How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Form DC-04 (w/Examples) + FAQs

Pennsylvania Form DC-04 is the Landlord/Tenant Complaint that a landlord files with a Magisterial District Court (MDJ) to recover possession of a rental property, unpaid rent, or damages from a tenant under the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. The current AOPC revision is Rev. 7/2023, so always confirm the footer of the form before filing because MDJ clerks reject outdated versions on sight.

Filing the wrong version, missing a notice-to-quit window, or fumbling the math on rent owed costs landlords thousands of dollars in delays each year. According to data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, more than 100,000 landlord/tenant complaints are filed in MDJ courts every year, and roughly 1 in 5 are dismissed or continued because of paperwork errors on the DC-04 itself.

  • 📄 How to download the correct AOPC version of Form DC-04 and confirm the revision date
  • ⏱️ How to count notice-to-quit days correctly under 68 P.S. § 250.501
  • 💵 How to calculate rent, late fees, and the security-deposit credit without triggering a dismissal
  • 🏛️ How to file in person, by mail, or through PACFile/PAePay where available
  • ✅ How to avoid the 10 most common DC-04 mistakes that delay possession by 30+ days

What Form DC-04 Is and Who Must File It

Form DC-04, titled Landlord/Tenant Complaint, is the official pleading used in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts to begin a landlord/tenant action. It is governed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure for Magisterial District Judges, specifically Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 501 through 582. The form is the first document the magisterial district judge sees, and it sets the entire case in motion.

The filer is almost always the landlord, the property manager acting as agent, or an attorney representing the landlord. Tenants do not file DC-04; they respond to it, or they file a separate DC-08 cross-complaint if they have counterclaims. Pennsylvania allows non-attorney property managers to file if they are W-2 employees of the owner, per Rule 207 of the MDJ rules.

The form solves three problems at once: it requests possession of the property, judgment for unpaid rent and damages, and judgment for court costs. A landlord cannot self-evict in Pennsylvania; only the MDJ can issue an Order for Possession after a successful DC-04 hearing.

Philadelphia County is the major exception. Inside Philadelphia city limits, landlords file with the Philadelphia Municipal Court using its own Landlord/Tenant Complaint form, not DC-04. Every other Pennsylvania county uses DC-04 through the local MDJ where the property sits.

The statute behind the form is the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. § 250.501, which requires written notice to quit before any complaint can be filed (unless the lease waives that notice). Federal law overlays this in subsidized housing through the HUD multifamily handbook and the VAWA reauthorization, so subsidized landlords must include extra notices.


Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Before opening the DC-04, gather every piece of paper that proves the lease, the breach, and the amounts owed. Walking into the MDJ office without these documents is the single fastest way to get your hearing continued and lose 14–21 extra days of unpaid rent.

  • Signed lease agreement. This proves the tenancy, the rent amount, and any waiver of notice to quit. Without it, the MDJ may default to a 30-day statutory notice instead of the 10 days written into your lease.
  • Notice to Quit (with proof of service). Required under 68 P.S. § 250.501 before filing. Keep the certified mail green card or a signed posting affidavit.
  • Rent ledger. A month-by-month accounting showing the unpaid balance, late fees, and any partial payments. The judge will ask to see it on the witness stand.
  • Tenant’s full legal name and current address. Use the name on the lease, not a nickname. A wrong name voids the judgment because the constable cannot serve the right person.
  • Property address and unit number. This must match the lease and the deed exactly. A mismatch lets the tenant argue the complaint describes the wrong premises.
  • Security deposit amount and date received. You must credit this on the form or risk a fraud-on-the-court claim under 68 P.S. § 250.512.
  • Proof of ownership or agency. A deed, LLC operating agreement, or written property-management agreement. The MDJ confirms standing before entering judgment.
  • Filing fee. Ranges from $86 in low-cost counties to $175+ in Allegheny County or Montgomery County. Bring exact change, money order, or check.
  • Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) check. Run the tenant through the DOD SCRA database and print the affidavit. Filing without it can void your judgment if the tenant is on active duty.

