Rule 2971.Commencement of Action.

Last amended April 1, 1996 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceAn action for a confessed possession judgment is commenced by filing a complaint in the Rule 2952 form.

Full Text of Rule 2971

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(a) An action shall be commenced by filing with the prothonotary a complaint substantially in the form provided by Rule 2952. The complaint shall also contain

(1) an averment, in place of that required by Rule 2952(a)(3), that the judgment is not being entered against a natural person in connection with a residential lease, and

(2) a description of the property and

(3) a demand for judgment in ejectment.

(b) The plaintiff shall file with the complaint a confession of judgment substantially in the form provided by Rule 2974.

End

Plain-English Summary

The possession action starts the same way the money action does—by filing a complaint that follows the Rule 2952 form. This rule ties the possession chapter to that shared starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a possession confession action begin?

By filing a complaint with the prothonotary substantially in the form provided by Rule 2952.

Does the same complaint form serve both chapters?

Yes, with additions. The possession complaint follows the Rule 2952 form but must also describe the property, demand judgment in ejectment, and, in place of the averment Rule 2952(a)(3) requires, aver that judgment is not being entered against a natural person in connection with a residential lease. A confession of judgment in the Rule 2974 form is filed with it.

Official Note

Official Note: If the plaintiff seeks mesne profits in ejectment a separate action must be brought for the mesne profits.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 2971 amended April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1814. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (146747).

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: commencement possession confessioncomplaint possession ejectment