As used in this chapter,
Rule 3277.Definitions.
Adopted December 6, 1996 · Last amended August 7, 2001 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule defines the terms used in the deficiency-judgment chapter — “prior lien amounts” and “special allocations” — and adopts the Judicial Code's definitions of “judgment,” “judgment creditor,” and “nonconsumer judgment creditor.”
Full Text of Rule 3277
(1) ‘‘prior lien amounts’’ means the amounts of any prior liens, costs, taxes and municipal claims not discharged by the sale, and the amounts of any such items paid at distribution on the sale;
(2) ‘‘special allocations’’ means the special allocations required by Section 8103(f) of the Judicial Code;
(3) the following words shall have the meanings set forth in Section 8103(g) of the Judicial Code: ‘‘judgment,’’ ‘‘judgment creditor,’’ and ‘‘noncon- sumer judgment creditor.’’
Plain-English Summary
This rule supplies the vocabulary for the deficiency-judgment proceedings. “Prior lien amounts” means the amounts of prior liens, costs, taxes, and municipal claims not discharged by the sale, plus such items paid at distribution. “Special allocations” means the allocations the Judicial Code requires when judgments are involved.
The terms “judgment,” “judgment creditor,” and “nonconsumer judgment creditor” carry the meanings the Judicial Code gives them. Borrowing the statute’s definitions keeps the rules aligned with the deficiency statute they implement, so the fair-market-value accounting uses consistent terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “prior lien amount”?
The amount of prior liens, costs, taxes, and municipal claims not discharged by the sale, plus such items paid at distribution.
Where do the key terms come from?
Several are taken directly from the Judicial Code's deficiency-judgment provisions.
Official Note
Official Note: Section 8103(f) of the Judicial Code provides for certain special allocations when judgment has been entered with respect to a partial recourse obligation or an obligation of which only a portion is guaranteed.
Official Note: Section 8103(g) of the Judicial Code contains several definitions relating to deficiency judgments. The words set forth in paragraph (3) are common to both the rules and the Code. ‘‘Judgement’’ is defined by Section 8103(g) as ‘‘[t]he judgment which was enforced by the execution proceedings referred to in subsection (a), whether that judgment is a judgment in personam such as a judgment requiring the payment of money or a judgment de terris or in rem such as a judgment entered in an action of mortgage foreclosure or a judgment entered in an action or proceeding upon a mechanic’s lien, a municipal claim, a tax lien or a charge on land.’’ ‘‘Judgment creditor’’ is defined by Section 8103(g) as ‘‘[t]he holder of the judgment which was enforced by the execution proceedings.’’ ‘‘Nonconsumer judgment creditor’’ is defined by Section 8103(g) as ‘‘[a]ny judgment creditor except a judgment creditor whose judgment was entered with respect to a consumer credit transaction.’’
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3277 adopted December 6, 1996, effective January 1, 1997, 26 Pa.B. 6068; amended August 7, 2001, effective September 4, 2001, 31 Pa.B. 4639. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (229701) to (229702).
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: deficiency judgment definitionsprior lien amounts