State law · statute quotes
Delaware security deposit laws for landlords and property managers
The words of Delaware's security deposit statute on each topic, quoted verbatim with pinpoint citations and links to the official source. No summaries, no interpretation.
Reviewed by Mark Shvaya, licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02243502), who uses ProFlow360 in a rental portfolio Mark manages
Last reviewed
Quoted on this page
- Deposit limit
- Returning the deposit
- Itemized statement
- Inspections and condition reports
- Photographs
- Normal wear and tear
- Interest
- Wrongful withholding
25 Del. C. § 5514
On this page
What this page covers
Delaware's residential security deposit provisions quoted here come from 25 Del. C. § 5514. Below are the statute's own words on 5 topics, each with a pinpoint citation and a link to the official text. This page does not summarize or interpret the law.
What does Delaware law say about the amount of a security deposit?
(2) No landlord may require a security deposit in excess of 1 month’s rent where the rental agreement is for 1 year or more. ... (4) The security deposit limits set forth above shall not apply to furnished rental units.
What does Delaware law say about returning the deposit?
(e) If the landlord is not entitled to all or any portion of the security deposit, the landlord shall remit the security deposit within 20 days of the expiration or termination of the rental agreement.
What does Delaware law say about an itemized statement of deductions?
(f) Within 20 days after the termination or expiration of any rental agreement, the landlord shall provide the tenant with an itemized list of damages to the premises and the estimated costs of repair for each and shall tender payment for the difference between the security deposit and such costs of repair of damage to the premises. Failure to do so shall constitute an acknowledgment by the landlord that no payment for damages is due.
How does Delaware law refer to normal wear and tear?
(1) To reimburse the landlord for actual damages caused to the premises by the tenant which exceed normal wear and tear, or which cannot be corrected by painting and ordinary cleaning; and/or
What does Delaware law say about wrongful withholding?
(g) Penalties. — (1) Failure to remit the security deposit or the difference between the security deposit and the amount set forth in the list of damages within 20 days from the expiration or termination of the rental agreement shall entitle the tenant to double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Not quoted on this page
inspections and condition reports, photographs, interest. That does not mean Delaware law is silent on them; other sections or local rules may apply. Read the full statute.
Has Delaware's security deposit law changed recently?
From our review of the official history notes: Source line on the official chapter page: 70 Del. Laws, c. 513, § 3; 79 Del. Laws, c. 57, § 4. No 2024-2026 amendment shown.
How does ProFlow360 help you document a Delaware tenancy?
ProFlow360 records and organizes inspection evidence; it does not tell you what the statute requires or allows. What it records, for any state:
- Move-in, routine, pre-move-out and move-out inspections with photos timestamped at capture.
- Each move-out photo beside its move-in match, filed under the tenancy.
- Itemized lines with your classification, the amount you entered, and the estimate or invoice attached.
- An issued record that is sealed, shared by a link that expires and can be revoked.
Do this in ProFlow360
Keep the photos, the call and the invoice on the same line
Every deduction line carries the move-in and move-out photos, your classification and its documents, so the record can be followed by someone who was not there.
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MO-29 · Sep 30, 2026Security deposit statutes in nearby states
Sources
Sources checked October 16, 2026.
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