Rule 504.1. Mediation

(a) The court of common pleas may promulgate a local rule of procedure pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 103(d) permitting mediation of residential landlord-tenant actions in proceedings commenced pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 502.

(b) A local rule promulgated pursuant to this rule shall not require mediation as a precondition to filing a complaint.

(c) The president judge shall approve entities and individuals authorized to conduct mediation in the judicial district.

Comment. As used in this rule, mediation means a process, however labeled, by which a neutral third party assists the parties in attempting to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on issues arising out of a residential landlord-tenant action. The requirements for the promulgation and amendment of local procedural rules are set forth in Pa.R.J.A. 103(d). A local rule may address aspects of a mediation program, such as whether mediation is mandatory or voluntary, or the types of landlord-tenant actions subject to mediation, i.e. , nonpayment of rent, end-of-lease terms, or breach of conditions of the lease. See also Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 209(c)(2)(ii) pertaining to continuances. This rule does not require a judicial district to create, fund, or staff a mediation program.