York County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Pennsylvania landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in York 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

🏛️ York County Courthouse Information

⚠️ York County — What Landlords Should Know

York County follows standard Pennsylvania eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in York County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in York 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 York County Judicial Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the York County Judicial Center (45 N. George St., York, PA 17401). 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 York 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 York 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.

York County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

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

How long does an eviction take in York County?

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

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

The court filing fee in York 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 York County?

Evictions in York County are filed at the York County Judicial Center, located at 45 N. George St., York, PA 17401. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.

Can I file an eviction online in York County?

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

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

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The York 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.

Relevant Pennsylvania Statutes