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States/Delaware/20-Day Rule
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Delaware 20-Day Security Deposit Rule

Within 20 days after termination or expiration of the rental agreement, the landlord must provide an itemized list of damages and estimated repair costs and tender the difference between the security deposit and those repair costs.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited
Deadline20 days

After expiration or termination.

Itemization detailDamage + estimated repair cost

Each item is part of the statutory statement.

Tenant objection10 days

Written objection after receiving the tender/itemization preserves disagreement with the amount withheld.

Timeline checklist

  • Termination or lease-expiration date.
  • Date itemization/refund was delivered.
  • Estimated repair costs listed for each damage item.
  • Date the tenant received the tender.
  • Written objection, if any, within the 10-day response period.
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.

Delaware CourtsLandlord/Tenant Help & Support ↗

Official Delaware Courts guidance confirming the 20-day deposit disposition framework and forwarding-address importance.

Related Delaware guides

Security Deposit →Deposit Limit →Forwarding Address →Application Fee →