A judgment in rem in an action or proceeding upon a mechanics’ lien, munici- pal claim, tax claim or a charge on land shall be enforced against the real prop- erty subject to the lien, claim or charge in accordance with Rules 3180 to 3183 governing the enforcement of judgments in mortgage foreclosure.
Rule 3190.Judgment; execution.
Adopted July 21, 1961 · Last amended March 5, 1997 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceA judgment in rem on a mechanics' lien, municipal claim, tax claim, or charge on land is enforced against the real property the lien covers, following the rules that govern execution on such liens.
Full Text of Rule 3190
Plain-English Summary
This rule opens the subchapter on enforcing in rem judgments that rest on a lien against land — a mechanics’ lien, a municipal claim, a tax claim, or another charge on real property. Such a judgment is enforced against the real property subject to the lien, reaching the land itself rather than the owner personally.
The Official Note flags that statutory procedures for selling property to enforce tax liens remain in force alongside the rule. Because these judgments target a specific encumbered parcel, enforcement runs against that property to satisfy the lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a judgment on a tax or municipal lien enforced?
It is enforced in rem against the real property subject to the lien, under the rules governing execution on these liens, rather than against the owner personally.
Does this rule reach the owner's other assets?
No. An in rem judgment on a lien against land is enforced against the encumbered real property, not the owner's general assets.
Official Note
Official Note: Statutory procedures relating to enforcement of tax liens by sale under the Real Estate Tax Law of July 7, 1947, P. L. 1368, as amended, 72 P. S. § 5860.101 et seq., and other acts authorizing Treasurer’s sale remain unsuspended. Statutory provisions relating to municipal claims and liens remain unsuspended. See Rule 3191(a)(2)(i) through (viii) for provisions including special stay provisions, sequestration of rents, upset price, sale clear of lien and preferences. See Rule 3191(b) for Acts of Assembly suspended insofar as they provide for units of levari facias and scire facias.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3190 adopted July 21, 1961, effective October 1, 1961; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended March 5, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 1441. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (213434).
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: in rem judgment executiontax lien enforcementmunicipal claim execution