MDJ decisions may be appealed by either party. When a defendant appeals the decision to the Court of Common Pleas, it starts the entire process over again, just now at the Court of Common Pleas. That means that as the Plaintiff, you must file a complaint and have it served upon the defendant. That judgment that you won at the MDJ no longer exists.

Given the amounts likely involved, this will first go to mandatory arbitration. Either party can appeal the decision of the panel of arbitrators and request a trial.

Do you best when filling the necessary paperwork. Be specific in your complaint. Attach things like the lease, receipts, etc (other relevant evidence) to support the complaint. File the necessary paperwork with the court. Be timely in all of your filings.