The writ of possession shall be substantially in the following form: [Caption] WRIT OF POSSESSION ‘‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ) ‘‘County of ) ‘‘To the Sheriff of County: ‘‘(1) To satisfy the judgment for possession in the above matter you are directed to deliver possession of the following described property to : (Specifically describe property)
Rule 3255.Writ of possession.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule supplies the form of the writ of possession, the document directing the sheriff to deliver possession of the property to the party entitled to it and to collect the costs.
Full Text of Rule 3255
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the writ of possession that the sheriff executes to enforce a judgment for possession. Directed to the sheriff, it commands delivery of possession of the described property to the party who won it and directs the sheriff to satisfy the costs.
The accompanying note allows the property description to be included in or attached to the writ. The writ is the instrument that turns a possession judgment into the sheriff putting the prevailing party in possession, so a uniform form keeps the command clear and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a writ of possession do?
It directs the sheriff to deliver possession of the property to the party entitled to it and to collect the costs.
Where is the property described?
The description may be included in or attached to the writ.
Official Note
Note Description of property may be included in, or attached to, the writ. ‘‘(2) To satisfy the costs against you are directed to levy upon any prop- erty of and sell his or her interest therein. [Next page 3000-83.] ‘‘ (Name of Prothonotary (Clerk)) Seal of the Court Date ‘‘ (Deputy)’’ Official Note: If the judgment includes profits or damages, or if attachment execution for costs is desired, the plaintiff may issue a separate writ of execution under Rule 3102.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3255 adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2281. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (229698) to (229699).
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: writ of possession form