Rule 2153.Actions against associations.
Adopted May 1, 1939 · Last amended April 18, 1975 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2153 lets an action against an unincorporated association be brought by naming the association itself, with or without naming a member as defendant.
Full Text of Rule 2153
(b) If a plaintiff prosecutes an action against an association in the association name only, the association may prosecute any setoff, counterclaim or cross-action in its association name.
(c) In addition to the parties defendant permitted by subdivision (a) of this rule, the plaintiff may join as parties defendant one or more members of such association in their individual capacity, including members already named as trustees ad litem, for the purpose of enforcing any individual liability of such members upon the cause of action sued upon.
Plain-English Summary
An unincorporated association can be sued as a unit. This rule provides that in an action against an association it is enough to name the association by its name as defendant, and addresses naming members as well. The flexibility lets a plaintiff reach the association without identifying every member.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you sue an unincorporated association?
By naming the association itself as defendant, with or without naming individual members.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted May 1, 1939, effective November 6, 1939; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: sue an associationactions against associationname association defendant