How tenants can appeal evictions through Montgomery County Prothonotary's Office
(Oct. 7, 2020) The Montgomery County Prothonotary’s Office has opened a Landlord-Tenant Office in 1 Montgomery Plaza to process eviction appeals.
The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have put many renters at risk of being evicted in the middle of a public health emergency. This eviction crisis disproportionately affects people of color. In Montgomery County, between 23,000 and 47,000 households could face eviction. It is vital that impacted residents are aware of their options.
The Prothonotary worked with the County and the Court to open a special office at 1 Montgomery Plaza (425 Swede Street, Norristown), across the street from the Montgomery County Courthouse, with the specific purpose of assisting residents with landlord-tenant appeals. The Prothonotary’s Landlord-Tenant Office in 1 Montgomery Plaza will be open Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Renters applying for financial assistance relative to their appeal are encouraged to arrive no later than 2 p.m. To learn more, visit www.montcopa.org/prothy or call 610-278-3361.
Process:
Tenant has ten days from date of District Judge’s decision to appeal judgment if they wish to stay on property.
Access appeal form by visiting www.montcopa.org/prothy.
Please call Prothonotary Office at (610) 278-3361 to learn how to submit paperwork and payment.
Important Information
The judgment must be from a Montgomery County District Judge.
Tenant must include copy of District Judge’s decision with appeal.
Filing Fee: $294.50.
The lesser amount of either three months’ rent or current arrears as stated on judgment must be paid with cash, money order, or certified bank check at time of filing appeal.
Rent is due to Prothonotary Office every 30 days from date of filing appeal.
Financial assistance in the form of an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) is available for families with low income If IFP is granted:
Filing fee is waived.
Tenant does not pay three months’ rent or arrears.
Tenant will pay 1/3 of current month’s rent at time of appeal and 2/3 of current month’s rent to Prothonotary Office 20 days later.
Contact the Prothonotary’s Office: For more information: 610-278-3361.
The information above is meant for residential renters for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney.
Resources
Montgomery County Prothonotary, 2 E. Airy Street, Norristown, 610-278-3361 www.montcopa.org/prothy
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, 625 Swede Street, Norristown, 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. AND 1-4 p.m. To apply online 24/7, please visit www.lasp.org/apply
Montgomery Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, 100 W. Airy Street, Norristown, 610-279-9660 (select Option 3).
Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 558, Fort Washington, PA 19034 Direct: 267-419-8918 equalhousing.org
Click here (or image above) for one-page PDF flyer from the Prothonotary's Office.