Chapter 1000. Appeals
Chapter 1000. Appeals
Chapter 1000. Appeals
APPEALS
246
APPELLATE PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO JUDGMENTS AND OTHER DECISIONS OF MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES IN CIVIL MATTERS
Rule
1001.
Definitions.
APPEAL
1002. 1003. 1004. 1005. 1006. 1007. 1008. Time and Method of Appeal. Bond for Appeal. Filing Complaint or Praecipe on Appeal. Appeals Involving Cross-Complaints. Service of Notice of Appeal and Other Papers. Striking Appeal. Procedure on Appeal. Appeal as Supersedeas.
CERTIORARI
1009. 1010. 1011. 1012. 1013. 1014. 1015. Praecipe for Writ of Certiorari. Bond for Writ of Certiorari. Issuance and Service of Writ of Certiorari. Return by Magisterial District Judge. Writ of Certiorari as Supersedeas. Orders of Court in Certiorari Proceedings. Certiorari and Appeal Not Permitted.
STATEMENT OF OBJECTION
1016. 1017. 1018. 1019. 1020. 1081. 1082. Statement of Objection to Rule 420 Orders and Determinations. Form and Content of Statement of Objection. Duties of Magisterial District Judge Upon Receipt of Statement of Objection. Consideration of Statement of Objection by Court of Common Pleas. Statement of Objection to Operate as Stay. Acts of Assembly Suspended. Acts of Assembly Not Suspended.
Since these rules are a chapter of the rules of civil procedure governing actions and proceedings before magisterial district judges, the rules in Chapter 200 also apply.
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APPELLATE PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO JUDGMENTS AND OTHER DECISIONS OF MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES IN CIVIL MATTERS
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The definition of supersedeas in subdivision (4) points out the proper office and limited nature of a supersedeas. See also Rules 1008 and 1013 and the notes thereto. Under subdivision (9), there is no requirement that the senders receipt for certified mail be postmarked. There is no return receipt requirement for certified or registered mail. It is no longer necessary that the proof of service be under oath or affirmation; however, the statement is now made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Source The provisions of this Rule 1001 amended through December 16, 1983, effective December 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 3875; amended April 5, 2002, effective January 1, 2003, 32 Pa.B. 2199. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (212922) and (272497).
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period specified in subsection A of this rule. It is the intent of this rule that no supersedeas under Pa.R.C.P.D.J. No. 1008 shall be issued by the Prothonotary after the ten (10) day period for filing an appeal, unless by order of court. The method of appeal is by filing with the prothonotary a notice of appeal on a form to be prescribed by the State Court Administrator. Copies of this same form will be used for service under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1005. This permits use of the same form for filing and service. No useful purpose would be served by having two forms, one called an appeal for filing and another called a notice of appeal for service. The 1990 amendment is intended to encourage the complete utilization of the hearing process available before the magisterial district judge. A copy of the Notice of Judgment must be filed since it will contain the separate entries required by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 514.A and will be needed by the Prothonotary.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1002 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900; amended March 28, 1996, effective March 29, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1691; amended December 15, 2000, effective January 1, 2001, 30 Pa.B. 6882; corrected July 28, 2006, effective January 1, 2001, 36 Pa.B. 3997. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309577) to (309578).
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appellee may appeal from the judgment on his complaint at any time within thirty (30) days after the date on which the appellant served a copy of his notice of appeal upon the appellee.
