rent ledgers, and any receipts. If the landlord alleges cleaning or repair costs, ask in writing for invoices, before/after photos, and dates of work; bring any responses (or lack thereof) to court. If you obtained competing estimates for alleged damage, include them to show that the landlord’s charges are inflated or unreasonable. Where interest might be owed on long-held deposits, bring your lease start date and rent amount; if the landlord provided annual interest or escrow notices, include those too.

Finally, package your case for court. Make three labeled sets of everything (for you, the judge, and the landlord). Use tabs: A—Lease & Addenda; B—Move-In Condition; C—Move-Out Photos/Video Index; D—Keys & Possession; E—Forwarding Address & USPS Proof; F—Landlord Itemized List/Envelope; G—Payments/Bank Records; H—Correspondence & Requests; I—Interest/Statutory Notes. Add a one-page case summary that states your ask (“Return of $1,400 deposit; statutory damages under PA law; court costs; interest”). This disciplined, evidence-first approach makes it easy for the judge to rule in your favor on the spot.

Step 3: Choose the Right Filing Path—Where to File, What Form to Use, and How to State Your Claim Amount



Security-deposit suits are money-only claims. In Pennsylvania’s small-claims system, you will generally file a civil complaint (not a landlord-tenant “possession” case) in the Magisterial District Court that has proper venue. Venue is correct in any district where the rental property is located, where the landlord resides or does business, or where a substantial part of the events occurred. When in doubt, file where the property sits; judges expect deposit disputes to be heard locally. Use the Unified Judicial System’s district finder to identify the right MDJ by address. Filing in the wrong district risks transfer or dismissal, adding weeks.

The standard form for a money claim is the CIV-1 (Civil Complaint). Your “Cause of Action” box should clearly narrate the statute-driven timeline: (1) lease term and deposit paid; (2) move-out date and key return; (3) forwarding address sent by certified mail on [date], delivered on [date]; (4) landlord failed to send a timely, itemized list within 30 days or sent an inadequate/late list; (5) deposit not returned; (6) damages sought. Be precise with numbers. The claim amount typically includes the deposit itself (and lawful interest where applicable) and, if the 30-day violation occurred, statutory damages up to double the deposit. Court costs (filing and service) are added by the clerk and usually recoverable if you prevail.

Keep your total under $12,000. If your lease deposit was unusually large (e.g., high-end rentals) and your statutory claim would exceed the MDJ cap, you have choices: (a) waive any excess to keep the case in MDJ (fastest), or (b) file in the Court of Common Pleas (slower, more formal). Most tenants choose to waive and stay in MDJ because speed and simplicity outweigh the marginal dollars.

Filing logistics are straightforward. MDJ offices accept in-person filings and, in many districts, e-filing via the UJS portal. Fees vary by claim amount and number of defendants but are typically $50–$150 plus service. When you file, ask the clerk to schedule the hearing within 30–60 days and to serve the landlord by first-class mail and certified mail; if service fails, request constable service (additional fee). You do not need to serve the landlord yourself unless directed; MDJ staff normally handles service and hearing notices.

Two pro-tips improve outcomes. First, attach (or be ready to present) your 30-day timeline, forwarding-address proof, and any late/defective itemization. Second, in the “relief requested,” ask for (1) return of deposit; (2) statutory damages as permitted by Pennsylvania law for failure to comply with the 30-day rule; (3) court costs; and (4) interest as allowed. This preserves all remedies for the judge without overcomplicating the form. Once the complaint is docketed, track service status and the hearing date on your calendar. You are now positioned to move from filing to proving—and winning—your deposit case.

Step 4: Prepare for the Hearing — Strategy, Presentation, and Anticipating the Landlord’s Defense



After your complaint is accepted, the Magisterial District Court (MDJ) will assign a hearing date, typically within 30–60 days. This is your opportunity to explain, in clear factual order, why the landlord failed to comply with Pennsylvania’s 30-day rule and why the deposit should be returned. The court setting is informal—no jury, and the judge guides questioning—but the outcome depends on evidence, not sympathy. Begin by rereading your filed complaint and matching every factual claim to at least one exhibit. Your goal is a narrative that the judge can follow in five minutes: you moved out, you sent a forwarding address, 30 days passed, no lawful itemized list arrived, and the deposit was never returned. Keep everything chronological and consistent.

