Delaware Security Deposit Law
A 2026 guide for Delaware landlords: how much you can hold, the 20-day deadline to return it, whether interest is required, and the penalties for getting it wrong — plus a free calculator set to Delaware's rules.
Deposit cap
1 month's rent (no cap for leases under 1 year in some cases)
Refund deadline
20 days
Interest required?
No
No statewide interest requirement.
Separate account?
Yes
Penalty for noncompliance
Noncompliance can result in double damages.
Statute: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514
Delaware security deposit refund calculator
Pre-set to Delaware's 20-day deadline. Enter the deposit and any deductions to see the refund and the exact due date.
Itemized deductions
Result
$1,500.00
Amount owed back to the tenant
- Deposit held
- $1,500.00
- Total deductions
- −$0.00
Legal deadline in Delaware
Return the deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 20 days of move-out.
How to return a security deposit in Delaware
- 1
Inspect and document the unit
As soon as the tenant moves out, photograph every room and compare it against the move-in condition. In Delaware, deductions generally must reflect actual damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- 2
Itemize every deduction in writing
List each deduction with a dollar amount. Delaware — like nearly every state — can bar a landlord from keeping any of the deposit if deductions aren't itemized in a written statement.
- 3
Confirm no interest is required
No statewide interest requirement. That means you generally return the deposit minus documented deductions, with no added interest.
- 4
Return the balance within 20 days
Send the remaining balance and the itemized statement to the tenant's forwarding address within 20 days of move-out. Missing this deadline is the single most common way landlords lose a deposit dispute.
Delaware security deposit FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Delaware?
1 month's rent (no cap for leases under 1 year in some cases).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Delaware?
A landlord generally has 20 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
Is interest required on security deposits in Delaware?
No statewide interest requirement.
Does Delaware require the deposit to be held in a separate account?
Yes. In Delaware, landlords are generally required to keep security deposits in a separate account rather than commingling them with personal funds.
What happens if a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit in Delaware?
Noncompliance can result in double damages.
Related free tools
Deposit laws in other states
This page summarizes general state-level rules as of 2026 and does not cover city or county ordinances, which can be stricter. Verify against the statute cited above (Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514) or with a local attorney before relying on it.