The sheriff, after having levied upon or attached any personal property, may enter the place or building in which the goods are contained either peaceably or by breaking in by force, for the purpose of taking manual possession of or selling the property levied upon or attached. No bond shall be required of the plaintiff by the sheriff.
Rule 3127.Right of sheriff to break and enter.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended March 30, 1960 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceAfter levying on or attaching personal property, the sheriff may enter the building where the goods are, peaceably or by breaking in, to take possession or sell the property, and no bond is required of the plaintiff for doing so.
Full Text of Rule 3127
Plain-English Summary
A levy is worth little if the sheriff cannot reach the goods. This rule authorizes the sheriff, once a levy or attachment is in place, to enter the place or building holding the property.
Entry may be peaceable or by force, and it is for the purpose of taking manual possession or selling what was levied on or attached. The rule adds that the plaintiff need not post a bond to have the sheriff act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the sheriff break into a building to seize property?
Yes, after a levy or attachment the sheriff may enter peaceably or by breaking in by force to take possession of or sell the property.
Does the plaintiff have to post a bond first?
No. The rule states that no bond is required of the plaintiff by the sheriff.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960.
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: break and entersheriff forced entryseize personal property