In late November, Pennsylvania House Bill 2172 became law. As a result of this new law, and effective January 22, 2011, the jurisdictional limit of Pennsylvania’s magisterial district courts was increased from $8,000 to $12,000 in civil cases. Also as a result of this new law, effective January 22, 2011, the Philadelphia’s Municipal Court jurisdictional limit was increased from $10,000 to $12,000. Interest and costs are not to be calculated when considering the jurisdictional limits.
The new law should affect, in several respects, the manner by which Pennsylvania’s common interest community associations recover unpaid assessments, including unpaid maintenance fees, special assessments, and other condo fees.