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Chester County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Pennsylvania landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in Chester County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$108
Filing fee
3–5 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Chester County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Chester County — What Landlords Should Know

Chester County follows standard Pennsylvania eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Chester County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Chester County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Chester County

1

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.

2

File Your Landlord–Tenant Complaint at Chester County Justice Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Chester County Justice Center (201 W. Market St., West Chester, PA 19382). The filing fee is $108. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Chester 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.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Chester 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.

5

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.

Chester County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $108 Paid to Chester 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 — Chester County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Chester County?

The typical Chester 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. Chester County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Chester County?

The court filing fee in Chester 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 Chester County?

Evictions in Chester County are filed at the Chester County Justice Center, located at 201 W. Market St., West Chester, PA 19382. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.

Can I file an eviction online in Chester County?

Chester County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Chester County Justice Center.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Chester 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 Chester County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Chester 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 Chester County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Chester County →

Relevant Pennsylvania Statutes