Landlord-tenant law

Delaware Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notice periods, lease termination requirements, and late fee rules for Delaware.

Not legal advice. Current as of May 2026. Verify with a local attorney before any compliance decision.

$
Security Deposit Max
1 month's rent
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514
↩
Deposit Return Deadline
20 days
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514(f)
!
Non-Payment Eviction Notice
5-day notice to pay or quit
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5502(a)
✕
Month-to-Month Termination
60 days
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5106(c)
¢
Late Fee Cap
5% of monthly rent
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5501(d)
⏱
Grace Period
5 days (8 days if landlord's office is outside county where property is located)
Del. Code tit. 25, § 5501(d)
Delaware specific notes

Delaware's 60-day termination notice (for landlords ending a month-to-month tenancy) is among the longer requirements nationally. The 5-day late fee grace period begins the day after rent is due.

FAQ

Common Delaware landlord questions

What is the maximum security deposit in Delaware?+
1 month's rent. Governed by Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514. Deposit must be returned within 20 days after the lease ends.
What notice is required to evict a tenant in Delaware for non-payment of rent?+
5-day notice to pay or quit. Per Del. Code tit. 25, § 5502(a). This is the notice period before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
How much notice to end a month-to-month tenancy in Delaware?+
60 days. Per Del. Code tit. 25, § 5106(c). This applies to no-cause terminations of month-to-month leases.
Are late fees regulated in Delaware?+
5% of monthly rent. Per Del. Code tit. 25, § 5501(d). Grace period: 5 days (8 days if landlord's office is outside county where property is located). Even where no statutory cap exists, late fees must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in the lease.
References

Authoritative sources for Delaware

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Deposit Limits — All 50
Side-by-side max deposit and return deadlines.
Eviction Notice — All 50
Notice periods for non-payment and termination.
Late Fee Laws — All 50
Caps and grace periods.
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