Official Note: The twenty days allowed the claimant-appellant under subdivision A will give him time to consider, among other things, matters under Rule 1007B. The procedure upon failure to file a complaint pursuant to a rule to do so entered under subdivision B will be governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure (Pa. R.C.P. No. 1037(a)). The landlords complaint in an appeal from a judgment concerning the possession of real property will contain the same material averments as those required under Rule 503C, an averment that the tenant claims possession of the property being substituted for an averment that he retains it if he has vacated the property or has been ejected from it. See, as to this general requirement of pleading, Palethorp v. Schmidt, 12 Pa. Super. 214 (1900). See also the note to Rule 1081(30). Subdivision C permits the appellee, when there were cross-complaints in the action before the magisterial district judge and the appellant appeals from the judgment on his complaint or on both complaints, to assert his claim by way of a counterclaim in the court of common pleas if the claim is cognizable as a counterclaim in that court. However, even when this procedure is permissible, the appellee must, if he desires to use it, still give a notice of appeal under Rule 1002, with the time extension allowed by subdivision C (see the Judicial Code, 5571(f) 42 Pa.C.S. 5571(f)), if he intends to appeal from the judgment on his complaint and the appellant has not appealed from that judgment, although in such a case subdivision A of Rule 1004 will not be applicable. If the appellee can and intends to avail himself of the procedure permitted by subdivision C, he need not obey any rule to file a complaint served upon him under subdivision B. All judgments entered must be appealed to preserve all issues, if such issue can be properly pleaded in the court of common pleas. This is of particular importance under subdivision C, where both complaints must be appealed to preserve all issues. See Borough of Downingtown v. Wagner, 702 A.2d 593 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1997). Adopted June 1, 1971. Amended Oct. 17, 1975, effective in 90 days; April 25, 1979, effective in 30 days; June 30, 1982, effective 30 days after July 17, 1982; amended December 15, 2000, effective January 1, 2001. Source The provisions of this Rule 1004 amended through April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499; amended December 15, 2000, effective January 1, 2001, 30 Pa.B. 6882. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (212924) to (212925).
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district judge, the service upon the appellee may be made upon the attorney of record instead of upon the appellee personally. B. The appellant shall file with the prothonotary proof of service of copies of his notice of appeal, and proof of service of a rule upon the appellee to file a complaint if required to request such a rule by Rule 1004B, within ten (10) days after filing the notice of appeal. C. In lieu of service and proof of service pursuant to subparagraphs A. and B. of this Rule, the court of common pleas may, by local rule, permit or require that the appellant file with the notice of appeal a stamped envelope pre-addressed to the appellee at his address as listed on the complaint form filed in the office of the magisterial district judge or as otherwise appearing in the records of that office, or the attorney of record, if any, of the appellee, and a stamped envelope pre-addressed to the magisterial district judge in whose office the judgment was rendered. Copies of the notice of appeal, and Rule pursuant to 1004B, if applicable, shall thereupon be mailed by the prothonotary or court by first class mail, with such service and any return being noted on the courts docket. D. The party filing a complaint under Rule 1004 shall forthwith serve it upon the opposite party in the appeal by leaving a copy for or mailing a copy to him at his address as shown in the magisterial district court records mentioned in subdivision A of this rule. If the opposite party has an attorney of record either in the magisterial district court or court of common pleas proceeding, service upon the opposite party may be made upon the attorney of record instead of upon the opposite party personally. E. Service and proof of service may be made by attorney or other agent.
Official Note: Subdivision A requires service of a copy of the notice of appeal upon the magisterial district judge as well as upon the appellee, or his attorney of record. This copy, when received by the magisterial district judge, may operate as a supersedeas under Rule 1008. As to subdivision B, there is no return receipt requirement for service by certified or registered mail and consequently no such receipt need be filed with the prothonotary, although if service is by certified or registered mail the senders receipt must be attached to the proof of service. See Rule 1001(9) and the last paragraph of the note to Rule 1001. The notice of appeal and the proof of service may be filed simultaneously. See also Rule 1006 and its note. Subdivision C prescribes a pleading type service of the complaint, which may be made by ordinary mail, upon the opposite party in the appeal or his attorney of record. Source The provisions of this Rule 1005 amended through October 10, 1980, effective November 10, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4032; amended March 27, 1992, effective 90 days from the date on which the Order is signed, 22 Pa.B. 1893 and 1900. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (152397) to (152398).
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Source The provisions of this Rule 1006 amended October 10, 1980, effective November 10, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4032. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (43190).
