25 Del. C. § 5514: Delaware security deposit rules in plain English
What 25 Del. C. § 5514 says about Delaware security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 20 days
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent when the lease is for 1 year or more, and for month-to-month tenancies once they have lasted 1 year (any excess must then be credited back). These limits do not apply to furnished units. A separate pet deposit is capped at 1 month's rent, and none may be charged for a certified, trained support animal of a disabled resident. The deposit must sit in a designated escrow account at a federally insured bank with an office in Delaware, and the landlord must tell the tenant where it is.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest requirement in § 5514.
What 25 Del. C. § 5514 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
1 month's rent when the lease is for 1 year or more, and for month-to-month tenancies once they have lasted 1 year (any excess must then be credited back). These limits do not apply to furnished units. A separate pet deposit is capped at 1 month's rent, and none may be charged for a certified, trained support animal of a disabled resident. The deposit must sit in a designated escrow account at a federally insured bank with an office in Delaware, and the landlord must tell the tenant where it is.
Interest
No interest requirement in § 5514.
Full citation: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514(a)-(g), (i) Read the official text
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FAQ: 25 Del. C. § 5514
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under 25 Del. C. § 5514?
Under 25 Del. C. § 5514, a Delaware landlord has 20 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Delaware?
1 month's rent when the lease is for 1 year or more, and for month-to-month tenancies once they have lasted 1 year (any excess must then be credited back). These limits do not apply to furnished units. A separate pet deposit is capped at 1 month's rent, and none may be charged for a certified, trained support animal of a disabled resident. The deposit must sit in a designated escrow account at a federally insured bank with an office in Delaware, and the landlord must tell the tenant where it is.
Does Delaware require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5514(a)-(g), (i).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Delaware?
No interest requirement in § 5514.
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Scan my Delaware leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.