Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

The landlord did not file for arbitration. I assume the sum was small (under $25,000). If that is the case, it automatically goes to arbitration. When arbitration occurs following appeal of a decion in magistrate's court, the case is heard anew. Whatever happened before the district magistratee does not count. You had better make sure that you attend the arbitration. And I am sorry, but you are going to have to wait for your money unless you can get the arbitration case heard sooner.

If you recover, you can recover the costs of the action. You also can get double damages (double the amount of the security deposit) that was wrongfully withheld.