Eviction in Berks County (Reading), Pennsylvania
Where eviction cases are filed in Berks County (Reading), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Berks County (Reading)
- Eviction court
- Berks County Magisterial District Courts (17 Magisterial District Judges plus Central Arraignment Court and Reading Central Court), 23rd Judicial District — Magisterial District Court Court page
- Filing fee
- 2026 MDJ costs: $102.50 (claim $2,000 or less); $125.50 (over $2,000 to $4,000); $171.00 (over $4,000 to $12,000). Order of execution $51.50. 204 Pa. Code § 29.402 (42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 costs, calendar year 2026)
- Notice before filing (state law)
- 10-day written notice to quit. Pennsylvania rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,575/month HUD
- Renter households
- 46,902 (29% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Berks County (Reading)
Eviction cases in Berks County (Reading) are heard by the Berks County Magisterial District Courts (17 Magisterial District Judges plus Central Arraignment Court and Reading Central Court), 23rd Judicial District (Magisterial District Court).
- Special Courts Administration — Berks County Courthouse, 1st Floor, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601 (610-478-6456; Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) · website
- Magisterial District Court listing — District offices across the county — see listing · website
Court eviction page · Search court records
Magisterial district judges hear landlord/tenant disputes and civil claims under $12,000. File in the district where the rental property is located; the county posts county and City of Reading district maps. The county proposed a realignment of its magisterial districts in 2026, so district boundaries may change — confirm the correct office before filing.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Berks County (Reading)
2026 MDJ costs: $102.50 (claim $2,000 or less); $125.50 (over $2,000 to $4,000); $171.00 (over $4,000 to $12,000). Order of execution $51.50.
Statewide magisterial district judge cost schedule. Postage/registered mail is borne by the plaintiff; constable service fees and any surcharges may be additional — confirm total with the district court. Tenants may seek in forma pauperis status.
Source: 204 Pa. Code § 29.402 (42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 costs, calendar year 2026)
The Pennsylvania eviction process
Pennsylvania state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Berks County (Reading):
- Written notice to quit: 10 days (nonpayment), 15 or 30 days (lease end/breach) unless waived in the lease (68 P.S. § 250.501)
- Landlord files a landlord-tenant complaint with the magisterial district judge
- Summons issued for a hearing not less than 7 nor more than 10 days from the date of the summons; served personally, by mail, or by posting (68 P.S. § 250.502)
- Hearing; judgment for possession, damages and rent (68 P.S. § 250.503(a))
- Tenant may appeal to the Court of Common Pleas within 10 days of judgment (residential); appeal stays eviction only if rent/judgment amount is deposited (68 P.S. § 250.513)
- After the 5th day following judgment (court rules: 10 days), landlord requests writ/order of possession; it is served within 48 hours and executed on the 11th day after service (68 P.S. § 250.503(b))
- Removal by constable or sheriff; nonpayment-only tenants can stop the writ by paying rent in arrears and costs before execution (§ 503(c))
Full Pennsylvania eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Berks County (Reading)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Reading, PA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,086 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,237 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,575 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,085 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Berks County (Reading): $1,181/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified. Check your city or borough page for any local rules.
Eviction help in Berks County (Reading)
Free legal help
- MidPenn Legal Services — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of 18 central Pennsylvania counties; intake 1-800-326-9177 (8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
Other Pennsylvania counties
- Eviction in Philadelphia County (Philadelphia)
- Eviction in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
- Eviction in Montgomery County (Norristown)
- Eviction in Delaware County (Media)
- Eviction in Lancaster County (Lancaster)
- Eviction in Bucks County (Doylestown)
- Eviction in Chester County (West Chester)
- Eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)
- Eviction in Dauphin County (Harrisburg)
- Eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
- Eviction in York County (York)
- Eviction in Northampton County (Easton)
- Eviction in Erie County (Erie)
- Eviction in Westmoreland County (Greensburg)
- Eviction in Lackawanna County (Scranton)
- Eviction in Cumberland County (Carlisle)
Related
- Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Pennsylvania (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Berks County (Reading)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Berks County (Reading)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Berks County (Reading)?
What is the fair market rent in Berks County (Reading)?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.