Delaware Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Delaware renters.
Return deadline
20 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Up to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld
Double damages are available only if the tenant gave the landlord a forwarding address at or before the end of the lease.
Governing statute
Del. Code Ann. tit. 25, § 5514
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Check my Delaware deadlineDelaware security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Delaware?
Under Del. Code Ann. tit. 25, § 5514, a Delaware landlord generally has 20 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Delaware landlord returns the deposit late?
Up to 2× the amount wrongfully withheld. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith. Double damages are available only if the tenant gave the landlord a forwarding address at or before the end of the lease.
Can a Delaware landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Delaware?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Del. Code Ann. tit. 25, § 5514, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Del. Code Ann. tit. 25, § 5514. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.