If your tenancy is federally subsidized, also gather the HUD-50059 or HAP contract, the 30-day HUD termination notice, and any VAWA emergency-transfer documentation. Missing federal pre-suit paperwork is the leading cause of dismissal in Section 8 cases.


Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The only authoritative source for DC-04 is the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania forms library. Search “DC-04” or “Landlord/Tenant Complaint” and download the fillable PDF. Avoid third-party form sites; they often host outdated revisions that clerks reject.

You can fill the PDF on a computer using Adobe Reader, then print it for signature. The form is not a true e-form; even when prepared electronically, it must be printed and signed in ink unless your county participates in the PACFile e-filing pilot. At the time of writing, only a handful of MDJ districts accept e-filed DC-04s, so call your MDJ first.

Paper copies are also available at every MDJ office. Ask the clerk for the “current revision” packet, which usually includes DC-04, the DC-05 Notice of Judgment, and instructions. Some counties hand out a county-specific cover sheet alongside DC-04.

If you are blind, low-vision, or limited English proficient, the AOPC’s language services page offers translated instructions and interpreter requests. File the request at least 10 days before the hearing.

Always confirm the revision date in the bottom-left footer (e.g., “AOPC 124A-08-23”). MDJ clerks routinely reject older versions because the field numbering changed in 2023.


Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DC-04 Line by Line

The form is a single double-sided page with a top caption block, a numbered allegation section, a damages box, a verification, and a signature block. Fill it top-to-bottom in blue or black ink, or type it. Every field below appears in the order printed on the official AOPC PDF.

Magisterial District Number

This field asks for the MDJ district where the property is located. Pennsylvania has more than 500 MDJ districts numbered like MDJ 05-2-09 (district 5, county 2, court 9).

To answer it, look up the property address on the MDJ locator. Enter the full district number exactly as the locator displays it.

For example, Maria Lopez owns a duplex at 412 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh; the locator returns MDJ 05-2-09, and she writes 05-2-09 in the box.

A common nuance: some duplexes straddle district lines. Use the district that covers the unit’s front door, not the parcel centerline.

The most common mistake here is writing the county name instead of the district number, which causes the clerk to reroute the complaint and add a week of delay. The misconception is that any nearby MDJ will do; venue is mandatory under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 410, and a venue error voids the judgment.

MDJ Name

This box asks for the name of the magisterial district judge presiding over the district you just wrote.

Use the locator’s “Judge” line and write the judge’s name as printed (e.g., Hon. Anthony L. DeLuca). Do not abbreviate.

For example, Marcus Bell writes Hon. Xander A. Orenstein because that is the sitting MDJ for his district.

If the judge has retired or a senior judge is filling in, still use the listed name; the AOPC docket will reassign automatically. The common mistake is leaving this blank because the judge is unknown; the clerk will fill it in but may bounce the form back for signature. The misconception is that putting the wrong judge’s name kills the case; it does not, but it does delay docketing.

Court Address, Telephone, and Fax

This block asks for the office contact information of the MDJ court itself.

Pull these directly from the MDJ locator detail page and copy the street address, phone, and fax verbatim.

For example, Janet Whitaker writes 5824 Forward Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 with the listed phone and fax.

A nuance: some MDJ offices share buildings; use the suite or room number printed on the locator. The mistake is writing the property’s address here, which collapses the caption and confuses service. The misconception is that this is the landlord’s address; it is the court’s address.

Plaintiff (Landlord) Block — Name, Address, Phone

This field asks for the legal name and contact information of the party suing for possession.

Use the exact name on the deed or LLC certificate. If you are an LLC, write ABC Properties LLC, not ABC Properties. Add a mailing address where the constable and court can reach you.

For example, Aisha Robinson Holdings LLC writes Aisha Robinson Holdings LLC, 9 Pine Street, Erie, PA 16501, (814) 555-0144.