Prepare your physical and digital packets early. Bring three labeled copies of your evidence binder (for yourself, the judge, and the landlord). Number each page in the upper right corner and create a contents sheet listing “Exhibit 1 – Lease,” “Exhibit 2 – Forwarding Address Letter,” and so forth. Judges appreciate organization—it signals credibility. Anticipate the landlord’s possible defenses: they might claim (a) you never sent a forwarding address, (b) the itemized list was timely, (c) damages exceeded the deposit, or (d) you caused property destruction. Prepare concise factual responses: show USPS proof of delivery, display photos of the apartment’s condition, and note any contradiction between the landlord’s invoice dates and your move-out date. If repairs occurred weeks later, emphasize that such delays break the chain of proof.

During preparation, draft a short oral outline of what you’ll say. Start with your introduction: “Your Honor, this case concerns the return of my $1,200 security deposit. I moved out on June 30, provided a forwarding address that day, and received no valid itemized list within 30 days.” Then identify your exhibits sequentially as you speak. The more linear your delivery, the easier it is for the judge to track compliance with the statute (68 P.S. § 250.512). Practice summarizing your case in under three minutes.

Expect questions about timing and documentation. Judges may ask, “When exactly did the landlord receive your forwarding address?” or “Did you leave the property clean and free of damage?” Give concise answers and offer the supporting document without elaboration. Avoid emotional or speculative statements; keep every answer tethered to proof. If the landlord brings witnesses (maintenance workers, property managers), you can cross-question briefly but respectfully: “Do you recall the date you inspected the unit?” or “Were you present when I moved out?” MDJ judges limit cross-examination but will allow clarifying questions that test credibility.

Finally, dress neatly, arrive early, and address the judge as “Your Honor.” Bring a notepad to capture the judge’s remarks and any orders about payment or appeal rights. Many cases are decided orally at the end of the hearing, but the written judgment follows within a few days. Remember: preparation equals persuasion. When your documents are clean, your timeline precise, and your tone professional, you dramatically increase the likelihood of full recovery—including statutory damages.

Step 5: Presenting Evidence and Testifying Confidently at the Hearing



On the day of the hearing, punctuality and composure matter as much as paperwork. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, check in with the clerk, and quietly review your exhibits. When your case is called, both parties stand before the judge. The judge will confirm names, review the complaint, and ask each side to speak. Begin by restating the heart of your claim: the landlord failed to return your security deposit or provide a lawful itemized list within 30 days despite receiving your forwarding address. Speak slowly, clearly, and stick to facts rather than emotion.

As you testify, use your exhibits as anchors. Hand a copy of your certified-mail receipt or forwarding letter to the constable or clerk when directed, identifying it aloud: “This is Exhibit 2, proof that I mailed my forwarding address on July 1.” Pause for acknowledgment before proceeding. Judges typically allow you to summarize photographs instead of flipping through each one. Describe them efficiently: “Exhibits 4A–4D show the bedroom walls and carpet on move-out day; there were no stains or holes.” If the landlord disputes your timeline, refer them and the judge to the USPS delivery confirmation. The goal is to build an irrefutable narrative of compliance with 68 P.S. § 250.512.

If the landlord claims damages, listen carefully. Ask to see their invoices or receipts. Confirm whether they pre-date or post-date your move-out. Judges often question landlords on this point, since expenses incurred weeks later raise doubt that the damages existed at move-out. When appropriate, ask respectfully, “May I note that the invoice date is August 15, which is six weeks after I vacated?” Calm, factual cross-examination demonstrates credibility.

Keep your closing simple: “Your Honor, because the landlord failed to send an itemized list within 30 days, I request the return of my $1,200 deposit, statutory damages of $1,200, and court costs.” Do not argue emotionally or repeat testimony. Then thank the court. If the judge rules immediately, listen closely to directions on how and when the judgment will be mailed. If the decision is “taken under advisement,” expect written notice within five days. Regardless of outcome, you’ll receive a copy by mail.

After the hearing, document what occurred—write down questions asked, exhibits referenced, and the judge’s comments. If judgment is in your favor, proceed to Step 6 to ensure payment. If denied, you can still appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days. The professionalism you display in this step often determines not only your outcome but also how seriously the court treats your future filings.

Step 6: If You Win — Enforcing Judgment and Collecting Payment



Winning the case is only half the journey—you still must secure payment. In Pennsylvania, once judgment is entered, the landlord (now the “judgment debtor”) has 30 days to pay voluntarily or file an appeal. If they pay, request a Satisfaction of Judgment form from the clerk and file it promptly to close the record. If payment is not received after 30 days and no appeal has been filed, you may pursue enforcement.

