Delaware One-Month Security Deposit Limit

Section 5514(a) caps security deposits at one month’s rent for rental agreements of one year or more. For covered primary residential month-to-month or undefined tenancies, the one-month cap applies after the tenancy has lasted one year, with excess security returned as a credit. Furnished rentals are excluded from those cap provisions.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited

Lease ≥ 1 year1 month max

General rule under § 5514(a)(2).

Month-to-month / undefined1 month after 1 year

Subject to the statutory conditions and federally assisted housing exception.

Furnished unitCap provisions do not apply

The statute expressly excludes furnished rental units from the listed limits.

Classify the tenancy first

Lease of one year or more.
Month-to-month or undefined term and how long it has lasted.
Furnished versus unfurnished.
Cash deposit versus surety bond.

Delaware rules depend on tenancy type and written notice facts. Educational information only.

Official sources

Delaware Code Online25 Del. C. § 5514 — Security deposit ↗

Current official Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code covering deposit limits, escrow, permissible deductions, the 20-day return/itemization rule, application fees and remedies.

Related Delaware guides

Security Deposit →20-Day Rule →Forwarding Address →Application Fee →