Adopted June 17, 2019 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1065.1 governs the special quiet-title action by which a person who has adversely possessed land may obtain title under Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, and sets notice requirements for that claim.
(a)This rule governs an action to quiet title of property pursuant to Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1.
(b)As used in this rule, ‘‘plaintiff’’ means the possessor of real property who is seeking to quiet title to real property that he or she has adversely possessed for a period of not less than ten years. ‘‘defendant’’ means the owner, the owner’s heirs, successors, and assigns, of the real property as recorded in the most recent deed filed in the Recorder of Deeds Office at the courthouse in the county in which the real property is located.
(c)Upon satisfying the requirements of Section 5527.1(a)-(b) of the Judicial Code and commencing an action to quiet title, the plaintiff shall provide to the defendant the notice set forth in subdivision (d) of this rule.
(d)The notice shall be substantially in the following form: (CAPTION) Notice Required by Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code To the above-named defendant: The plaintiff in the above-captioned matter has filed an action to quiet title pursuant to Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1, seeking to acquire title by adverse possession of real property described as follows: Street Address City, State, Postal Zip Code Deed Reference Uniform Parcel Identifier or Tax Parcel Number Metes and Bounds Description If you wish to challenge the claim of adverse possession, you must respond to the action to quiet title within one year after this complaint and notice are served by commencing an action in ejectment against the plaintiff.
End
Plain-English Summary
Pennsylvania allows a person who has held land openly and continuously for the required period to claim title by adverse possession. This rule supplies the quiet-title procedure for that claim under Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, defining the plaintiff as the possessor seeking title to land he or she has adversely possessed.
Because the action can shift ownership away from the record owner, the rule places weight on notice, making sure those with an interest in the land learn of the claim and can respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the plaintiff under this rule?
The possessor of real property who seeks to quiet title to land he or she has adversely possessed.
What statute does this rule carry out?
Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1, which addresses title by adverse possession.
Official Note
Official Note: Section 5527.1 of the Judicial Code permits a party to seek to acquire title to real property by commencing an action to quiet title if the party has adversely possessed the real property for a period of not less than ten years.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1065.1 adopted June 17, 2019, effective June 19, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 3305.
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. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:adverse possession quiet titleSection 5527.1claim title by adverse possession