What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Delaware?

For an unfurnished residential unit under a lease of one year or longer, the deposit is capped at one month's rent (25 Del. C. §5514(a)). Furnished units and short-term rentals are exceptions.

How long does a Delaware landlord have to return the security deposit?

Twenty (20) days from termination or expiration of the rental agreement (25 Del. C. §5514(f)). Failure to return within 20 days — or to provide an itemized deduction list — forfeits the landlord's right to withhold and can expose them to double the wrongfully withheld amount.

Can a Delaware landlord collect a separate pet deposit?

Yes. A pet deposit is separate from the security deposit and is also capped at one month's rent. A landlord may not require a pet deposit for a documented service animal or emotional support animal under federal Fair Housing rules.

Where must a Delaware landlord hold the security deposit?

In a federally insured escrow account at a Delaware financial institution. The landlord must disclose the account location to the tenant in writing at lease signing.

What happens if a Delaware landlord misses the 20-day return deadline?

The landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit and may be liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and — if the tenant hires counsel — reasonable attorney fees.

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Delaware Security Deposit Compliance Checker

Verify your deposit against Delaware's §5514 one-month cap and 20-day return deadline. Get an instant compliance verdict with the exact statutory citation.

Compliance check

Enter the numbers from the lease and (optionally) the move-out details. All calculations happen in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere.

This tool provides general information about 25 Del. C. §5514 and is not legal advice. For a specific situation, consult a Delaware landlord-tenant attorney.

The Delaware security deposit rules — in plain English

1. One month's rent, max

For unfurnished residential leases of one year or longer, the security deposit is capped at one month's rent (§5514(a)). If you collected more up front on a longer-term lease, the excess must be credited back once the tenancy passes the one-year mark.

2. Escrow in Delaware

The deposit must be held in a federally insured escrow account at a Delaware financial institution, and the landlord must disclose the account location to the tenant in writing.

3. 20-day return window

Within 20 days of lease termination the landlord must return the balance of the deposit — plus any itemized deductions — to the tenant's forwarding address (§5514(f)). Missing that window forfeits the right to withhold anything.

4. Itemized deductions only

Deductions must be listed line-by-line in a written statement sent by first-class mail. Ordinary wear-and-tear cannot be deducted. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to double the amount plus attorney fees.

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