Begin by requesting a Request for Order of Execution at the MDJ office. This form instructs the constable to locate and levy the landlord’s non-exempt property or bank accounts. The filing fee varies by county ($60–$90) and is added to what the landlord owes. Once issued, the constable serves notice and may seize assets to satisfy the judgment. If the landlord is an individual with limited personal property, enforcement can be slow, but persistence matters—file promptly before assets are moved.

Alternatively, you can transfer (“transcribe”) the judgment to the Court of Common Pleas, which allows more powerful remedies like liens on real estate or wage garnishment (where applicable). To do this, request a “certified transcript of judgment” from the MDJ clerk (usually $10–$15) and file it with the Prothonotary of the county. The judgment becomes a lien on any property the landlord owns in that county for five years and can be renewed. Landlords often pay promptly once a lien appears on their title.

Maintain clear records of enforcement efforts—dates, payments, and correspondence. If partial payments arrive, record amounts and request the constable to update the balance. Always file a Satisfaction of Judgment once full payment is received; failing to do so can harm your own credit and prevent closure. In many cases, landlords settle after receiving the constable’s first notice, knowing that constable fees and potential property levy costs escalate quickly. Timely follow-through ensures your hard-won judgment converts into real dollars, not just paper.

Step 7: If You Lose — Options, Appeals, and Reassessment



If the MDJ rules against you, do not assume the case is over. Pennsylvania law allows a 30-day appeal window for civil money judgments (and 10 days for possession cases). You can appeal to the Court of Common Pleas in the same county, where the case is heard de novo — meaning entirely from the beginning. Obtain a Notice of Appeal form from the Prothonotary and file it within 30 calendar days of the MDJ judgment date. The filing fee ranges from $120 to $160; include copies of the MDJ docket and judgment with your filing. Serve the appeal notice on the landlord and notify the MDJ clerk so they can transfer the record.

If the amount at stake is modest, weigh whether appeal is practical—court costs may exceed potential recovery. However, appeals can also motivate settlement, especially when landlords prefer not to appear in higher court. If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) petition requesting waiver based on income. Once accepted, the appeal proceeds at no cost.

For most tenants, losing a deposit case stems from incomplete documentation or failure to prove delivery of the forwarding address. Learn from this outcome: request written explanations of any missing evidence or legal reasoning in the judge’s notes. Many MDJs will clarify whether the issue was factual or procedural. You can use this insight to improve future filings or landlord communications.

If you suspect bias or serious legal error (for example, the judge ignored the 30-day statutory rule despite clear proof), consult an attorney or legal aid program about the feasibility of an appeal or reconsideration motion. The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network and tenant resource centers provide free guidance statewide. Even if you choose not to appeal, maintain your complete case file; if the landlord later sues you for alleged damages, that record is your strongest defense. The lesson from an unfavorable ruling is procedural discipline—next time, you’ll know exactly how to document every date, receipt, and rule to ensure success.

Step 8: Monitor Post-Judgment Payment and Document Everything



After a judgment is entered in your favor, the landlord has thirty (30) days to either pay voluntarily or appeal. Do not assume silence means victory; you must actively monitor payment. Start by recording the judgment date and adding 30 days to mark the due-date on your calendar. During that period, send a short certified letter to the landlord referencing the judgment amount, case number, and the payment deadline. This serves both as a reminder and a paper trail for enforcement.

If partial payments arrive, issue written receipts and update your log. Never accept verbal promises without documentation. In many counties, clerks allow you to request a status printout from the MDJ system confirming that payment has or has not been recorded. Keep every correspondence—emails, money-order stubs, and delivery confirmations—attached to your case binder.

When payment does not occur within the 30-day window and no appeal is filed, move quickly to enforce. Obtain the Request for Order of Execution form from the MDJ office. The small filing fee (typically $60–$90) becomes part of what the landlord owes. The constable will then deliver a formal demand for payment or levy property. Many landlords pay immediately once they receive notice that a levy is pending.

If the landlord still refuses to pay, consider transcribing the judgment to the Court of Common Pleas. Request a certified transcript from the MDJ clerk ($10–$15) and file it with the county Prothonotary. Once entered, the judgment becomes a lien on any real property the landlord owns in that county for five years. A recorded lien appears on title searches and can block refinancing or sale—strong motivation for payment.

Throughout enforcement, remain factual and courteous in all communications. Avoid threatening language; the power of enforcement lies with the constable and the court. If you reach a payment plan, confirm it in writing, specifying due dates and amounts. Once fully paid, file a Satisfaction of Judgment within 90 days to close the record. Proper follow-through protects your credibility and ensures the judgment’s benefit materializes as real money in your hands.

