I am a landlord who would like to evict my tenant; or my landlord has filed an eviction action against me -- what do I do?

There are strict rules governing evictions in Pennsylvania, primarily governed by the Landlord Tenant Act, including defaults subject to eviction and notice requirements. To proceed with eviction, a landlord has to file a Landlord/Tenant Complaint (Form AOPC 310A) with the Magisterial District Court in which the property is located. A hearing is then scheduled 7 to 15 days after the Complaint is filed. The tenant also has a right to file a claim against the landlord, asserting any claim that arises from the occupancy of the premises (within the magisterial district judge's monetary jurisdiction). Following the hearing and the court's decision, either party has the right to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of that county. Strict time periods and filings govern appeals, and it is recommended that legal counsel be involved.