Pennsylvania doesn’t have a court called “small claims court.” Money disputes up to $12,000 go to a magisterial district judge (often called a district justice), or, in Philadelphia, to Philadelphia Municipal Court [1][2].
At a glance
- Limit
- $12,000, not counting interest and court costs [1][2]
- Where (outside Philadelphia)
- Magisterial district court [1]
- Where (Philadelphia)
- Philadelphia Municipal Court, 1339 Chestnut St. [7]
- Hearing
- 12 to 60 days after filing at a district court [3]
- Appeal
- 30 days, to the Court of Common Pleas [5][8]
What these courts can hear
Both courts take claims for money: unpaid loans, contracts, damage to property, a security deposit that wasn’t returned, and similar disputes [1][7]. They can’t order someone to do something, like make a repair or return an item [7], and they can’t hear claims against a state agency (in Philadelphia, that includes SEPTA) [7].
If you’re owed more than $12,000, you can give up the extra to stay in this court. If the other side appeals, that waiver is undone [1].
| Amount claimed | One defendant in Philadelphia | One defendant outside Philadelphia or private service |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $2,000 | $94.75 | $67.75 |
| $2,000.01 to $12,000 | $116.75 | $89.75 |
Outside Philadelphia, ask the clerk at your magisterial district court for the current filing and service fees. Philadelphia Municipal Court can let you file without paying the fee up front if you show you can’t afford it [7]; ask your district court clerk about its waiver process.
How to file
- Send a demand letter. Say what’s owed and give a deadline. It’s often enough, and it shows the judge you tried.
- Find the right court. Outside Philadelphia, file with the magisterial district court for the area where the defendant can be served or where the problem happened [9]. In Philadelphia, go to the First Filing Unit, 10th floor, 1339 Chestnut Street. Court interviewers there help you fill out the papers, though they can’t give legal advice [7].
- Use the exact name and street address of the person or business you’re suing. Philadelphia won’t accept a P.O. box [7].
- Pay the filing and service fees, or ask for a fee waiver.
- Gather evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, texts, estimates and any witnesses.
What happens next
At a magisterial district court: the judge sets a hearing 12 to 60 days after you file [3]. The defendant gets a Notice of Intent to Defend form with the complaint; returning it tells the court they plan to fight the claim [3]. A defendant who has their own claim against you must file it at least 5 days before the hearing [4].
At Philadelphia Municipal Court: trials are scheduled within 90 days of filing [8]. Counterclaims are due at least 10 days before trial in most cases [8]. On trial day, a free mediation program can help you settle; a signed agreement is binding and can’t be appealed [7].
Appeals
A party who loses can appeal to the county Court of Common Pleas within 30 days after the judgment is entered [5][8]. On appeal from a district judge, the case is heard again from the beginning [10]. Missing the 30 days usually ends your chance.
Winning isn’t the same as getting paid
A judgment is a court order, not a check. If the other side doesn’t pay, you’ll need to take further steps through the court to collect, and Pennsylvania law protects wages from garnishment for most ordinary debts [11].
Sources
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515 (magisterial district judge jurisdiction)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 1123 (Philadelphia Municipal Court jurisdiction)
- Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 305 (hearing date, Notice of Intent to Defend)
- Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 315 (claim by defendant)
- Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1002 (time and method of appeal)
- Philadelphia Municipal Court: Small claims filing fees
- Philadelphia Municipal Court: Information for filing and hearing (small claims)
- Philadelphia Municipal Court Civil Division rules (Rules 113, 115, 124)
- Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 302 (venue)
- Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 1007 (appeal heard de novo)
- 42 Pa.C.S. § 8127 (wages exempt from attachment, with exceptions)
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?
$12,000, not counting interest and court costs. That's the limit for both magisterial district judges and Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Philadelphia?
At Philadelphia Municipal Court, filing against one defendant in Philadelphia costs $94.75 for claims up to $2,000 and $116.75 for claims from $2,000.01 to $12,000, service included. You can ask the court to waive fees if you can't afford them.
How long do I have to appeal a small claims judgment in Pennsylvania?
30 days from the date the judgment is entered, by filing a notice of appeal with the Court of Common Pleas. The case is then heard again from the start.