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Delaware Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 20 days |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | 1 month for leases of 1 year+ |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | 2x amount wrongfully withheld |
| Statute | 25 Del. C. § 5514 |
Delaware deadline calculator
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Delaware?
Under 25 Del. C. § 5514, a Delaware landlord has 20 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Delaware?
In Delaware, the security deposit limit is 1 month for leases of 1 year+.
What happens if a Delaware landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Delaware: 2x amount wrongfully withheld. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of 25 Del. C. § 5514, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.