Berks County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Pennsylvania landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in Berks County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Berks County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Berks County Courthouse
- Address: 633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601
- Phone: (610) 478-6200
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Landlord–Tenant Complaint
⚠️ Berks County — What Landlords Should Know
Berks County follows standard Pennsylvania eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Berks County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Berks County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Berks County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 10-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 15-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Pennsylvania law.
File Your Landlord–Tenant Complaint at Berks County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Berks County Courthouse (633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601). The filing fee is $108. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Berks County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $40. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Berks County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Pennsylvania Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Pennsylvania.
Berks County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $108 | Paid to Berks County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $40 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$34–$40 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Berks County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Berks County?
The typical Berks County eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Berks County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Berks County?
The court filing fee in Berks County is $108. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($40), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$34–$40), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $182–$188.
What court handles evictions in Berks County?
Evictions in Berks County are filed at the Berks County Courthouse, located at 633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.
Can I file an eviction online in Berks County?
Berks County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Berks County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Berks County?
Pennsylvania law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Berks County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Berks County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Pennsylvania.
See full Pennsylvania eviction laws and notice requirements.
Pennsylvania Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Berks County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Berks County →Relevant Pennsylvania Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: 68 P.S. § 250.501
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Pennsylvania statutes or a licensed Berks County attorney.