Step 9: Maintain Records and Protect Your Credit Standing



Even after you collect payment, maintaining an accurate record protects your credit and housing history. Although MDJ judgments are small-claims matters, they appear on Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal for up to seven years. Future landlords, lenders, and background-screening agencies often check these dockets. When your judgment is paid, promptly file the Satisfaction of Judgment form with the clerk; this updates the public record to show the debt is resolved. An unsatisfied judgment, even one you won, can confuse credit reports if left open.

Maintain a digital archive of your entire case: the complaint, USPS receipts, exhibits, judgment notice, enforcement filings, and satisfaction. Label files with clear names (e.g., “PA_SecurityDeposit_Judgment_2025.pdf”) and store them in secure cloud storage. Keep one physical copy in a waterproof folder. Should the landlord attempt retaliation or misreport the case, your organized record proves compliance and outcome.

Monitor your credit report within 60–90 days of the case’s conclusion to ensure accurate reflection. If a negative item appears, dispute it with the bureau, attaching your satisfaction certificate. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires correction within 30 days. While small-claims cases rarely affect credit directly, clerical errors can propagate quickly across databases. Vigilance prevents long-term harm.

Your case documents also serve educational value. Review what worked and what could improve: Did your forwarding-address letter include all details? Were your photos timestamped correctly? Applying these lessons strengthens your position in any future tenancy. Security-deposit law is strict, but success depends on documentation discipline. Treat this experience as training for lifelong tenant-rights management.

Step 10: Prevent Future Disputes — Proactive Tenant Practices



The most efficient way to “win” a deposit dispute is to avoid it altogether. Before signing a lease, read the deposit clause carefully. Verify that the landlord’s name and address for notice are correct; you will need that address when sending your forwarding letter later. Request and keep a move-in condition checklist signed by both parties. Photograph every room, appliance, and surface on day one, labeling the date and unit number. Send a courtesy email attaching a few images to the landlord—this simple step timestamps the condition and prevents future denial.

During tenancy, report maintenance issues in writing and retain copies. When repairs lag, your messages demonstrate responsible behavior and can offset later claims of neglect. Keep rent receipts, payment confirmations, and any correspondence about pets, painting, or alterations. Organized communication throughout the lease often determines credibility at move-out.

When preparing to leave, provide formal written notice of intent to vacate and request a joint inspection. After cleaning, film a 360-degree video of the apartment to show its condition. Hand over keys personally or via certified mail, then send your forwarding address letter the same day. These steps start the statutory 30-day countdown for deposit return and prevent the landlord from arguing non-receipt.

Finally, know your rights and use modern tools. Pennsylvania tenants can access free, court-approved forms through PALawHelp.org or document-automation services like LegalAtoms that guide you step-by-step through notice letters and small-claims filings. Staying proactive keeps disputes factual, not emotional. When every stage of your tenancy is documented, the likelihood of losing a deposit unfairly drops dramatically. Prevention, not litigation, is the ultimate efficiency.

Typical Costs

• Filing a Civil Complaint (MDJ): $50–$150 depending on claim amount and defendants.
• Service by Constable: $35–$60 (added to recoverable costs).
• Order of Execution (Enforcement): $60–$90.
• Certified Transcript to Common Pleas: $10–$15.
• Appeal Fee (Common Pleas): $120–$160 (waivable with IFP petition).

Time Required

Most Pennsylvania security-deposit cases resolve within 8 – 12 weeks from filing to judgment.
Typical sequence:

• Filing → Service: 1 – 2 weeks.
• Hearing scheduling: 30 – 60 days after filing.
• Judgment issuance: same day or within 5 days.
• Voluntary payment or appeal: within 30 days post-judgment.
• Enforcement or lien filing: additional 2 – 4 weeks if required.

Total duration from move-out to actual refund averages 10 – 16 weeks when tenants act promptly.

Limitations

• MDJ jurisdiction capped at $12,000 including damages and statutory multipliers.
• Judges cannot award attorney fees or punitive damages beyond statute.
• The 30-day rule requires proof of forwarding-address delivery—without it, statutory damages rarely apply.
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days (10 days for possession cases).
• Judgments remain public for seven years; file a Satisfaction to clear records once paid.

Authoritative Resources

• Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania – Forms and Case Lookup
• Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. Rules of Procedure
• PA Law Help – Tenant Rights and Deposit Guides
• PA Office of Attorney General – Landlord Tenant Rights
• LegalAtoms – Free Online Security Deposit Claim Filing Tool