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In the event the appellant fails to deposit the sums of money, or bond, required by this rule when such deposits are due, the prothonotary, upon praecipe filed by the appellee, shall terminate the supersedeas. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the partys last known address of record. When the deposit of money or bond is made pursuant to the rule at the time of filing the appeal, the prothonotary shall make upon the notice of appeal and its copies a notation that it will operate as a supersedeas when received by the magisterial district judge. C. Indigent Tenants (1) Residential tenants who seek to appeal from a magisterial district court judgment for possession and who do not have the ability to pay the lesser of three months rent or the full amount of the magisterial district court judgment for rent shall file with the office of the prothonotary a tenants affidavit, as set forth in subdivision (2). (2) The tenants affidavit shall be substantially in one of the following two forms: [Caption] TENANTS SUPERSEDEAS AFFIDAVIT (NON-SECTION 8) (print name and address here), have filed a notice of appeal from I, a magisterial district court judgment awarding to my landlord possession of real property that I occupy, and I do not have the financial ability to pay the lesser of three (3) times my monthly rent or the judgment for rent awarded by the magisterial district court. My total household income does not exceed the income limits set forth in the supplemental instructions for obtaining a stay pending appeal and I have completed an in forma pauperis (IFP) affidavit to verify this. I have/ have not (cross out the one that does not apply) paid the rent this month. I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date SIGNATURE OF TENANT OR [Caption] SECTION 8 TENANTS SUPERSEDEAS AFFIDAVIT (print name and address here), have filed a notice of appeal from I, a magisterial district court judgment awarding my landlord possession of real property that I occupy, and I do not have the financial ability to pay the lesser of three (3) times my monthly rent or the actual rent in arrears. My total household income does not exceed the income limits set forth in the supplemental instructions for obtaining a stay pending appeal and I have completed an in forma pau-
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peris (IFP) affidavit to verify this. I have/have not (cross out the one that does not apply) paid the rent this month. The total amount of monthly rent that I personally pay to the landlord is . I hereby certify that I am a participant in the Section 8 program and I $ am not subject to a final (i.e., non-appealable) decision of a court or government agency which terminates my right to receive Section 8 assistance based on my failure to comply with program rules. I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date SIGNATURE OF TENANT (3)(a) If the rent has already been paid to the landlord in the month in which the notice of appeal is filed, the tenant shall pay into an escrow account with the prothonotary the monthly rent as it becomes due under the lease for the months subsequent to the filing of the notice of appeal; or (b) If the rent has not been paid at the time of filing the notice of appeal, the tenant shall pay: (i) at the time of filing the notice of appeal, a sum of money equal to one third (1/3) of the monthly rent; (ii) an additional deposit of two thirds (2/3) of the monthly rent within twenty (20) days of filing the notice of appeal; and (iii) additional deposits of one months rent in full each thirty (30) days after filing the notice of appeal. The amount of the monthly rent is the sum of money found by the magisterial district judge to constitute the monthly rental for the leasehold premises pursuant to Rule 514A. However, when the tenant is a participant in the Section 8 program, the tenant shall pay the tenant share of the rent as set forth in the Section 8 Tenants Supersedeas Affidavit filed by the tenant. (4) The prothonotarys office of the Court of Common Pleas in which the appeal is taken shall provide residential tenants who have suffered a judgment for possession with a Supplemental Instructions for Obtaining a Stay of Eviction as it appears on the website of the Minor Court Rules Committee.
Official Note: The website of the Minor Court Rules Committee is part of the home page of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts at www.aopc.org. The Supplemental Instructions include both instructions and income limits. The income limits are stated in monthly amounts and are based upon the most recent poverty income guidelines issued by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.
(5) When the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) have been met, the prothonotary shall issue a supersedeas. (6) Upon application by the landlord, the court shall release appropriate sums from the escrow account on a continuing basis while the appeal is pending to compensate the landlord for the tenants actual possession and use of the premises during the pendency of the appeal.
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(7) If the tenant fails to make monthly rent payments to the prothonotary as described in paragraph (3), the supersedeas may be terminated by the prothonotary upon praecipe by the landlord or other party to the action. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the partys last known address of record. (8) If the Court of Common Pleas determines, upon written motion or its own motion, that the averments within any of the tenants affidavits do not establish that the tenant meets the terms and conditions of paragraph (1), supra, the Court may terminate the supersedeas. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the partys last known address of record. D. If an appeal is stricken or voluntarily terminated, any supersedeas based on it shall terminate. The prothonotary shall pay the deposits of rental to the party who sought possession of the real property.