Edge case: if you are a property manager filing as agent, list the owner as plaintiff and add by [Manager Name], Agent underneath. The mistake is listing the manager as plaintiff; that destroys standing and the case dies on the spot. The misconception is that “doing business as” names are interchangeable; only the legal name on the deed has standing.

Defendant (Tenant) Block — Name and Address

This field asks for the tenant’s legal name and the address where they can be served.

Write the tenant’s full legal name as it appears on the lease, then the property address (because that is where the constable will serve them).

For example, Carlos Rivera is named on the lease, so the landlord enters Carlos Rivera, 412 Forbes Ave., Apt. 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Nuance: if there are multiple tenants on the lease, list each by full name separated by commas; do not write “and family.” The mistake is listing only the lead tenant when both spouses signed; the unnamed spouse can stay even after eviction. The misconception is that “John Doe” placeholders work; Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 503 requires actual identification.

Address of Real Estate (Premises)

This field asks for the property address that is the subject of the eviction.

Write the full street, unit, city, ZIP, and county exactly as it appears on the lease and deed. Do not abbreviate “Apt.” to “#” if the lease spells it out.

For example, 412 Forbes Avenue, Apt. 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Allegheny County.

Nuance: rural properties without a street address use the 911 address, not the lot or parcel number. The mistake is using a parcel ID; the constable cannot serve a parcel ID. The misconception is that the mailing address and the premises address are always the same; for rural and PO Box rentals they differ.

Reason for Filing the Complaint (Allegation 1)

This field asks why you are evicting: nonpayment of rent, breach of lease/condition broken, or term expired.

Check the box that fits. If you allege both nonpayment and breach, check both, but be ready to prove each at the hearing.

For example, Janet Whitaker checks Nonpayment of Rent because Carlos owes three months at $1,200.

Nuance: if rent is current but you served a 15-day breach notice for unauthorized pets, check Breach of Condition of the Lease only, not nonpayment. The mistake is checking nonpayment when partial payment was accepted after the notice; that waives the notice. The misconception is that you can amend the reason at trial; the MDJ may dismiss and force a refile.

Date of Notice to Quit

This field asks for the date you served the written notice to quit.

Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. The date must precede the filing date by at least 10 days for nonpayment or 15/30 days for term expiration, per 68 P.S. § 250.501.

For example, Marcus Bell served notice on March 1, 2026, so he writes 03/01/2026 and files the DC-04 on or after March 12.

Nuance: if your lease waives notice to quit (and Pennsylvania allows that waiver in writing), enter Waived per Lease ¶ 22 and attach the lease page. The mistake is counting calendar days inclusive of the service date; under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 209, day one is the day after service. The misconception is that text messages or emails count as notice; only written notice meeting the statute counts.

Rent in Arrears (Amount Claimed)

This field asks for the total unpaid rent through the date of filing.

Multiply unpaid months by monthly rent, add prorated current-month rent if applicable, and write the total. Do not include future rent.

For example, Carlos Rivera owes $3,600 (three months at $1,200), and the landlord writes $3,600.00.

Nuance: if the lease says rent accrues daily, prorate the current month to the filing date. The mistake is including next month’s rent because the hearing is two weeks out; that inflates the claim and tanks credibility. The misconception is that the MDJ will adjust at the hearing; it usually grants only the amount on the form.

Damages

This field asks for monetary damages beyond rent — late fees, NSF fees, lease-stipulated cleaning, and physical damage.

Itemize each on the rent ledger or attached schedule, and total the dollar amount.

For example, Aisha claims $150 in late fees and $420 in carpet damage, totaling $570.00.

Nuance: physical-damage claims above the photographed condition require receipts or estimates at the hearing. The mistake is lumping rent into damages; that confuses the judgment and may waive part of the claim. The misconception is that you can add attorney fees here; only fees authorized by the lease and statute are recoverable, listed separately.

