General info, not legal advice. Details

Delaware Security deposit limit

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Delaware?

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

Related Delaware rules

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 · Full Delaware deposit return deadline page

Interest on deposits

Delaware's deposit statute requires deposits to be held in a designated escrow account at a federally insured bank in the state, with the account's location disclosed to the tenant. It does not require the landlord to pay interest (all of Chapter 55 was reviewed).

Verified Source: 25 Del. C. § 5514(b) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Delaware interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

Delaware's Residential Landlord-Tenant Code (25 Del. C. chs. 51-59) requires no move-in inspection or condition checklist (full-text search of the chapters). It does require pre-rental disclosure of bed bugs in adjacent units (§ 5302A(c)) and, where applicable, lead-safe or lead-free certification (ch. 54).

Verified Source: 25 Del. C. chs. 51-59 · last checked 2026-10-28 · Full Delaware move-in/move-out checklist page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Delaware landlord-tenant law · Delaware landlord FAQ · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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