Delaware Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent (leases of 1+ years)Delaware generally caps residential security deposits at 1 month's rent (leases of 1+ years) — the cap is not uniform. A lease demanding more than the cap that covers your situation may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Delaware law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Delaware compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Delaware compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Delaware | 1 month's rent (leases of 1+ years) |
| District of Columbia | 1 month's rent |
| Florida | no statutory limit |
| Georgia | no statutory limit |
| Hawaii | 1 month's rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Delaware?
- Delaware generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent (leases of 1+ years). Maximum 1 month rent for leases of 1 year or longer (no limit for first year of month-to-month). Additional pet deposit up to 1 month allowed. Must be held in escrow. Return within 20 days. Double damages for failure to return.
- Does Delaware require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Delaware does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Delaware?
- Delaware landlords generally must return the deposit within 20 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Delaware Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Delaware law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Delaware lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Delaware for your specific situation.