Official Note: Subdivision A provides for an automatic supersedeas in appeals from civil actions upon receipt by the magisterial district judge of a copy of the notice of appeal. Subdivision B, however, does require the deposit of money or approved bond as a condition for supersedeas where the appeal is from a judgment for the possession of real property. A new subdivision (C) was created in 2008 to provide for appeals by indigent residential tenants who are unable to meet the bond requirements of subdivision (B). The request for termination of the supersedeas, upon the praecipe filed with the prothonotary, may simply state: Please terminate the supersedeas in the within action for failure of the appellant to pay monthly rental as required by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1008 when it became due and will be signed by appellee. The prothonotary will then note upon the praecipe: Upon confirmation of failure of the appellant to deposit the monthly rent when it became due, the supersedeas is terminated, and the prothonotary will sign and clock the praecipe. A copy of the praecipe may thereupon be displayed to the magisterial district judge who rendered the judgment, and a request for issuance of an order for possession under Pa.R.A.P.M.D.J. No. 515 may be made. The deposit of rent required hereunder is intended to apply in all cases, irrespective of the reasons which caused the filing of the complaint before the magisterial district judge in the first instance. Disposition of the monthly rental deposits will be made by the court of common pleas following its de novo hearing of the matter on appeal. The money judgment portion of a landlord and tenant judgment (see Pa.R.C.P. M.D.J. Nos. 514 and 521) would be governed by subdivision A. Source The provisions of this Rule 1008 adopted June 1, 1971; amended April 25, 1979, effective in 30 days; amended June 30, 1982, effective August 16, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2266; amended March 28, 1996, effective March 29, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1691; amended May 2, 2008, effective May 15, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 2040. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309581) to (309582).
CERTIORARI
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ject matter, improper venue or such gross irregularity of procedure as to make the judgment void. If the party aggrieved by the judgment was the plaintiff in the action before the magisterial district judge, he may file a praecipe for a writ of certiorari only on the last mentioned ground. B. If lack of jurisdiction over the parties or the subject matter is claimed, the praecipe may be filed at any time after judgment. Otherwise it shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the judgment. C. The praecipe shall identify the judgment complained of and the magisterial district judge in whose office the record of the proceedings containing the judgment is filed. D. The praecipe and the writ shall be on a form which shall be prescribed by the State Court Administrator.
Official Note: Subdivision A sets forth the grounds for certiorari. See the comments concerning the limited nature of certiorari in the note to Rule 1001. The plaintiff in the action before the magisterial district judge, and the word plaintiff as used in this rule does not include a defendant who has sued on a cross-complaint, may file a praecipe for a writ of certiorari only on the ground of gross irregularity. Having instituted the proceedings before the magisterial district judge, the plaintiff should not be permitted to challenge jurisdiction or venue. Under subdivision B, the praecipe for the writ of certiorari must be filed within thirty days after the date of the judgment, except when a question of jurisdiction is raised. There is no time limit on raising a question of jurisdiction by certiorari. Flaherty v. Atkins, 189 Pa. Super. 550, 152 A.2d 280 (1959). A party who files his praecipe after the thirty day period has run can be heard only on the question of jurisdiction (if permitted to raise that question under subdivision A) even though he claims improper venue or gross irregularity along with his claim of lack of jurisdiction. Source The provisions of this Rule 1009 amended through April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (25119).
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the magisterial district judge, the service upon the opposite party may be made upon the attorney of record instead of upon the opposite party personally. C. If proof of service of the writ upon the magisterial district judge and the opposite party is not filed with the prothonotary within five (5) days after delivery of the writ for service, the prothonotary shall, upon praecipe of the opposite party, mark the writ stricken from the record and the writ shall not be reinstated nor shall any new writ issue. D. Service and proof of service may be made by attorney or other agent.
Official Note: The provisions as to service of the writ parallel those for service of notices of appeal. Subdivision C contains sanctions for failing to comply with the prescribed time limits, and reinstatement of the writ or the issuance of a new one is not allowed. Source The provisions of this Rule 1011 amended November 21, 1975, 5 Pa.B. 3020. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (21214).
