United States · DE

Delaware landlord-tenant laws.

The key statutes you need to know as a Delaware landlord — deposit caps, late fees, entry notice, and required disclosures at a glance.

Security deposit

1 month's rent (12-month+ leases)

Return: 20 days

Late fees

Capped at 5% of monthly rent

Entry notice

48 hours

Termination notice

60 days

Rent control

None

Required disclosures

Every Delaware residential lease must include these disclosures where applicable. Missing required disclosures can void clauses or trigger statutory penalties.

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Landlord/Tenant Code Summary

Notable Delaware quirk

Must provide tenant a copy of the Delaware Landlord-Tenant Code.

Delaware landlord law FAQ

How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Delaware?

Capped at 5% of monthly rent. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.

What is the security deposit limit in Delaware?

1 month's rent (12-month+ leases). The deposit must be returned within 20 days after move-out.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Delaware?

48 hours.

Is there rent control in Delaware?

None.

Sources

Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.

Eviction timelines in Delaware

See filing fees, timelines, and estimated total costs for Delaware.

View costs

Baked in

Delaware-compliant leases, automatically.

TenantFort loads the right lease template with Delaware deposit language, disclosures, and termination terms baked in. Screening, leases, and compliance — all in one place.

Other states

District of Columbia

1 month's rent

Florida

No statutory cap

Georgia

2 months' rent (leases entered/renewed on or after July 1, 2024); no cap on older leases

Hawaii

1 month's rent

Idaho

No cap

Illinois

No state cap (suburban Cook County caps at 1.5 months; Chicago has no cap)

Indiana

No cap

Iowa

2 months' rent