Security Deposit Credit

This field asks for the security deposit you are holding, which must be credited against damages.

Enter the deposit amount as a credit (a negative against your claim). Failure to credit it is a violation of 68 P.S. § 250.512.

For example, Janet holds a $1,200 deposit and writes $1,200.00 in the credit line.

Nuance: if you have already lawfully applied the deposit per a 30-day disposition letter, write $0 — applied 02/15/2026 and attach the letter. The mistake is omitting the deposit because “you’ll handle it later”; that triggers double-damages liability. The misconception is that pet deposits are separate; under PA law, all deposits count.

Total Amount Claimed

This field asks for the net total: rent + damages + costs − security deposit credit.

Add and subtract carefully and write the result. The MDJ will not redo your math.

For example, Maria writes $3,600 + $570 − $1,200 = $2,970.00.

Nuance: filing fees and constable fees are added at judgment, not here, unless the lease shifts them. The mistake is double-counting late fees once in damages and once in rent; pick one column. The misconception is that the MDJ rounds; it enters the exact figure.

Verification and Signature

This field asks the plaintiff (or agent) to swear that the contents are true under penalty of unsworn falsification under 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904.

Sign in ink on the line, print your name, and date the form MM/DD/YYYY.

For example, Aisha Robinson, Member, Aisha Robinson Holdings LLC, 03/15/2026.

Nuance: if you are an agent, add your title (Agent, Property Manager, Attorney for Plaintiff). The mistake is signing in pencil or with a digital scribble; clerks reject both. The misconception is that a notary is required; it is not — the verification is self-executed under § 4904.


Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Nonpayment of Rent — Carlos Rivera

Carlos rents a Pittsburgh duplex for $1,200/month and is three months behind. The landlord serves a 10-day notice to quit and files DC-04 on day 11.

Form Section What Carlos’s Landlord Enters
Magisterial District Number 05-2-09
Plaintiff Aisha Robinson Holdings LLC, 9 Pine St., Erie, PA 16501
Defendant Carlos Rivera, 412 Forbes Ave., Apt. 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Premises Address 412 Forbes Ave., Apt. 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Allegheny County
Reason for Filing Nonpayment of Rent checked
Date of Notice to Quit 03/01/2026
Rent in Arrears $3,600.00
Damages $150.00 late fees
Security Deposit Credit $1,200.00
Total Amount Claimed $2,550.00
Signature Aisha Robinson, Member, 03/15/2026

Scenario 2: Breach of Lease (Unauthorized Pet) — Marcus Bell

Marcus signed a no-pets lease in Lancaster, then brought home two dogs. The landlord serves a 15-day breach notice under the lease and files DC-04.

Form Section What Marcus’s Landlord Enters
Magisterial District Number 02-2-04
Plaintiff Lancaster Holdings, Inc., 200 Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603
Defendant Marcus Bell, 88 Strawberry Ln., Lancaster, PA 17602
Premises Address 88 Strawberry Ln., Lancaster, PA 17602, Lancaster County
Reason for Filing Breach of Condition of the Lease checked
Date of Notice to Quit 02/05/2026
Rent in Arrears $0.00
Damages $300.00 cleaning reserve
Security Deposit Credit $1,000.00
Total Amount Claimed $0.00 (possession only)
Signature Priya Patel, Property Manager, Agent, 02/22/2026

Scenario 3: Term Expiration / Holdover — Janet Whitaker

Janet’s one-year lease in Harrisburg ended 12/31/2025; she stayed past the term. The landlord serves a 30-day notice and files DC-04 in February.