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In the event that the party filing the praecipe fails to deposit the sums of money, or bond, required by this rule when such deposits are due, the prothonotary, upon praecipe filed by the party that did not file the praecipe for writ of certiorari, shall terminate the supersedeas. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented to the partys last known address of record. Where the deposit of money or bond is made pursuant to this Rule at the time of the filing of the praecipe, the prothonotary shall make upon the writ and its copies a notation that the writ will operate as a supersedeas when received by the magisterial district judge. C. Indigent Tenants (1) Residential tenants who seek to file a praecipe involving a magisterial district court judgment for possession and who do not have the ability to pay the lesser of three months rent or the full amount of the magisterial district court judgment for rent shall file with the office of the prothonotary a tenants affidavit, as set forth in subdivision (2). (2) The tenants affidavit shall be substantially in one of the following two forms: [Caption] TENANTS SUPERSEDEAS AFFIDAVIT (NON-SECTION 8) (print name and address here), have filed a praecipe for a writ of I, certiorari to review a magisterial district court judgment awarding to my landlord possession of real property that I occupy, and I do not have the financial ability to pay the lesser of three (3) times my monthly rent or the judgment for rent awarded by the magisterial district court. My total household income does not exceed the income limits set forth in the instructions for obtaining a stay pending issuance of a writ of certiorari and I have completed an in forma pauperis (IFP) affidavit to verify this. I have/have not (cross out the one that does not apply) paid the rent this month. I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. SIGNATURE OF TENANT OR [Caption] SECTION 8 TENANTS SUPERSEDEAS AFFIDAVIT I, (print name and address here), have filed a praecipe for a writ of certiorari to review a magisterial district court judgment awarding my landlord possession of real property that I occupy, and I do not have the financial ability to pay the lesser of three (3) times my monthly rent or the actual rent in arrears. My total household income does not exceed the income limits set forth in the Instructions for obtaining a stay pending issuance of writ of certiorari and I have completed an in forma pauperis (IFP) affidavit to verify this. I have/have not (cross out the one that does not apply) paid the rent this month. Date
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The total amount of monthly rent that I personally pay to the landlord is . I hereby certify that I am a participant in the Section 8 program and I $ am not subject to a final (i.e., non-appealable) decision of a court or government agency which terminates my right to receive Section 8 assistance based on my failure to comply with program rules. I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date SIGNATURE OF TENANT (3)(a) If the rent has already been paid to the landlord in the month in which the praecipe is filed, the tenant shall pay into an escrow account with the prothonotary the monthly rent as it becomes due under the lease for the months subsequent to the filing of the praecipe; or (b) If the rent has not been paid at the time of filing the praecipe, the tenant shall pay: (i) at the time of filing the praecipe, a sum of money equal to one third (1/3) of the monthly rent; (ii) an additional deposit of two thirds (2/3) of the monthly rent within twenty (20) days of filing the praecipe; and (iii) additional deposits of one months rent in full each thirty days after filing the praecipe. The amount of the monthly rent is the sum of money found by the magisterial district judge to constitute the monthly rental for the leasehold premises pursuant to Rule 514A. However, when the tenant is a participant in the Section 8 program, the tenant shall pay the tenant share of the rent as set forth in the Section 8 Tenants Supersedeas Affidavit filed by the tenant. (4) The prothonotarys office of the Court of Common Pleas in which the praecipe is filed shall provide residential tenants who have suffered a judgment for possession with a Supplemental Instructions for Obtaining a Stay of Eviction as it appears on the website of the Minor Court Rules Committee.
Official Note: The website of the Minor Court Rules Committee is part of the home page of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts at www.aopc.org. The Supplemental Instructions include both instructions and income limits. The income limits are stated in monthly amounts and are based upon the most recent poverty income guidelines issued by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.
(5) When the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) have been met, the prothonotary shall issue a supersedeas. (6) Upon application by the landlord, the court shall release appropriate sums from the escrow account on a continuing basis while the writ is pending and while the ensuing proceeding is pending (in the event the writ is granted) to compensate the landlord for the tenants actual possession and use of the premises during the pendency of the writ and during the pendency of the ensuing proceeding (in the event the writ is granted).
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(7) If the tenant fails to make monthly rent payments to the prothonotary as described in paragraph (3), the supersedeas may be terminated by the prothonotary upon praecipe by the landlord or other party to the action. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the partys last known address of record. (8) If the Court of Common Pleas determines, upon written motion or its own motion, that the averments within any of the tenants affidavits do not establish that the tenant meets the terms and conditions of paragraph (1), supra, the Court may terminate the supersedeas. Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the partys last known address of record. D. If a writ of certiorari is stricken, dismissed or discontinued, any supersedeas based on it shall terminate. The prothonotary shall pay the deposits of rental to the party who sought possession of the real property.
