All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Centre County, Pennsylvania

Where eviction cases are filed in Centre County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Centre County

Eviction court
Centre County Magisterial District Courts (six offices) — Magisterial district court Court page
Filing fee
Landlord-tenant action: $102.50 (claim $2,000 or less); $125.50 (over $2,000 to $4,000); $171.00 (over $4,000 to $12,000). 204 Pa. Code § 29.402 (42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 costs), 2026 schedule
Notice before filing (state law)
10-day written notice to quit. Pennsylvania rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,406/month HUD
Renter households
22,546 (38% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Centre County

Eviction cases in Centre County are heard by the Centre County Magisterial District Courts (six offices) (Magisterial district court).

District judges have jurisdiction over matters arising under the Landlord and Tenant Act. File with the office whose district covers the rental property; the county's District Judges page lists the boroughs, townships and State College voting districts each office covers.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Centre County

Landlord-tenant action: $102.50 (claim $2,000 or less); $125.50 (over $2,000 to $4,000); $171.00 (over $4,000 to $12,000).

Statewide magisterial district judge costs. The same schedule lists an order of execution at $51.50.

Source: 204 Pa. Code § 29.402 (42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 costs), 2026 schedule

The Pennsylvania eviction process

Pennsylvania state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Centre County:

  1. Written notice to quit: 10 days (nonpayment), 15 or 30 days (lease end/breach) unless waived in the lease (68 P.S. § 250.501)
  2. Landlord files a landlord-tenant complaint with the magisterial district judge
  3. 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)
  4. Hearing; judgment for possession, damages and rent (68 P.S. § 250.503(a))
  5. 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)
  6. 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))
  7. 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 Centre County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the State College, PA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$1,187
1 bedroom$1,194
2 bedrooms$1,406
3 bedrooms$1,760
4 bedrooms$1,862

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Centre County: $1,207/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified. Borough or township rules (e.g. State College), if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Centre County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Centre County

Other Pennsylvania counties

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Centre County?
Eviction cases in Centre County are filed with the Centre County Magisterial District Courts (six offices).
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Centre County?
Landlord-tenant action: $102.50 (claim $2,000 or less); $125.50 (over $2,000 to $4,000); $171.00 (over $4,000 to $12,000).
Where can I get help with an eviction in Centre County?
MidPenn Legal Services - State College office.
What is the fair market rent in Centre County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,406 per month (1-bedroom: $1,194).

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.