(a) A written notice in the form prescribed by Rule 2974.2 shall be served on the defendant at least thirty days prior to the filing of the praecipe for a writ of possession.
Rule 2973.2.Notice Served Prior to Execution.
Adopted April 1, 1996 · Last amended June 14, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceA written notice in the Rule 2974.2 form must be served on the defendant at least thirty days before the praecipe for execution is filed.
Full Text of Rule 2973.2
(b) The notice shall be served
(1) upon a defendant in the judgment who has not entered an appearance
(i) by the sheriff or by a competent adult who is not a party to the action in the manner prescribed by Rule 402(a) for the service of original process upon a defendant, or
(ii) by the plaintiff mailing a copy in the manner prescribed by Rule 403, or
(iii) pursuant to special order of court as prescribed by Rule 430 if ser- vice cannot be made as provided in subparagraphs (i) or (ii), or
(2) upon a defendant in the judgment who has entered an appearance, by the plaintiff in the manner provided by Rule 440.
Plain-English Summary
This is the advance-notice route for possession judgments, mirroring the money chapter. The plaintiff serves a Rule 2974.2 notice at least thirty days before filing the execution praecipe, giving the occupant time to seek relief before being put out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead must this notice go out?
At least thirty days before the praecipe for execution is filed.
What form does it follow?
The form prescribed by Rule 2974.2.
Official Note
Official Note: If notice is served under this rule at least thirty days prior to the filing of the praecipe, notice need not be given under Rule 2973.3. Conversely, if notice is served under Rule 2973.3, notice need not be given under this rule. Rule 2974.1 governing the form of the praecipe for the writ of possession requires a certifi- cation that notice has been given as provided by this rule. Rule 2959(a)(3) requires a petition for relief from a confessed judgment to be filed within thirty days after service of notice pursuant to this rule.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2973.2 adopted April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1814; amended May 14, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2767; amended June 14, 1999, effective September 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3191. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256985). (Edi- tor’s Note: The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has suspended its order of June 14, 1999, published at 29 Pa.B. 3191 (June 26, 1999). See 29 Pa.B. 4859 (September 18, 1999).)
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: notice prior to execution possessionthirty day notice possession