Official Note: As in appeals (see Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1008), certiorari operates as an automatic supersedeas in civil actions when the writ is received by the magisterial district judge. If the writ involves a judgment for the possession of real property, however, it will operate as a supersedeas upon receipt by the magisterial district judge only if money is paid or a bond is filed conditioned as stated in the rule. This Rule has been amended to require a payment equal to the lesser of three months rent or the rent actually in arrears in order for the writ involving a judgment for the possession of real property to act as a supersedeas to ensure consistency between this Rule and Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1008. (Appeal as Supersedeas). A new subdivision (C) was created in 2008 to provide a praecipe for writ of certiorari process for indigent residential tenants who are unable to meet the bond requirements of subdivision (B). The request for termination of the supersedeas, upon the praecipe filed with the prothonotary, may simply state: Please terminate the supersedeas in the within action for failure of the party filing the writ to pay monthly rental as required by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1013 when it became due and will be signed by landlord. The prothonotary will then note upon the praecipe: Upon confirmation of failure of the party filing the writ to deposit the monthly rent when it became due the supersedeas is terminated, and the prothonotary will sign and clock the praecipe. A copy of the praecipe may thereupon be displayed to the magisterial district judge who rendered the judgment, and a request for issuance of an order for possession under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 515 may be made. The money judgment portion of a landlord and tenant judgment (see Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. Nos. 514 and 521) would be governed by subdivision A of this rule.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING A STAY OF EVICTION * * * * IMPORTANT * * * * PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! This document contains important information about your case. Failure to comply with any instructions provided in these materials may cause you to be evicted before your appeal or writ is heard. 1. FOR TENANTSSUPERSEDEAS: If you are a tenant and you filed the notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari, you must pay money into an escrow account to remain in the property until your appeal or writ is decided. This is called a supersedeas. The supersedeas will suspend the magisterial district court judgment and will prevent your eviction until your case is heard by a judge and a final decision is made on the appeal or writ. IF YOU FAIL TO PAY
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YOUR MONTHLY RENT INTO ESCROW IN FULL AND ON TIME, YOU COULD BE EVICTED BEFORE YOUR APPEAL OR WRIT IS HEARD. Begin by looking at the income limits attached to these instructions. If your income is below the income limits, complete a Tenants Affidavit, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. No. 1008(C)(2) or 1013(C)(2). These affidavits are available on the website of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (www.aopc.org). Then follow the instructions for low-income tenants below. There are several different options available; pick the option (A, B, or C) that best describes your situation. If your income is higher than the income limits attached to these instructions, follow the instructions for D. A. If you are a low-income tenant and there was a money judgment entered against you for non-payment of rent, and you HAVE NOT paid rent for the month in which the notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari is filed, you must: 1. File an in forma pauperis petition (a petition for low-income parties) pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 240; 2. Pay one-third of your monthly rent into an escrow account with the prothonotarys office at the time the notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari (praecipe) is filed; 3. Pay the remaining two-thirds (2/3) of your monthly rent into the escrow account within twenty (20) days of the date the notice of appeal or praecipe was filed; and 4. Pay your monthly rent on an ongoing basis into the escrow account in thirty (30) day intervals from the date the notice of appeal or praecipe was filed until the time of your trial. B. If you are a low-income tenant, and there was a money judgment against you for non-payment of rent, and you HAVE paid rent for the month in which the notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari (praecipe) is filed, you do not have to pay rent at the time you file your notice of appeal or praecipe. You must: 1. File an in forma pauperis petition (a petition for low-income parties), pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 240; 2. Pay your monthly rent on an ongoing basis into an escrow account with the prothonotary in thirty (30) day intervals from the date the notice of appeal or praecipe was filed until the time of trial. It is important to count the thirty (30) days exactly because the date of your payment will change depending on the number of days in a given month. C. If you are a low-income tenant, and no money judgment was entered against you for non-payment of rent, you do not have to pay rent at the time you file your notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari (praecipe). This option is to be used if at the magisterial district court hearing, the judge determined that you owed zero or nothing in rent. You must: 1. File an in forma pauperis petition (a petition for low-income parties), pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 240; 2. Pay your monthly rent on an ongoing basis into an escrow account with the prothonotary in thirty (30) day intervals from the date the notice of appeal
