The Eviction Process in Central PA

The eviction process in Central Pennsylvania is governed by state law and the Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act. First, the landlord must give the tenant a Notice to quit to vacate the property, specifying the reason for the eviction. The length of notice is 10 days and gives the tenant this time to pay. 

If the amount is not settled by the tenant or the tenant does not vacate the property after the notice period, the landlord can file a complaint with the court in the country where the property is located. 

Court Involvement

The court date will be scheduled about three weeks out, and the tenant has the right to appear and defend themselves against the eviction. If the landlord wins the case, the court will issue a judgment for possession in favor of the landlord or for a judgment amount. If the tenant wins, the eviction will be dismissed. 

Order of Possession

The tenant then has 10 days to pay the full judgment amount or the landlord can file an Order of Possession on the 11th day after the judgment. If the tenant pays the full judgment amount at any time before the lockout, the case needs to be dismissed.

If an Order of Possession is granted the court will post a date and time for the lockout at the property and the landlord will want a locksmith there to change the locks at that time.The tenant then has 10 days to set up a time to get their belongings, otherwise on the 11th day the unit can be emptied out. If the tenant does contact the landlord for their belongings they are given a full 30 days to do so but the landlord must be present with the key.