LegalCals

Delaware Security Deposit Rules

Official deposit limits, return deadlines, and legal citations for this state.

Deposit Requirements

Maximum Deposit
1 month's rent (leases ≥ 1 year); no limit for month-to-month first year; no limit for furnished rentals
Return Deadline
20
Itemized Statement Required
Yes
Interest Required
No
Pet Deposit Rules
1 month's rent for a pet deposit (excluding service animals).
Allowed Deductions
Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or late fees, and costs of re-renting after early lease termination.

Security Deposit Timeline

  1. Maximum Deposit

    1 month's rent (leases ≥ 1 year); no limit for month-to-month first year; no limit for furnished rentals

  2. Return Deadline

    20

  3. Itemized Statement

    Yes

  4. Interest Required

    No

  5. Pet Deposit Rules

    1 month's rent for a pet deposit (excluding service animals).

  6. Allowed Deductions

    Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or late fees, and costs of re-renting after early lease termination.

Legal Citations

  • 25 Del. Code § 5514