Form Section What Janet’s Landlord Enters
Magisterial District Number 12-2-02
Plaintiff Capitol Rentals LP, 17 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Defendant Janet Whitaker, 44 Maple Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110
Premises Address 44 Maple Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110, Dauphin County
Reason for Filing Term of Lease Expired checked
Date of Notice to Quit 01/02/2026
Rent in Arrears $2,400.00 (Jan + Feb holdover)
Damages $0.00
Security Deposit Credit $1,200.00
Total Amount Claimed $1,200.00
Signature Brian Kim, General Partner, 02/04/2026

How to File the Completed Form

DC-04 can be filed in person, by mail, or — in select counties — through PACFile. Pick the channel that gives you a same-day docket stamp because the clock on possession starts at filing.

In person. Walk the original plus two copies into the MDJ office covering the property. Filing fees range from $86 in low-cost counties to $175.50 in Allegheny County and roughly $156 in Montgomery County. Pay by cash, check, or money order; few MDJs accept credit cards. Keep your time-stamped copy as proof of filing.

By mail. Send the original, two copies, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order to the MDJ office. Use certified mail with return receipt. Processing takes 2–5 business days, after which the constable schedules service.

By PACFile. A handful of districts accept e-filings via the Unified Judicial System portal. Pay through PAePay by credit card or ACH. Processing is same-day if filed before 3 p.m. local time. Print the e-confirmation as proof of filing.

Service. After filing, the MDJ constable serves the tenant under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 506. Hearings are scheduled 7 to 15 days out. Constable fees ($40–$70) are added to the judgment, not paid up front.

Proof of filing. Always keep the time-stamped DC-04, the docket number, and the receipt for fees. If you lose them, you can pay the MDJ for a certified copy, but expect a 3–5 day wait.


What Happens After You File

Within 24 hours of filing, the MDJ assigns a docket number (e.g., LT-0000123-26) and the constable receives the complaint for service. The tenant must be served at least seven days before the hearing under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 506.

The hearing is usually held in the MDJ courtroom 7 to 15 days after filing. Both parties present testimony, the lease, the notice, the ledger, and any photos. The MDJ rules from the bench in most cases.

If the landlord wins, the MDJ enters judgment for possession and money on Form DC-05. The tenant has 10 days to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 1002, or 30 days for money-only judgments.

After the appeal window closes without an appeal, the landlord requests an Order for Possession (Form DC-07). The constable posts the order, and the tenant has 10 days to vacate before lockout.

If the tenant pays full rent and costs (“pay and stay”) before lockout, the eviction halts under 68 P.S. § 250.503. Pay-and-stay is available only in nonpayment cases, not breach or holdover.


Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

  1. Filing the wrong revision. Clerks reject any DC-04 not matching the current AOPC footer, costing a full refile.
  2. Skipping the notice to quit. Without it, the MDJ dismisses for failure to satisfy 68 P.S. § 250.501.
  3. Wrong MDJ district. Venue is mandatory; wrong venue voids the judgment under Rule 410.
  4. Listing the manager as plaintiff. Destroys standing because the manager does not own the property.
  5. Misspelling the tenant’s name. The constable cannot serve the wrong person, and the judgment is unenforceable.
  6. Omitting co-tenants. Unnamed tenants can stay even after lockout of the named tenant.
  7. Failing to credit the security deposit. Triggers liability for double damages under 68 P.S. § 250.512.
  8. Including future rent. Inflates the claim and undermines credibility; only past-due rent is recoverable.
  9. Counting notice days inclusively. Day one is the day after service; miscounting voids the notice.
  10. Forgetting the SCRA affidavit. A judgment against an active-duty servicemember without an SCRA check is voidable under federal law.
  11. Signing in pencil or with a stamp. Clerks require ink signatures unless the county is on PACFile.
  12. Mismatched premises address. A typo lets the tenant argue you sued about a different property.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

  • Do download DC-04 from the official AOPC site every time, because the form is updated without notice.
  • Do verify the MDJ district through the court locator before writing the district number.
  • Do attach the lease, notice, and ledger as exhibits because the MDJ wants to see them at filing, not just at trial.
  • Do run an SCRA check the same day you file to keep the affidavit fresh.
  • Do credit the security deposit on the form to avoid statutory penalties.
  • Do bring two copies plus the original to the MDJ office for time-stamping.

