Eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre), Pennsylvania
Where eviction cases are filed in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
- Eviction court
- Luzerne County Magisterial District Courts (16 district courts), 11th 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)
- $1,252/month HUD
- Renter households
- 43,490 (32% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Where eviction cases are filed in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
Eviction cases in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre) are heard by the Luzerne County Magisterial District Courts (16 district courts), 11th Judicial District (Magisterial District Court).
- Luzerne County Courthouse — 200 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 (570-825-1500) · website
- Magisterial office list — 16 district offices across the county — see list · website
Court eviction page · Search court records
District courts hear landlord/tenant suits and civil claims up to $12,000. File in the district where the rental property is located.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
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 Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre):
- 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 Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $863 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,028 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,252 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,631 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,766 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre): $1,004/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 Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)
Free legal help
- North Penn Legal Services — Free civil legal aid in 20 northeastern Pennsylvania counties, including housing and landlord/tenant matters; apply by phone at 877-953-4250 or online at https://www.nplspa.org/apply-now.html.
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 Berks County (Reading)
- Eviction in Dauphin County (Harrisburg)
- 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 Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)?
What is the fair market rent in Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre)?
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.