Everything you need to know about landlord-tenant laws, security deposits, eviction procedures, and property management in Delaware.
Delaware's rental market centers on Wilmington and the northern New Castle County area near Philadelphia. The state has moderate tenant protections with a security deposit limit of 1 month rent for properties with year+ leases. Delaware's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code provides clear guidelines. The state's favorable business climate attracts corporations (many incorporated in Delaware), supporting rental demand. Beach communities see seasonal rental activity. The eviction process is moderately paced with summary possession procedures.
1 month rent (leases 1+ year); no limit for shorter terms
20 days after move-out
File summary possession action in Justice of the Peace Court. Hearing within 15-25 days. Standard eviction takes 4-6 weeks.
Delaware law requires landlords to provide the following disclosures to tenants:
Cannot exceed 5% of monthly rent. Grace period of 5 days required. Fee can only be charged after grace period.