A Delaware rental lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. It outlines the terms under which the tenant is permitted to occupy and use a property owned by the landlord. The agreement typically includes the duration of the lease, monthly rent amount, security deposit requirements, and the responsibilities of both parties concerning maintenance and repairs. The Delaware lease agreement also addresses rules regarding pets, noise levels, and subletting.
Importantly, all rental lease agreement forms in Delaware must comply with state-specific laws. To ensure legality and comprehensiveness, use our templates when creating such agreements.
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The Delaware Code (Sections 5101 to 5907) contains all legal provisions governing landlord-tenant interactions.
In Delaware, the management of security deposits for rental agreements that last one year or more is regulated strictly under Delaware Code Title 25, Section 5514. This law caps the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge at one month’s rent, ensuring affordability while providing landlords a safety measure against potential damages.
After the lease ends, the law mandates landlords to return the security deposit within 20 days, as specified in § 5514(e). If any damages necessitate deductions from the deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of each deduction, detailing the reasons for these charges. This requirement is designed to maintain transparency, hold landlords accountable, and provide tenants with a clear understanding of any charges against their deposit.
Delaware Code Title 25, Section 5509 outlines landlords’ rights regarding entry into a rental property. Landlords must give tenants 48 hours’ notice before entering the property. The notice must specify the reason for entry, which ensures that tenants are adequately informed and can prepare for the visit. Moreover, entries are only permitted during reasonable hours, specifically between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., to respect the tenant’s privacy and daily routine.
Several mandatory disclosures are required under Delaware law to ensure transparency and protect tenant rights:
These laws promote clear and fair interactions between landlords and tenants, ensuring both sides know their rights and responsibilities under the Delaware Code.
| Document Name | Delaware Rental Lease Agreement Form |
| Other Names | DE Rental Lease, Delaware Residential Lease Agreement |
| Relevant Laws | Delaware Code, Title 25, Part III |
| Security Deposit Amount | One month’s rent |
| Security Deposit Return | Twenty (20) days following contract expiration |
| Avg. Time to Fill Out | 18 minutes |
| # of Fillable Fields | 119 |
| Available Formats | Adobe PDF |
