Service of the writ shall be made by the sheriff noting upon the writ a brief description of the mortgaged property and a statement that the sheriff has levied upon defendant’s interest therein.
Rule 3182.Service of writ; levy.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThe sheriff serves the writ in a mortgage foreclosure by noting on it a brief description of the mortgaged property and a statement that the sheriff has levied on the defendant’s interest; service on the mortgagor is not required, but notice of the sale is.
Full Text of Rule 3182
Plain-English Summary
This rule describes how the writ is served and the levy made in a mortgage foreclosure. The sheriff notes on the writ a brief description of the mortgaged property and a statement that the sheriff has levied on the defendant’s interest.
The rule clarifies what is and is not required. Service of the writ on the mortgagor or real owner is not required — but notice of the sale itself is required under the real-property sale-notice rule, so the owner still learns of the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the writ served in a mortgage foreclosure?
The sheriff notes on the writ a brief description of the mortgaged property and a statement that the sheriff has levied on the defendant’s interest.
Must the writ be served on the mortgagor?
No, but notice of the sale is required under the real-property sale-notice rule.
Official Note
Official Note: Service of the writ upon the mortgagor or real owner is not required but notice of the sale is required by Rule 3129.1.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3182 adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960; amended November 6, 1975. Effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 2978; amended March 5, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 1441; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2281. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (243935).
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: service of writ mortgage foreclosurelevy mortgaged property