How soon can the landlord evict me after court?
After a judgment in court, you have at lease 21 days before you can be evicted. Your landlord must:
- File the Writ of Possession 10 days after the judgment.
- File the Alias Writ 11 days after the Writ of Possession.
- Schedule a lockout any time after filing the Alias Writ. This usually takes an additional 7-10 days.
How do I find out the date of the lockout?
- Check the docket or call Municipal Court at (215) 686-7950 to see if the landlord filed the Alias Writ of Possession.
- Once the landlord filed the Alias Writ of Possession, call the Philadelphia Sheriff at (215) 686-3542 to find out the day and time of your eviction lockout. The date/time of the lockout should also be noted on the court docket.
What should I do before a lockout?
- Pack your most important belongings, documents & medications.
- Make a plan of where to go. If you need shelter, consider emergency housing through the Office of Homeless Services.
Is there any way to stop the lockout?
- You can try to work out an agreement with your landlord. If your landlord agrees to a repayment agreement or other agreement, you must get it in writing and you must keep the agreement.
- You can file a Petition to Stay.
- If you already paid off the judgment amount, you may be able to stay and get your judgment marked satisfied.
I was locked out. What do I do now?
- Get your belongings. Once you are evicted, you must give your landlord written notice within 10 days that you want your belongings held for up to 30 days from the date of the lockout.
- Request your security deposit back from the landlord.