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Eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown), Pennsylvania

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

Quick facts: eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)

Eviction court
Lehigh County Magisterial District Courts (14 districts), 31st 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)
$1,634/month HUD
Renter households
49,711 (34% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Lehigh County (Allentown)

Eviction cases in Lehigh County (Allentown) are heard by the Lehigh County Magisterial District Courts (14 districts), 31st Judicial District (Magisterial District Court).

Court eviction page · Search court records · Self-help center

Magisterial District Courts handle landlord/tenant disputes and civil claims up to $12,000. Cases are usually filed at the Magisterial District Court where the rental property is located; use the court's Find My MDJ address lookup (https://www.lccpa.org/division/mdj/lookup) and confirm with Court Administration. Court staff cannot give legal advice.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)

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 Lehigh County (Allentown):

  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 Lehigh County (Allentown)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$1,130
1 bedroom$1,341
2 bedrooms$1,634
3 bedrooms$2,087
4 bedrooms$2,195

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Lehigh County (Allentown): $1,383/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 Lehigh County (Allentown)

Free legal help

Other Pennsylvania counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)?
Eviction cases in Lehigh County (Allentown) are filed with the Lehigh County Magisterial District Courts (14 districts), 31st Judicial District.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)?
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.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Lehigh County (Allentown)?
North Penn Legal Services.
What is the fair market rent in Lehigh County (Allentown)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,634 per month (1-bedroom: $1,341).

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.