Where the real property consists of a single tract of land which lies in more than one county, the sheriff of the county in which the writ of possession issues may execute the writ in all counties in which the land lies. Deputization of the sheriff of another county shall not be required.
Rule 3163.Possession of real property located in more than one county.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended March 30, 1960 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceWhen a single tract of land lies in more than one county, the sheriff of the county where the writ of possession issues may execute it in every county the land touches, without deputizing another county’s sheriff.
Full Text of Rule 3163
Plain-English Summary
A possession judgment over land that straddles county lines could bog down in deputization. This rule removes that step.
Where the real property is a single tract lying in more than one county, the sheriff of the county where the writ of possession issued may execute the writ in all the counties the land lies in. Deputizing the sheriff of another county is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who executes a writ of possession on land in several counties?
The sheriff of the county where the writ issued, who may execute it in all counties the single tract lies in.
Is another county’s sheriff needed?
No. Deputization of the sheriff of another county is not required.
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: possession land multiple countieswrit of possession across counties