Delaware landlord-tenant law

4 of 7 topics verified

Quick facts

Topic	At a glance
Security deposit limit	No more than 1 month's rent for leases of 1 year or more, or month-to-month tenancies that have lasted 1 year or more (furnished units ex…
Deposit return deadline	Within 20 days after the lease ends, provide an itemized list of damages and return the balance; failure entitles the tenant to double th…
Notice to enter	Not yet verified
Rent increase notice	Not yet verified
Late fees	No more than 5% of the monthly rent, and none within 5 days of the agreed due date.
Eviction notice (nonpayment)	Written demand giving at least 5 days to pay before the lease is terminated.
Rent control / state preemption	Not yet verified

Details & sources

Security deposit limit

No more than 1 month's rent for leases of 1 year or more, or month-to-month tenancies that have lasted 1 year or more (furnished units excepted).

Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514(a) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Deposit return deadline

Within 20 days after the lease ends, provide an itemized list of damages and return the balance; failure entitles the tenant to double the amount wrongfully withheld.

Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514 · last checked 2026-10-15

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