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or praecipe was filed until the time of your trial. It is important to count the thirty (30) days exactly because the date of your payment will change depending on the number of days in a given month. D. If your income is higher than the income limits on the attached chart, you must: 1. Pay the fee to file a notice of appeal or praecipe for writ of certiorari (praecipe); 2. Pay the lesser of three (3) months rent or the amount of rent awarded to the landlord in magisterial district court into an escrow account with the prothonotarys office at the time the notice of appeal or praecipe is filed; and 3. Pay your monthly rent into the escrow account in thirty (30) day intervals from the date the notice of appeal or praecipe was filed until the time of trial. It is important to count the thirty (30) days exactly because the date on your payment will change depending on the number of days in a given month. INCOME LIMITS 2008 HHS Poverty Income Guidelines Expressed in Monthly Amounts Size of Family Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 For each additional person, add Poverty Guideline Monthly Amount $866.66 1,166.66 1,466.66 1,766.66 2,066.66 2,366.66 2,666.66 2,966.66 300.00
Source The provisions of this Rule 1013 amended through June 30, 1982, effective August 16, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2266; amended March 28, 1996, effective March 29, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1691; amended May 2, 2008, effective May 15, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 2040. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (309584) to (309585).
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Official Note: Subdivision A states the rule that if the court finds in favor of the party obtaining the writ, it merely sets the judgment below aside without prejudice to the cause of action. The grounds for certiorari do not go to the merits of the case but only to matters that usually can be cured by later selecting a proper tribunal. See Statler v. Alexander Film Co., 21 D & C 512 (1934). Subdivision B provides for dismissal of the writ if the finding is against the party obtaining it. This leaves the judgment below in full force and effect. See Rule 1013C.
STATEMENT OF OBJECTION
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Under subdivision B of this rule, the statement of objection must be filed within ten days after the date of the questioned order or determination. See Rule 421C. The time limit for filing a statement of objection need not be the same as that for filing a notice of appeal from a judgment. See the Judicial Code, 5571(c)(4), 42 Pa.C.S. 5571(c)(4), as amended by 10(67) of the Judiciary Act Repealer Act, Act of April 28, 1978, P. L. 202, No. 53. It may be noted that under Pa. R.C.P. Nos. 3206(b) and 3207(b) objections to sheriffs determinations must be made within ten days after the date of mailing of the determination. Source The provisions of this Rule 1016 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (21217).
Rule 1018. Duties of Magisterial District Judge Upon Receipt of Statement of Objection. A. Immediately upon receipt of the statement of objection, the magisterial district judge shall send a copy of it by ordinary mail to all other parties in interest. B. Within ten (10) days after receiving the statement of objection, the magisterial district judge shall file with the prothonotary a certified true copy of the record of actions taken by the magisterial district judge under Rule 420, but copies of only those appeals, objections, claims, exceptions or requests considered under Rule 420 that are pertinent to the statement of objection need be attached to that record.
Official Note: As to the procedure in subdivision A, compare Pa. R.C.P. Nos. 3206(b), 3207(b). Subdivision B is intended to bring before the court copies of the documents on file in the office of the magisterial district judge pertaining to the matter in question. The attachments to the record of Rule 420 actions referred to in this subdivision are notations by the magisterial district judge of appeals taken under Rule 408C and objections to levy under Rule 413, property claims under Rule 413, exceptions to distribution under Rule 416C and requests to set aside sale under Rule 420C filed in the office of the magisterial district judge.
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tions are imposed (see Rules 408C, 413, 416C and 420C) for raising before the magisterial district judge the matters now before the court of common pleas.
(2)
Official Note:
(3)
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(4) Section 5571(b), (c)(4) and (f) of the Judicial Code, as amended with respect to subsections (b) and (c)(4) by 10(67) of the Judiciary Act Repealer Act, Act of April 28, 1978, P. L. No. 53.
Source The provisions of this Rule 1082 amended April 25, 1979, effective May 25, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1499. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (31616) to (31617).
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