Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951

Landlord/Tenant matters are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. A copy of the act may be found at http://www.parealtor.org/clientuploads/Legal/Statutes/Landlord-TenantAct.pdf .

In most counties in Pennsylvania, evictions are heard before the local Magisterial District Judge where the residence is located. The court will be scheduled between 5 and 15 days from the date of filing the complaint. In Philadelphia County, evictions are hearing in Municipal Court before a Municipal Court Judge.

If either party appeals from the Magisterial District Judge or Municipal Court ruling, then the hearing is transferred to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the property and lower court are both located. To appeal an eviction, you must file the appeal and a document called a supersedeas within 10 days of the judgment. To appeal the monetary judgment only (i.e. past due arrears, legal fees, expenses, etc.), you have 30 days from the date of judgment. However, if the Judge granted eviction and you fail to file for a supersedeas (either because you don’t have the filing fees or you missed the 10 day deadline), you will still be evicted.