Applies to leases of one year or more and certain longer-running month-to-month/undefined tenancies; furnished units are excluded from these cap provisions.
After expiration or termination of the rental agreement.
After receipt of tender/itemization to object in writing to amount withheld.
Actual damage must exceed normal wear and tear or not be correctable by painting and ordinary cleaning.
What to preserve
- Lease term and whether the unit is furnished.
- Security-deposit receipt and escrow disclosure.
- Termination/expiration date.
- Written forwarding address and proof it was provided by termination.
- Itemized damage list and estimated repair costs.
- Refund tender and any written objection.
Delaware has multiple deposit-limit conditions
Do not apply the one-month cap without checking lease duration, how long an indefinite/month-to-month tenancy has run, and whether the unit is furnished.
Compare this issue across states
Official sources
Current official Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code covering deposit limits, escrow, permissible deductions, the 20-day return/itemization rule, application fees and remedies.
Delaware CourtsLandlord/Tenant Help & Support ↗Official Delaware Courts guidance confirming the 20-day deposit disposition framework and forwarding-address importance.