Centre County, Pennsylvania: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Magisterial District Court 49-3-02 in Bellefonte. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $12,000. Pennsylvania return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,215. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Magisterial District Court 49-3-02 |
|---|---|
| City | Bellefonte |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $12,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 4 years |
| Deposit statute | 68 P.S. §§ 250.511a (Escrow Funds Limited, codified from Section 511.1 of the Act), 250.511b (Interest on Escrow Funds, Section 511.2), 250.511c (Bond in Lieu of Escrowing, Section 511.3), 250.512 (Recovery of Improperly Held Escrow Funds) - The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, Act of Apr. 6, 1951, P.L. 69, No. 20, as amended |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $12,000 (statewide).
Your dates and your letter
Calculate your deadline and next letter
Your free letter
Get a DOCX letter with the dates and amount you entered.
Already sent a letter? Tell us if it worked
Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | termination of the lease or upon surrender and acceptance of the leasehold premises, whichever first occurs |
Pennsylvania return rule: 30 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Magisterial District Court 49-3-02. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Centre County.
- The Pennsylvania business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Pennsylvania Department of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Pennsylvania filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: certified mail by clerk; constable or sheriff.
Service fee: Said costs shall not include, however, the cost of postage and registered mail which shall be borne by the plaintiff..
Procedure source (high confidence): In calendar year 2026, the costs to be charged by magisterial district judges in every civil case, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall be as follows: (1) Actions involving $500 or less ........................................................................... $68.50
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Centre County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $976 | $976 | $1,952 | Fits under the $12,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,215 | $1,215 | $2,430 | Fits under the $12,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,436 | $1,436 | $2,872 | Fits under the $12,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,225 | $1,225 | $2,450 | Fits under the $12,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Centre County compare with other Pennsylvania counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,215: rank 11 of 67 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 38.2% of households rent in Centre County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Lancaster County | $1,315 |
| Pike County | $1,238 |
| Centre County | $1,215 |
| Cumberland County | $1,204 |
| Berks County | $1,197 |
| Dauphin County | $1,191 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 67 of 67 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Centre County
- Bellefonte
- Centre Hall
- Howard
- Milesburg
- Millheim
- Philipsburg
- Port Matilda
- Snow Shoe
- State College
- Unionville
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- MidPenn Legal Services: Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents, including housing and landlord-tenant problems.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Centre County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Centre County?
Magisterial District Court 49-3-02 is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.