Don’ts

  • Don’t accept partial rent after serving the notice; it waives the notice in nonpayment cases.
  • Don’t list “John Doe” tenants when you know the names; the form requires legal names under Rule 503.
  • Don’t write the property’s address in the court-address block; use the MDJ’s address there.
  • Don’t include attorney fees unless the lease and statute both authorize them.
  • Don’t file in Philadelphia using DC-04; use the Philadelphia Municipal Court form instead.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date in ink; an unsigned DC-04 is void on its face.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Pros of filing pro se

  • You save attorney fees that often exceed $500 for a single eviction.
  • You control the pace and avoid scheduling delays caused by counsel’s calendar.
  • The MDJ courtroom is designed for non-lawyers, with informal rules of evidence.
  • You learn the process, which helps with future filings.
  • You can use PA Legal Aid Network brief-advice clinics for free guidance.

Cons of filing pro se

  • One paperwork mistake can cost 30+ days of unpaid rent.
  • You cannot represent an LLC at the hearing unless you are a member or W-2 employee.
  • Tenants represented by legal aid or RHLS often raise defenses pro se landlords miss.
  • Subsidized housing cases involve federal overlays that are easy to miss.
  • An appeal to the Court of Common Pleas requires formal pleadings most non-lawyers cannot draft.

Filing by Mail vs. In Person

Factor In Person
Docket Speed Same-day time stamp
Payment Methods Cash, check, money order
Proof of Filing Stamped copy in hand
Best For Local landlords who need fast possession
Factor By Mail
Docket Speed 2–5 business days
Payment Methods Check or money order only
Proof of Filing Certified mail green card
Best For Out-of-county owners

FAQs

Do I file DC-04 in Philadelphia?

No. Inside Philadelphia city limits, file with the Philadelphia Municipal Court using its Landlord/Tenant Complaint, not DC-04. DC-04 covers the other 66 Pennsylvania counties.

Can I file DC-04 without a written lease?

Yes. Oral leases are enforceable in Pennsylvania, but you must serve a 30-day notice to quit under 68 P.S. § 250.501 before filing the DC-04 complaint.

Do I write the tenant’s nickname or legal name in the Defendant block?

No. Always use the legal name on the lease. A nickname risks failure of service and an unenforceable judgment.

Should I list both spouses if only one signed the lease?

Yes. Add the non-signing spouse as a co-defendant if they reside in the unit, or you cannot evict them.

Do I include next month’s rent in the Rent in Arrears box?

No. Only past-due rent through the filing date counts. Future rent is not recoverable on DC-04.

Can I add attorney fees in the Damages box?

No. Attorney fees go on a separate line and only if both the lease and a Pennsylvania statute authorize them.

Do I need to credit the security deposit on the form?

Yes. Failing to credit the deposit violates 68 P.S. § 250.512 and exposes the landlord to double damages.

Is a notary required for the verification?

No. The verification is self-executed under 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904; a signature is enough.

Can I e-file DC-04?

Yes. A few districts accept e-filing through PACFile; call the MDJ first because most still require paper.

Do I have to run an SCRA check before filing?

Yes. Federal law requires it; an SCRA database printout protects the judgment against later challenges.

Can a property manager sign the DC-04?

Yes. Only if the manager is a W-2 employee of the owner or written agent under Rule 207; list the owner as plaintiff.

What if the tenant pays after I file?

Yes, in nonpayment cases the tenant can “pay and stay” any time before lockout under 68 P.S. § 250.503; breach and holdover cases have no pay-and-stay right.

Do I need to serve the DC-04 myself after filing?

No. The MDJ constable serves the complaint under Pa. R.C.P.M.D.J. 506; landlords may not self-serve.

Can I appeal a DC-04 judgment I lose?

Yes. File a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Common Pleas within 10 days for possession or 30 days for money-only judgments under Rule 1002.